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LC.~reatiVe
.
. corrections

6415 Calder, Suite B • Beaumont, Texas 77706
409.866.9920 • www.correctionalexperts.com
Making a Difference!

February 22,2008
MEMORANDUM FOR:

FROM:

Gary E. Mead, Acting Director
Office of Detention and Removal
b6, b7c

b6, b7c

Reviewer-InCreative Corrections
Port Isabel Service Processing Center Annual Detention Review

SUBJECT:

Creative Corrections conducted the Annual Detention Review (ADR) of the Port Isabel Service
Processing Center (PISPC) located in Port Isabel, Texas, on February 19-21,2008. As noted on
the attached documents, my team of Subject Matter Experts included: b6, b7c
Security; b6
b6
, Health Services
, Safety and Environmental Health;
,
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Food Services an
, Administration.
b6
A closeout meeting was held on February 21, 2008, during which all deficiencies, concerns, and
recommendations were discussed with Assistant Field Office Director,
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, Officer in Char
Acting Officer in Charge
b6, b7c
PISPC staff.

Life Safety Finding
ICE National Detention Standards requires, "Entrance/exit door locks of housing units, work
areas, chapel, gyms, and other areas with room capacity of 50 or more people shall meet the
standards specified in the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Manual (Chapter 3)
and in the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (#101). Specifically, the doors
shall be equipped with prison-type locking devices modified to function when pressure is applied
from inside the room". Locks in Units Charlie and Delta are not pressure sensitive.
On Tuesday February 20, 2008, the Reviewer in Charge personally informed Acting Officer in
b6, b7c
of this finding.
Charge
and Assistant Field Office Directo
b6, b7c

Type of Review:
This review is a scheduled Detention Standard Review to determine compliance with ICE
National Detention Standards for facilities used over 72 hours.

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Review Summary:
The Port Isabel Service Processing Center is accredited by American Correctional Association
(ACA), National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), and the Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Standards Compliance:
The following statistical information provides a direct comparison of the February 2007, ADR
and the ADR conducted in February 2008.

February, 13-15,2007, Review
Compliant
36
Deficient
2
At Risk
0
Non-Applicable
0

February, 19-212008, Review
Compliant
37
Deficient
0
At Risk
1
Non-Applicable
0

Kev and Lock Control- At Risk
It is the policy of the ICE service to maintain an efficient system for the use, accountability and
maintenance of all keys and locks.

•

Only authorized locks (as specified in the detention standard) may be used in detainee
accessible areas. Locks in use in housing units Charlie and Bravo are not pressure
sensitive locking systems.

Recommendation

•

A total of 28 unauthorized locks in Units Charlie and Bravo must be replaced with
authorized locks in accordance with standards specified in the Occupational Safety and
Environmental Health Manual (Chapter 3) and in the National Fire Protection
Association Life Safety Code Section (101), 21.2.11.2. Specifically, the doors shall be
equipped with prison-type locking devices modified to function when pressure is applied
from inside the room".

RIC Issues and Concerns
Population Demographics
Approximately 80% of the detainee population confined at the PISPC has confirmed criminal
backgrounds. Management and line staff voiced their continued concern regarding this issue,
citing the complexities of managing a sophisticated criminal population safely as opposed to a
non-criminal population.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE)

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Continued vigilance and O!Sight by all concerned must continue i!rder to properly confine
and control the sophisticated criminal elements of the detainee population.

Processing Unit Vehicle Security
There currently is an approved project to enclose the vehicle loading/unloading area adjacent to
the processing unit with security fencing to prevent unauthorized access to transport vehicles by
detainees. This project should begin as soon as possible.

Digital Fingerprinting
All detainees processed in and out of the PISPC are manually fingerprinted. The current digital
finger printing system available at other SPCs is not available here. It is recommended this
system be installed at the PISPC as soon as practical.

Food Temperatures, Equipment, and Food Transport
Kitchen and meal production is provided through a Performance Based Contract with Ahtna
Technical Services, INC. The provider initiated service on December 9,2007. Both parties
continue to develop mutually agreeable food preparation and delivery procedures consistent with
management's requirements. Management may need to allocate emergency funds to provide
adequate food preparation and sanitation equipment.
There are no warming ovens and coolers available to support the satellite feeding program. The
absence of this equipment may adversely affect approved food delivery temperatures, which
could create conditions conducive to food borne illness. Dishwashing equipment in the kitchen
is not adequate to support the current satellite feeding program and should be addressed
immediately.
Food delivery to the living units is accomplished by transporting food trays in a large truck. The
daily use and predictability of a truck inside the secure perimeter poses a security concern.
Alternatives to using a truck to deliver food trays to the living units should be explored.

Food Service Fire Suppression System
The National Fire Protection Association requires the UL-300 wet extinguishing fire suppression
system and a Class K portable fire extinguisher. The current dry suppression system is no longer
authorized for use once it has been discharged.

