The role of detention officers in the provision of jail healthcare in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Jailed individuals have considerable healthcare needs, yet jail healthcare resources are often limited. We interviewed staff from 34 Southeastern jails about strategies that jails use to deliver healthcare. One of the most prominent strategies was the use of detention officers to provide or facilitate the provision of healthcare. Officers' roles included assessing the need for medical clearance, conducting medical intake screenings, monitoring for suicide/withdrawal, transporting patients to medical appointments, medication administration, monitoring blood glucose and blood pressure, responding to medical emergencies, and communication with healthcare personnel. Several participants reported that due to officer shortages, conflicting priorities, and lack of adequate training, officers' healthcare roles can compromise privacy, delay access to care, and result in inadequate monitoring and safety. Findings suggest the need for training and standardized guidelines for officers' involvement in jail healthcare delivery and reassessment of the scope of officers’ healthcare responsibilities.