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Document DOJ-OGR-00027255

AI Analysis

Summary: The email chain discusses an inmate's placement on Psychological Observation due to mental health concerns and their subsequent return to the Special Housing Unit (SHU). The Associate Warden provides a definition of Psychological Observation and updates on the inmate's status. The Regional Director responds with acknowledgement.
Significance: This document provides insight into the procedures and protocols for handling inmates with mental health issues in a correctional facility, specifically the use of Psychological Observation status.
Key Topics: Psychological Observation status for an inmate Inmate's mental health and behavior Special Housing Unit (SHU) placement
Key People:
  • Shirley Skipper-Scott - Associate Warden, MCC New York
  • J. Ray Ormond - Regional Director, Northeast Region
  • [Redacted] Chief Psychologist - Provided definition of Psychological Observation
Document Type
Email
Date
July 24, 2019
Pages
1
Folder
IMAGES010

Full Text

If I haven't addressed your questions, please call me and let me know. Thanks. Shirley Skipper-Scott Associate Warden MCC New York 150 Park Row New York, New York 10007 Office: 646-836 [redacted] Black Berry: 646-423 [redacted] [redacted] @bop.gov >>> Ray Ormond 7/24/2019 10:53 AM >>> Thanks!! J. Ray Ormond Regional Director Northeast Region 215-521 [redacted] >>> Shirley V. Skipper-Scott 7/24/2019 10:49 AM >>> Below is the definition of Psychological Observation provided by [redacted] Chief Psychologist. He will remain on Psychological Observation until tomorrow, where he will be reassessed. DEFINITION: A Psychological Observation occurs when an inmate who suffers from a mental illness, a serious personality disorder, a medical problem (impairing their mental status), or drug intoxication and/or withdrawal symptoms begins to deteriorate. The inmate is no longer mentally stable and therefore, it is inappropriate for s/he to remain in general population or the Special Housing Unit (SHU). Inmates placed on psychological observation differ from inmates placed on suicide watch as they are not imminently suicidal (e.g., have not expressed self-harm or engaged in self-harming behavior), but rather, due to his/her impairment in mental status or functioning (e.g., not eating, not sleeping, disorganized/unusual thinking, poor self-care), his/her behavior can be unpredictable. Psychological Observation status is intended as a temporary designation to be utilized until such time as the inmate becomes sufficiently stable (e.g., able to function independently in general population) to be returned to his/her housing assignment or transferred to an inpatient psychiatric facility such as a Federal Medical Center. He has a pending incident report for Self-Mutilation and therefore, he will return to the Special Housing Unit (SHU) and will be celled with inmate [redacted] [redacted]. [redacted] he requested Protective Custody. His case has been highly publicized and he is in SHU because [redacted]. Shirley Skipper-Scott Associate Warden MCC New York 150 Park Row New York, New York 10007 Page 501 DOJ-OGR-00027255