I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

In order to maintain a safe working environment, no one is to be admitted into the secured areas at any Probation Department Facility without proper authorization. 

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy will apply to all Probation Department Facility Buildings and all Probation Department staff.

IV. BACKGROUND

As public facilities, buildings under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department experience varying degrees of visitor activity and client access.  There are times when individuals are arrested in and around one of the Department’s facilities.  Additionally, Department facilities are also used to store confidential documents, cash and safety equipment, including firearms.  For these reasons, this policy is required in order to ensure a safe environment for staff, clients and visitors alike.

V. GENERAL POLICY

1.  No staff shall share the keypad combination with non-Probation Department Staff without prior authorization from the Chief Probation Officer or designee.
2. No staff shall give a Probation Department building key to non-Probation Department employees without written consent from the Chief Probation Officer or designee.
3.  No security or exterior door shall be left open unless continually monitored by sworn staff member.
4.  Probationers at Casa Loma shall be screened with the metal detector.
5.  Visitor identification cards will be issued to all visitors by and returned to the staff assigned to the reception window.
6.  Authorized Exceptions:  All visitors may display their department/company issued identification or badge.  This includes the following:
   1.  Employees of other County Departments who are on official department business.
   2. Known outside Vendors or Service Personnel who regularly service equipment such as copiers, water, cola/snack machines or coffee.     
   3.   Staff members of collaborating agencies, with proper identification.
   4. Student Interns, Cal Works, College Work Study employees, and volunteers with proper ID.
7.  Prohibited Admittance
        
   1.  Probationers shall not be allowed access to non-public areas, staff offices or be escorted through the main staff/visitor secured entrance.  Exceptions are as follows: 
      1.  Probationers may have access to an interior drug testing bathroom, except for the Juvenile Services Center (JSC).
      2. Probationers who due to documented medical reasons cannot be scanned with the metal detector
         2. Probationers must be escorted at all times and may not be left unattended. 

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.