← Back to home

Document DOJ-OGR-00023434

AI Analysis

Summary: The document details an investigation into the failure of correctional officers Thomas and Noel to conduct required rounds and counts in the SHU during their shift on August 10, 2019. Thomas admitted to falsifying count slips and dozing off during his shift. The document also highlights the procedures for conducting rounds and counts in the SHU and the emphasis placed on monitoring inmate Epstein.
Significance: This document is potentially important because it reveals that correctional officers failed to conduct required rounds and counts, and falsified records, potentially compromising the safety and security of the facility and inmates, including high-profile inmate Epstein.
Key Topics: Failure to conduct inmate counts and rounds in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) Falsification of count slips and round sheets Procedures for conducting rounds and counts in the SHU
Key People:
  • Thomas - Correctional Officer who failed to conduct rounds and falsified count slips
  • Noel - Correctional Officer who worked with Thomas and also failed to conduct rounds
  • Day Watch SHU Officer in Charge - Supervisory officer who emphasized the importance of conducting rounds on inmate Epstein
  • Acting Evening Watch Activities Lieutenant - Lieutenant who confirmed that written instructions to conduct rounds on Epstein were posted
  • Warden - Institutional leader who emphasized the importance of monitoring inmate Epstein
Document Type
Unknown
Date
Unknown
Pages
1
Folder
IMAGES009

Full Text

Thomas acknowledged that neither he nor Noel conducted any rounds or counts in the SHU during their shift between approximately 12 a.m. and approximately 6:30 a.m. Thomas said the August 10, 2019 round sheets were signed, but the rounds were not conducted because he was tired that day. Thomas recalled "dozing off from here and there" during his shift, but he did not know if Noel slept. Thomas did not recall having a conversation with anyone concerning the discrepancy between the 12 a.m. SHU count slip, which listed 73 inmates, and the institutional count, which listed 72 inmates in the SHU. Thomas said he had filled out and signed the 3 a.m. SHU count slip, which listed 72 inmates in the SHU. Thomas did not know why the number of inmates was different on the 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. count slips and did not recall speaking with the Morning Watch Operations Lieutenant about the 12 a.m. count. Thomas told the OIG that he knew he was falsely certifying the count slips when he signed them on August 10, 2019. B. Staff Rounds in the SHU 1. CO Rounds As detailed in the BOP Policies section of Chapter 2, in addition to inmate counts, BOP policy and MCC New York SHU Post Orders required that COs assigned to the SHU conduct rounds to observe all inmates at least twice an hour. As part of their assigned duties, MCC New York SHU officers had to walk each of the tiers of the SHU twice an hour on an irregular schedule, once during the first 30 minutes and again during the second 30 minutes, with both rounds occurring no more than 40 minutes apart. COs working in the SHU were required to complete and initial an official MCC New York form, often referred to as a "round sheet," which was reviewed and signed by a supervisor, documenting the date and time of each 30-minute round in each tier of the SHU.40 The Day Watch SHU Officer in Charge told the OIG that SHU staff spoke about conducting rounds on Epstein every day. He said that the Warden, Lieutenants, and other MCC New York staff members frequently told the SHU staff to conduct rounds and to keep an eye on Epstein. To reinforce this message, the Day Watch SHU Officer in Charge created a sign on orange paper that he hung on a computer in the SHU officer's area that said, "MANADATORY [sic] ROUNDS MUST BE CONDUCTED EVERY 30 MINUTES ON EPSTEIN # 76318-054 AS PER GOD!!!!" The Day Watch SHU Officer in Charge said the sign was hanging on the computer on August 9 and 10, 2019, and it was clearly visible to everyone who worked in the SHU. The Acting Evening Watch Activities Lieutenant confirmed that written instructions to conduct rounds on Epstein were posted on the SHU computer. 40 This BOP form is officially entitled "MCC New York, Special Housing Unit, 30 Minute Check Sheet."