EFTA00139151.pdf
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Extracted Text (OCR)
U. S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
New York, New York
For Immediate Release
August 10, 2019
Contact: Lee Plourde
Public Information Officer
(646) 836-6300
Inmate Death at the MCC New York
New York, NY: On Saturday, August 10, 2019, at approximately 6:30 a.m., inmate Jeffrey
Edward Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell in the Special Housing Unit from an apparent
suicide at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York, New York. Life-saving
measures were initiated immediately by responding staff. Staff requested emergency medical
services (EMS) and life-saving efforts continued. Mr. Epstein was transported by EMS to a local
hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries, and subsequently pronounced dead by hospital
staff. The FBI is investigating the incident.
Mr. Epstein was a 66-year-old male who arrived at MCC New York on July 6.2019 under
pretrial status after being indicted for sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy.
MCC New York is an Administrative security facility that currently houses 763 male offenders
in New York, New York.
Additional information about the Federal Bureau of Prisons can be found at www.bop.gov.
###
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MCC NEW YORK UPDATES
Correctional Services
Inmate Accountability: SHU
• A whiteboard has been installed in the Special Housing Unit
identifying the cell assignment of each inmate and
pertinent information of each inmate which aids in
accountability. This assists in correcting cell assignment
discrepancies and aid in identifying programing needs (3
man hold, razor restriction, etc.).
• TDY Staff have been assisting Correctional Services with
vacant positions; Correctional Officers, Lieutenant's and
Deputy Captain.
• Addition to the Captains 2 hour SHU video review, IDO's are
reviewing 6 hours of SHU video encompassing all three shift
weekly.
• IDO's are conduction Bed book counts on weekends during the
10:00 am count.
• Single cell report emailed to the Warden each shift and
receives approval memorandum for each.
• Morning Watch Lieutenant supervises one count in SHU and is
documented in the LT's Log.
Psychology
• Running Hospital Rosters Every Morning to see if inmates on
SW are in the proper cells according to their Sentry
assignments. Inconsistencies are reported the Associate
Warden of Programs. Further, C&A is contacted to make
appropriate corrections on the roster.
• Court rosters are reviewed every day to see if any Psy
Alerts are going out to court so that we can check in with
them upon their return.
• PSY ALERT inmate assignments are considered for inmates
with ongoing risk factors associated with suicidality
(e.g., sex offender status, high profile) even regardless
of whether they exhibit substantial acute mental health
symptoms.
■
The Chief Psychologist has written a new procedural
Memorandum for Psy Alert inmates which is undergoing review
in Central Office.
■
Psychology has been routing Hot List via e-mail to
Lieutenant's and Executive Staff each time new inmates are
added to the hot list.
SDNY_00017561
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MCC NEW YORK UPDATES
■ Psychology has been providing feedback at Executive Staff
Meetings regarding inmates at-risk for suicidality and
discussing cellmate placement (both GP and SHU) for inmates
with significant mental health issues and suicide risk
factors.
• When inmates are added and released from Suicide Watch, an
email and a phone call is made to Warden and the Operations
Lieutenant notifying them of the addition or termination of
the watch as well as their need for cellmates. This
recommendation is also placed in the Post Suicide Watch
Report in PDS and the psychologist indicates exactly who
they contacted about the inmate's need for a cellmate in
the recommendation section of the report.
■ Suicide Watch Books are reviewed daily by a psychologist
and audited to see if the Unit Officer and Lieutenant make
appropriate rounds and signed the log books each shift (MW,
DW, and EW). Inconsistencies are sent to the Captain and
Associate Warden of Programs.
Correctional Systems
■ Since September 9, 2019, inmates have been tracked when
released from court by utilizing the PP63 Sentry function
as opposed to tracking by out count. There has been no
issues to date utilizing this procedure.
• All releases are being reviewed by a higher authority other
than the CSO/SCSS. Typically reviewed by the Case
Management Coordinator.
Correctional Programs
Inmate Accountability:
• New bed books have been provided to each unit. A daily
schedule of bed book counts has been established to ensure
appropriate accountability of all inmates. Bed book counts
are notated in the Daily Lieutenant Logs for Executive
Staff review. Additionally, an Executive Staff member is
present each evening to monitor this process and identify
discrepancies. All discrepancies are typically corrected
immediately.
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MCC NEW YORK UPDATES
■
Daily
areas;
Camera status reports of the status of high priority
SHU, 10 South, Suicided Watch, Female unit and 3
Sally.
Facilities
Cameras:
■
The FBI removed the previous camera system (DVR) and the
new system (NVR) has been installed and is operational. 13
Additional cameras have been added in SHU which are
digital. Within the next 6 months additional cameras will
be added to the system with a target completion date of
April 2020.
• MCC has a total of 142 cameras. Currently, 141 cameras are
connected to the NICE DVR System and are operational and
recording. The 1 camera is inoperable and in the process
of being replaced (bad camera). The anticipated date
of completion is within the next two weeks.
■
The new NVR has the capability to monitor and record 350
cameras. The following locations have been identified as
needing coverage: elevators, receiving and discharge, all
inmate housing units, sallyports, and outside perimeter.