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e

Medication Administration

During pill line, televisions should be turned off or the volume turned down to facilitate
communication between detainees and medical staff. Pill line should be announced and those
detainees receiving medication should line up in front of the officers station with their ID cards
and wristbands to receive the medication. Medical staff administering the medication should
require all detainees to open hislher mouth and raise their tongue to ensure that the medication
was swallowed.

Medical Diets
Medical diets are currently ordered and approved by nursing staff in accordance with DIHS
policy. ICE National Detention Standards requires approval of all medical diets by the clinical
director. There are currently 257 detainees approved for medical diets as directed by nursing
staff. It is recommended the clinical director review all medical diets.

Detainee Patient Privacy
The current six-person cubicle area located in the health services unit does not provide adequate
privacy for patient information exchanges if more than one patient is being interviewed
simultaneously. Patient interviews conducted within the health services unit should be
conducted in an area that affords adequate patient privacy.

Key Control

b2High, b7e

Population Counts
The count process is man-hour intensive because the current automated detainee data system
does not allow for automatic count adjustments throughout the day. The daily events such as;
temporary releases to court, medical trips, and writs, are not automatically factored into the
facility master count. The system also does not provide an automated out-count program. It is
recommended this system be evaluated to include all count related functions.

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Perimeter Detection

b2High, b7e

Security Lighting
Maintenance staff must be more vigilant with timely repairs of security lights. Numerous
interior and exterior security lights are not working and in need of bulb replacement.
Additionally, a complete light survey of the facility should be conducted to evaluate security
lighting needs.

Corrosive Chemical Use
It is recommended an effort be made to find and substitute less hazardous cleaning chemicals to
replace the current dangerous chemicals used for general sanitation throughout the facility.
Current chemicals such as Easy Pack corrosive cleaning compounds may be a security concern if
not controlled by staff.

Living Unit Trash Receptacles
Trash receptacles currently in use in all housing units do not have a fire rating. These trash
receptacles must be replaced with approved fire rated units to prevent the emissions of toxic
fumes in the event of a fire.

Recommended Rating and Justification
It is the Reviewer-in-Charge (RIC) recommendation that the facility receive a rating of "At Risk"
resultant to the deficient locking system. It is also recommended by the RIC that a Plan of
Action be required for this facility to identify and implement necessary corrective actions.

RIC Assurance Statement
All findings of this review have been documented on the Detention Review Worksheet attached
and are supported by the written documentation contained in the review file.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE)

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HEADQUARTERS EXECUTIVE REVIEW

I Review Authority
The signature below constitutes review of this report and acceptance by the Review Authority. OIC/CEO will have 30 days from
receipt of this report to respond to all findings and recommendations

11

HQDRO EXECUTIVE REVIEW: (please Print Name)
GaryE. Mead
Title

,/

Date

Acting Director

Final Rating:

---

-

Signatu~~.~
~'

J

C/rr/6V

0

Superior
Good
Acceptable
1ZI Deficient
OAt-Risk
No Rating

o
o

o

Comments: The Review Authority has upgraded the rating from "At-Risk" to a "Deficient" rating. The rating was
upgraded based on thirty-seven standards being rated acceptable and only one deficient standard rated at-risk. A Plan of
Action is required to correct the deficiency identified in the At-Risk finding for the Key and Lock Control Standard; in
addition, Plan of Actions are required to address line item deficiencies in Food Temperatures-Equipment, Food ServiceFire Suppression System, Medication Administration, Detainee Patient Privacy, Key Control, Perimeter Detection, and
Security Lighting.

Form CC-324A

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE)

DKTRN'l'ION FACILIl'Y INSPECTION FORM

T' e of Facility Rev.:;i;:::.ew~'.::::ed::......._ _ _ __
ICE Service Processing Center
ICE Contmct Detention Facility
ICE Inter

Accreditation (' crtif«:ates
National Accreditatioll{sJ
;~JCAHO

~ffu.::m!y !:mSlloac<;rcditation[51
H. Problctll;s I Complaints (Copies m~,~!t~.. attac:-"b:.::ed?)L........_ _
The Facility is under Court Order Of Class Action Finding
Qfou!!. Order
~C:l£!~~s Action Order
The Facility has Sign
.
i\>tu'or Uti alion
s
Check

ion

l. Fac!!ity. ..::.H:..:i:;:.:st:.::o:...ryL-_ __
Date Built
!:.~I;Wty- ! 950 ! New Build}.l}~2.~~Q5/2007
Date Last Remodeled or Upgraded

20(i7"N;;:;omstn;~tj[On~iBe.r;;p:~Md~~··---·-·. . . ··----'l

Il. Nan!\! amIJA~~.~.~!ounf Fac.ility
Name
Isabel Detention Center
Port.............
..." ......
Address (Street and Name)
"~,,

Future C'onstruction Planned
Yes tEl No Date:
Pending:

