Inmates Rights

What is the name of your state? OHIO

Is it a violation of someones civil rights to be held in a city holding jail for 10 days being made to wear a tissue paper suit and not being allowed to shower or brush teeth for the entire 10 days?

That depends. If they're on suicide watch, they aren't allowed to wear anything. They're placed in a holding cell that has one steel platform bolted to the floor, they're allowed no clothing, no bedding, no sheets, no nothing. I've seen them wrapped in toilet paper (they can't hang themselves on it). This is not a violation of their civil rights because it is not inhumane treatment to institute suicidal precautions per protocol and protect the inmate's life. The inmate is given the opportunity to tend to hygiene. There is a schedule, and if they don't want to go when they're supposed to go, accompanied by the CO and restrained if needed -- they don't get another chance until the next scheduled hygiene outting. I've seen them go unbathed for months. If they're violent and on disciplinary segregation, the same applies.

hmmbrdzz

I can understand about the clothing, bedding, ect..but he asked to shower and brush his teeth, and was refused.

He's considering filing a civil suit against the city, not for any amount of money, just for the principle. I can understand the jails need for policies and certain procedures, but even animals or maximum security prisonsers are treated with more dignity and respect.

Is he is on suicide watch? Is he in the county jail (or city jail) waiting to go back to the DOC? I've never worked the county jails, but I'm sure the policies on suicide watch are about the same. When inmates in the DOC (state prison) are on suicide watch, they are constantly observed and checked on, and records are strictly kept on all checks, what's observed, etc.
Inmates on suicide watch are pretty much kept on a schedule and told "you will brush your teeth now", or "you will eat now", etc. etc. County jails are just bad places to be -- period. If he's got a history of of being disrespectful towards the CO's, he's not going to get anywhere with getting any respect in return, nor will he get anywhere with a law suit. I don't know how else to help you other than to tell you he needs to be a "good inmate" in order to get some help. If the nurse visits him for med call, he can ask about hygiene or ask to fill out a sick call request. If it's indicated, the health care team can write an order for a bath and oral care.

hmmbrdzz

I'll clarify that -- they can write the order, but that doesn't mean that if he gets to request to get a bath. He's still got to go when the CO's say go.

hmmbrdzz

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

At the very least, and if nothing else comes of his experience, and if he's "smart", he'll remember this situation and his predicament and never, ever commit another crime.

From society's standpoint, "it's a good thing."

IAAL