Summary
• To date all information requested by OIG and FBI has been
provided.
■
Health Services has received the autopsy results from the
NY Medical Examiner's office on inmate Epstein and is
secured
■
TDY staff assigned to NYM have all been hard working and
team players.
■ Staff morale at MCC New York is average in light of the
most recent event; however, they are resilient and working
hard as a team to move forward. They have embraced the TDY
staff that have arrived and have been extremely courteous
and receptive to ensure everyone works together.
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MCC NEW YORK UPDATES
Current Assessment:
Some of the issues identified are due to seriously reduced
staffing levels, improper or lack of training, and follow up and
oversight. Since January 1, 2019, MCC New York has hired 18
staff and lost 33 staff to retirement, and transfers within the
BOP and other agencies.
To date approximately approximately 148 staff from multiple
regions assisted NYM which we are very grateful for their
assistance. All subject matter TDY staff are required to
provide a report to the Warden prior to their departure. This
report is similar to a Program Review report and includes areas
of concern, tasks done well and recommendations. These reports
will be shared with the Associate Wardens and Department Heads
for guidance.
Further, to ensure the training and efforts that will occur is
sustainable, there will need to be continuous oversight by
leadership. Therefore, several positions will need to be added
to the staff compliment, such as an Associate Warden over
Correctional Services, a Deputy Captain, and an Assistant Case
Management Coordinator, Assistant Food Services Administrator,
to name a few.
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August 10, 2019
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of the Warden
Metropolitan Correctional Center
150 Past Row
New York. New York 10007
(646)836-6300. (646) 836-7551 (Fax)
Mark Epstein
301 E. 66 Street
New York, NY, 10065
Dear Mr. Epstein:
I am writing to express my condolences to you regarding the passing of your brother, Jeffrey
Edward Epstein, who passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019.
On August 10. 2019. Jeffrey Edward Epstein was pronounced deceased at the New York
Presbyterian-Lower Manhattan Hospital in New York, New York. At this time, although
there are no preliminary reports identifying the exact cause of death, it appears to be the result
of suicide.
Although I realize that words alone cannot lessen your sorrow, I hope that my thoughts and
sincerest sympathy will be of some comfort to you.
Sincerely,
Warden
MCC New York
SDNY_00017565
EFTA00139156
August 10, 2019
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of the Warden
Metropolitan Correctional Center
150 Park Row
New York. New York l(M07
(646) 836-6300. (646) 836.7551 (Fax)
SENT VIA EMAIL
The Honorable Colleen McMahon. Chief Judge
The Honorable Richard M. Berman. District Judge
Daniel Patrick Moynihan United
States Courthouse
500 Pearl Street
New York, New York
10007-1312
Dear Mr. Epstein:
I am writing to express my condolences to you regarding the death of your brother, Jeffrey
Edward Epstein. who passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019.
On August 10, 2019, Jeffrey Edward Epstein was pronounced dead at the New York
Presbyterian-Lower Manhattan Hospital in New York, New York. At this time, although
there are no preliminary reports identifying the exact cause of death, it appears to be the result
of suicide.
Although I realize that words alone cannot lessen your sorrow, I hope that my thoughts and
sincerest sympathy will be of some comfort to you.
Sincerely,
Warden
MCC New York
SDNY_0001 7666
EFTA00139157
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
ISO Park Row
Ncw York. New York 10007
Office of the Warden
January 27, 2020
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
M. Licon-Vitale. Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated
December 27, 2019.
2. 30 Minute Rounds
The substance of the two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video review is unclear. Please clarify
the requirement for the Captain and 1DO. Additionally, please identify the documentation used to maintain
accountability of the reviews.
Institution Response:
Video review requirements have been instituted by NERO. Specifically, on Tuesday of each week, the
institution is notified by NERO of the date, time, and SHU range in which to download video. The video is a
two hour block. The video is to be reviewed by the Captain. During the reviews the Captain is looking for
strict adherence to the requirements that rounds be conducted at least once during every 30-minute period, not to
exceed 40 minutes between rounds and that all scheduled counts are being conducted in the SHU. The Captain
will then submit an assurance memo to the institutional executive staff and Correctional Services Administrator
(CSA) indicating the designated video footage was reviewed, and corrective actions which were taken for any
deficiencies noted. This memorandum will be submitted to the Regional Office by COB on Friday of that same
week. Institutional Duty Officers (IDOs) are required to review 6 hours of SHU video. The surveillance
footage is downloaded by the institutional SIA and a compact disk is provided to the IDOs for review. The
IDOs are reviewing the video for accuracy of the 30 minute rounds. All reviews are documented in the weekly
IDO Report.
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3. Cellmate Assignments
Documentation exists reflecting the role of the local Psychology Services department in communicating the
importance of Mr. Epstein's status as a sex offender with specific needs to the Associate Warden. This includes
consultation with the Psychology Services Branch in Central Office. The communication chain and decision
making of Executive Staff lacks transparency as there is no documentation of the process or staff members
present when decisions were made about the housing of Mr. Epstein. After the fact explanations may not
accurately reflect what occurred.