-~,-

Current I33~ed;;:n;p;ce-_12~Q__ ,,_. _ _ __

b6, b7c

b6, b7c

b6, b7c
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b6
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SME, Administration

b6

b6

Level

of Contract Of lGSA
b2High

FOH OFF!CIAL USE ONLy' (LA, W ENFORZTi\U::NT SENSIT!VE)
© 2007 Creative Corrections, LLC (Rev. 12/8/(7)

SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT SUMMARY WORKSHEET
In order for Creative Corrections to complete its review of your facility, you must complete the following worksheet prior to your
schedu.led review dates. This worksheet mllst contain data for the past twelve months. We will use this worksheet in conjunction with
the ICE Detention Standards to assess your detention operations with regard to the needs of ICE and its detainee population. Failure
to compiete this worksheet will result in a delay in processing this report, and may result in a reduction or removal of fCE detainees
ftom your facility.

Assaults

Without

li

51'

Assault:
Detainee on
Staff

1P

6

l8

1P

41'

o
5

Number of Forced Moves,
Forced Cdl Moves1

{}

{l

{}

0

0

0

0

0

()

{l

{}

(l

59

92

157

()

0

o

o

{}

{)

30

72

174

608

26

65

156

58l

2A

4A

0

{}

{)

16J

125

0

0

o

1# Times Four/Five Point

Restraints Applied/Used
Offender f Detainee Med ical
Referrals as a Result of Injuries

44

Sustained.
Escapes

Grievances

Deaths

Psychiatric I Medical Referrals

141

135

Oral. anal Of vagina! penetration or attemptoo penetration involving at !cast:2 parties, whether it is consenting Of non-colls<''!lting
Routine trlinsportalion of detainCt!s/offenders is not considered "forced"
Any inCident that involves fOllr or more detainees/offel1ders, includes glll1g lights, organi:,£d multiple hungef strikes, work stoppages. hostage situations,
major fires, Of other large scale incidents

FOR OFf!C!AL USE ONLY (LAW ENFORCTl\lENT SfNSl fiVE)

© 2007 Creative Corrections, LLC (Rev. 12!8J(7)

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DHS/ICE DETENTION STANDARDS REVIEW SUMMARY REPORT
3. AT-RISK

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10>
II.
12.
13>

14.
15>
16.

4.REP.:AT
FINDING

5. NOT
ApPLICABLE

Admission and Re!ease
Classification System
Correspondence and Other Mail
Detainee Handbook
Food Service
Funds and Personal Property
Detainee Grievance Procedures
Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels
Marriage Requests
Non-Medical Emergency Escorted Trip
Recreation
Religious Practices
V
Work P .."a...",,,,

22.
23.

24.
25.
26.

27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Detention Files
Disciplinary Policy
Emergency Plans
Environmental Health and Safety
Hold Rooms in Detention Facilities
Key and Lock Control
Population Counts
Post Orders
Security Inspections
Special Managemoot Units (Administrative Detention)
Special Management Units (Disciplinary Segregation)
Tool Control
Transportation (Land management)
Use of Force
Staffl Detainee Communication (Added August 2003)
Detainee Transfer
FINDINGS OF DEFICIENT AND AT-RISK RF:QUlRE WRITTEN COMMENT DESCRIBING THE FINDING AND
TIS NECESSARV TO REACH COMPLIANCE.

FOROFF1CL\L USE ONLY {,LA \V ENFORCErvlENT SENSITIVE)

© 2007 Creative Corrections, LLC (Rev. 12l8/07)

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RIC REVIEW ASSURANCESTATEMI!:NT
By signing below, the Reviewer-In-Charge (RIC) certifies that:
All findings of non-compliance with policy or Inadequate controls, andftndings of noteworthy accomplishments, contained In this
Inspection Report, are supported by evidence that is sufficient and reliable; and
Within the scope of this review, the facility is operating in accordance with applicable Jaw and policy, and property and resources are.
being efficiently utilized and adequately safeguarded, except for any deficiencies noted in the report.

b6, b7c

b6, b7c

Creative Corrections

b6

Administration 3MB

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b6

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Environmental Health and
Health Services 5MB

Food Services SME

RFXOMMENmm RATING:

DSUPERIOR
DGOOD
ACCEPTABLE

D

D DEI'ICIENT

[8l AT-RISK

b6, b7c
COMMENTS: On February 12,2007 Detainee
attempted to escape the facility by running toward the
perimeter security fence giving staff the impression he was going to attempt to scale the fence. He did not scale the fence and did not
escape, however the AUSA declined prosecution.

Port lsabel Service Processing Center is a weB managed fadiity with a very competent and professional staff. The recommended
rating is resultant to the Life Safety finding regarding the locking SYS!:elR Absent this issue, the rating would have more accurately
reflected an efficient and effectively managed facility.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE)

«'<, 2007 Creative Correctiolls, LtC (Rev. 1218107)

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