Amador County – The Ione City Council last week took a status report of its security officer contract, and also heard that Amador County is looking into a county-wide contract to address the security of mentally incapacitated or intoxicated prisoners or detainees.

City Manager Kim Kerr said a city agreement with All Phase Security had spent about $400 and saved the city about $300 since it was implemented in late May.

Kerr said the 90-day update was requested by the council in May when it approved the contract, which assists the Ione Police Department when it has “5150” cases in which people may be incapable of caring for themselves due to intoxication or other reasons. It also helps with intoxicated prisoners.

Chief Michael Johnson said All Phase Security helped guard a prisoner for 12 hours, after a suspect swallowed a plastic baggie full of an unknown substance and did not provide information of its contents. The security officer stood guard over the suspect, a known drug abuser, while medical tests were conducted at Sutter Amador Hospital.

Johnson said the security company helped with two other cases, while he was able to provide backup for other situations.

Kerr said there has been conversation with the county, which does not have a mental health facility. Johnson met with Interim Chief Administrative Officer Kristin Bengyel. He said Bengyel “was proactive in approaching the issue and attempting to obtain funds to implement a security company contract for all law enforcement agencies facing the delayed issues at Sutter Amador Hospital, as it relates to mental health detainees.”

Councilman David Plank asked about the hospital’s position in the matter, and Kerr said they are helpful and hopeful, and they use the same contractor for their needs. She said funding may come from mental health funds, which would not cover guarding of intoxicated prisoner detainee.

Johnson said Ione’s contractor may assist with DUI suspects whose blood alcohol content is too high to be allowed into the hospital, per a facility policy. He said a “5150” is a detention, not an arrest, but may be due to intoxication or for mental conditions.

Councilman Jim Ulm asked about the liability of having a security officer on duty, with no gun and no uniform. Kerr said the security company must provide its own insurance. Johnson said they do not carry firearms, but do wear uniforms. They also carry pepper spray, a baton, and handcuffs. The officers must be state certified to handle prisoners.

Kerr said the security contractor works only at the hospital, and does not transport prisoners or detainees. IPD handles transportation, and a security officer takes over when needed.

The All Phase Security contract was capped at $5,000, Kerr said, after which time the city must renew the contract.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.