Army Confinement Procedures Checklist: Ensuring Order and Security

The U.S. Army systematically manages the confinement of service members convicted of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This article outlines the key components of the Army Confinement Procedures Checklist, designed to ensure military personnel’s secure, humane, and orderly confinement. Adherence to these procedures is crucial for maintaining discipline, safeguarding the rights of inmates, and preparing them for eventual reintegration into military or civilian life.

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1. Admission and Inprocessing in Army Confinement

• Verification of Orders:
  • Confirm the confinement orders and legal documents to ensure that the inmate is lawfully sentenced to confinement.
  • Verify the identity of the inmate through military ID and other relevant documentation.

• Medical Screening:
  • Conduct a comprehensive medical examination to assess the inmate’s physical and mental health.
  • Identify any immediate medical needs and establish a medical care plan.

• Property Inventory:
  • Inventory and secure the inmate’s personal belongings.
  • Ensure all personal items are logged and stored properly to prevent loss or theft.
• Orientation:
  • Provide the inmate with an orientation on facility rules, regulations, and rights.
  • Explain the inmate’s daily schedule, available programs, and grievance procedures.

2. Classification and Housing in Army Confinement

• Risk Assessment:
  • Conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate custody level for the inmate.
  • Consider factors such as the nature of the offense, behavior history, and potential threats to safety.
• Housing Assignment:
  • Assign the inmate to a housing unit based on the risk assessment and available space.
  • Ensure that housing assignments promote safety and order within the facility.

3. Daily Operations and Security in Army Confinement

•  Headcounts:
  • Conduct regular headcounts to ensure all inmates are accounted for.
  • Perform headcounts at designated times and during any movements within the facility.
• Security Checks:
  • Conduct frequent security checks of cells, common areas, and perimeter fences.
  • Inspect for contraband, safety hazards, and security breaches.
• Movement Control:
  • Monitor and control the movement of inmates within the facility.
  • Escort inmates to and from activities such as work details, medical appointments, and visitation.

4. Rehabilitation and Programs in Army Confinement

• Educational Programs
  • Offer educational opportunities, including GED classes, vocational training, and college courses.
  • Encourage inmates to participate in programs that can improve their skills and knowledge.
• Counseling Services
  • Provide access to mental health and substance abuse counseling.
  • Support inmates in addressing personal issues that may contribute to recidivism.
• Work Programs
  • Assign inmates to work details that contribute to the facility’s operations.
  • Offer job training and employment opportunities that can assist with reintegration.

5. Health and Wellness in Army Confinement

• Medical Care:
  • Ensure inmates have access to routine and emergency medical care.
  • Maintain a system for tracking medical appointments and follow-ups.
• Nutrition and Exercise:
  • Provide balanced meals that meet nutritional standards.
  • Offer opportunities for physical exercise and recreational activities.

6. Visitation and Communication in Army Confinement

• Visitation Policies:
  • Establish clear policies for inmate visitation, including scheduling and security protocols.
  • Facilitate regular contact with family and friends to support inmate morale.
• Mail and Communication:
  • Monitor and process inmate mail by security guidelines.
  • Provide access to telephones for communication with approved contacts.

7. Disciplinary Procedures in Army Confinement

• Rule Enforcement in Army Confinement:
  • Enforce facility rules consistently and fairly.
  • Address violations through a structured disciplinary process.
• Due Process in Army Confinement
  • Ensure inmates receive due process in disciplinary proceedings.
  • Document all incidents and disciplinary actions thoroughly.

8. Release and Reintegration in Army Confinement

• Pre-Release Planning in Army Confinement
  • Develop a release plan that includes housing, employment, and support services.
  • Coordinate with external agencies and organizations to facilitate a smooth transition.
• Reintegration Programs in Army Confinement
  • Offer programs that prepare inmates for reintegration into the community.
  • Provide resources and support for finding employment and stable housing.

The Army Confinement Procedures Checklist is essential for ensuring that military personnel are confined securely, humanely, and orderly. By following these procedures, the U.S. Army aims to uphold the rights of inmates, maintain facility security, and support the successful reintegration of service members into society. This systematic approach reflects the Army’s commitment to discipline, justice, and rehabilitation within the military justice system.

Significance of AR 600-62, Paragraph 3-12

The guidelines outlined in AR 600-62, Para 3-12, are crucial for maintaining military correctional facilities’ discipline, order, and security. They ensure that the confinement process is conducted humanely, with respect for the rights of the soldiers, while also emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration. By adhering to these procedures, the Army aims to reduce recidivism, promote successful reentry into society, and uphold the overall integrity of the military justice system.

Prepare for military confinement by reading AR 600-62, Paragraph 3-12

Army Regulation AR 600-62, Paragraph 3-12, provides a detailed framework for managing enlisted soldiers in confinement. By focusing on lawful procedures, risk assessments, rehabilitation, and reintegration, this regulation helps maintain order within military correctional facilities while supporting confined soldiers’ personal growth and future success. Through these comprehensive guidelines, the U.S. Army continues to uphold its commitment to justice, discipline, and the welfare of its personnel.

More Rules on Army Confinement

1. IAW AR 190-47, based on operational requirements and programs, the Army Corrections Command (ACC) will determine the place of incarceration for all Army prisoners who are sentenced to confinement beyond 30 days. Notification of summary C/Ms remaining in local contract jails, including the required confinement documents and confinement checklist, is required. Local contract jails may not be used to confine adjudged prisoners beyond 30 days without prior approval from ACC.
2. The enclosed checklist is required for any court-martial resulting in a sentence to confinement and will be filled out by the primary SJA POC/representative.
3. Reassignment orders: Soldiers who receive a sentence of 121 days or more confinement without a punitive discharge/dismissal or adjudged a punitive discharge/dismissal will be administratively assigned to the appropriate PCF with confinement at the designated Library of Congress: Military Law correctional facility IAW AR 600-62, Para 3-12. For those prisoners who do not meet the criteria for reassignment, the commander/1SG contact information is required (e-mail, phone, and address).
4. The transfer date is coordinated with ACC and the SJA representative/losing unit. It is not on or about. It is the expected arrival date. Suppose the unit cannot complete the mission on the designated date. ACC or the gaining facility needs to be notified immediately. Before transferring the prisoner(s), the losing unit or SJA representative will contact the gaining ACC facility and provide the escort’s information and travel itinerary.
5. SJA will provide the escorts with the checklist and all required documents to be hand-carried to the gaining facility. Unit commanders are highly encouraged to contact the installation PMO for escorting instructions/assistance for high-risk/special management prisoners.