|
|
| Pepper spray rules tighten |
| By Baltimore Sun |
| Published: 07/26/2004 |
|
Two months after a Western Maryland inmate died after being subdued with three cans of pepper spray, the state prison commissioner has toughened guidelines for its use, according to an internal memo. Only a warden or assistant warden can authorize using chemical agents on inmates held in segregation units, wrote Frank C. Sizer Jr., commissioner of the Division of Correction. Previously, a senior correctional supervisor could approve its use, according to the division's regulations. "If chemical agents are used at any time, staff shall prepare a thorough report within 24 hours of the incident," Sizer wrote in the July 8 memo to wardens, which made no mention of the death of inmate Ifeanyi A. Iko, who was held in a segregation unit. Division of Correction spokeswoman Priscilla Doggett said the commissioner's memo was not in response to Iko's death. Doggett said the new guidelines are the result of an "ongoing review and assessment" of policies that Sizer ordered when he was confirmed as commissioner earlier this year. She characterized the memo as essentially offering temporary rules on the use of pepper spray until new policies are officially enacted. The revised guidelines come at a time when the Division of Correction has been roiled by the continuing investigation into Iko's death. Inmate witnesses have said that a lieutenant, who was leading a team of officers to "extract" Iko from his cell, sprayed three cans of pepper spray into his cell. Officers also placed a mesh "spit mask" on his face to prevent him from spitting or biting, according to inmate accounts. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think