Class Begins

Lawsuit Basics

The foundation standard of law enforcement federal lawsuits — deliberate
indifference — is covered and you’ll receive an overview of the state and
federal court systems, and their impact on law enforcement. Actual lawsuits
are reviewed and discussed to provide examples that demonstrate how to
quickly recognize and correct both overt and subtle action by officers that
may constitute deliberate indifference toward prisoners.

Strip Search Class Action Lawsuits
This training session focuses on the controversy regarding strip searches
and how to protect the sheriff’s office and county from class action
litigation. Emphasis is placed on the importance of policy, procedure and
practice along with clear definitions of reasonable suspicion and
probable cause.

12:00pm Lunch on your own

The Prison Litigation Reform Act
This session will highlight the major elements of the Prison Litigation
Reform Act (PLRA) of 1996 and how it impacts the grievance system in the
county jail. Special emphasis is given to the PLRA section that requires
“exhaustion of administrative remedy” prior to an inmate filing a federal
lawsuit against the county. Samples of actual grievances and the
appropriate methods of responding to them will be discussed.

Prison Rape Elimination Act
The standards proposed by the National Prison Rape Elimination
Commission will apply to all agencies under the law. These standards are
scheduled to be finalized and become mandatory some time in 2009.
Presenters will explain the proposed standards so jail staff will be
prepared to implement appropriate procedures when required.