Institution Response:
As was noted, there was no documentation indicating Psychology Services was present when housing decisions
were made regarding Mr. Epstein. Psychology services is present at the weekly SHU meeting, Executive Staff
meetings, and weekly Opening and Close-Out meetings. During these meetings, the Chief Psychologist or
Acting Chief Psychologist are present to provide recommendations and feedback to the Executive Staff on
housing concerns regarding inmates with mental health issues or risk factors for suicidality. When an inmate
presents with unique risk factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and/or convicted of a
sex offense, careful evaluation is made with regard to housing these inmates with appropriate cellmates.
Moving forward, a plan has been established to have a sign-in sheet and checklist at these meetings where
housing issues are addressed, indicating who was present and what the housing plan is for these inmates with
psychological concerns. These checklists will be maintained in a binder by the Associate Warden of Programs.
Please see the attached checklist.
4. Documentation Accuracy
Professional responsibility requires taking into account multiple descriptions of an incident as noted
in your response. However, when discrepancies exist these should be compiled and noted in
documentation to decrease the likelihood of conflicting conclusions.
As noted in the reconstruction report, an incident report must be written within 24 hours of having
the information that an inmate likely violated BOP rules. An incident report was written for Mr.
Epstein prior to a determination of whether he engaged in self-directed violence or was assaulted on
July 23, 2019. Staff had ample time to wait for the outcome of the SIS investigation of this incident.
The incident report presumed self-directed violence, although SIS was not able to determine whether
this incident was self-directed violence or an assault. Generating the incident report for self-directed
violence is evidence of a local bias about the July 23, 2019, incident that still exists amongst some
staff at MCC New York. Preconceived notions challenge the ability to remain open about alternative
explanations, and subsequent systemic changes may be needed.
Please develop and provide local training for all staff that at a minimum reviews the time frame for
writing incident reports and offers guidance when there is not clear evidence of an infraction. Include
an outline of the training and evidence of staff who attended the training.
Institution Response:
Additional information (slides) has been included in our Annual Training presentations for Report Writing. In
addition to the established training, the slides further differentiate and provide guidance to staff regarding when
it is appropriate to write an Incident Report and when, in cases of a lack of evidence, a memorandum is more
appropriate. The additional information is being provided to all staff as a part of Annual Training. Annual
Training began the week of January 6, 2020, and will continue through the week of March 8, 2020.
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5. Telephone Calls
As noted in the response, there is a lack of documentation to substantiate that a lieutenant facilitated two
telephone calls to Mr. Epstein. However, this does not address the report of two telephone calls being provided.
This response implies that the reporting of two staff members is inaccurate.
The response neglects the documented telephone call to Mr. Epstein's deceased mother.
Institution Response:
On August 29, 2019, Warden'. Petrucci, signed a referral related to
failure to follow policy in
allowing Epstein to complete an unmonitored phone call. The referral was submitted to the Office of Internal
Affairs on that same date and is pending further action at this time.
7. Follow-Up
Please provide documentation for the follow-up training provided to staff detailing the content of the training
and to whom it was provided.
Institution Response:
As recommended by Central Office, the Chief Psychologist has conducted suicide prevention trainings during
Department Head Meetings, e-mail correspondence, SHU Staff Trainings, and Lieutenant's Trainings. The
follow-up training sign-in sheets, Department Head Meeting Minutes, and e-mails provided by psychology staff
regarding PSY ALERT Inmates are attached for your review.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy
Periodic and unannounced checks are now conducted in SHU to determine pp30 assignments and actual inmate
placement match. Please provide an operational definition of periodic. Please do the same for routine, as it
relates Executive Staff bed book counts in all units. Where will the periodic and routine reviews be documented
and will they include the identity (e.g., name and title) of staff who complete them?
Institution Response:
An Executive Staff and Duty Officer schedule has been implemented to conduct daily 4 P.M. and 10 A.M.
weekend bed book counts. Any discrepancies noted are documented and sent via email to Unit Mangers and
Captain at the conclusion of each count for corrective action. Please see the attached schedule.
9. Attorney Log Books
Please provide a copy of the log book audit.
Institution Response:
The audit revealed the Random Visitor Log Book did not reflect visitor pat searches after May 19, 2019. In
addition, the log book does not offer a column to annotate a staff witness. The Contractor/Volunteer Log
Book was not always filled in properly. The Law Enforcement Log Book was up to date; however, the time of
departure was not always documented. The Attorney Log was missing inmate register numbers and more often
than not was legible. There was no Visitor Denial Log created. The audit conducted on September 25, 2019, is
attached for your review.
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Additional corrective measures will now include the Activities Lieutenant checking all Front Lobby log books.
The Captain will ensure these checks are included in the Lieutenant's Daily Log for Day Watch and Evening
Watch. In addition, the Activities Lieutenant will address any discrepancies immediately through on the spot
training and/or performance log entries.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors
Psychologists are subject matter experts in sex offender risk factors and they play a crucial role in sharing this
knowledge through traditional settings such as ICT, AT, and institutional meetings. However, Executive Staff
play a pivotal role in establishing and addressing institutional culture and promoting and participating in
training. A lack of a broad understanding of sex offender specific risk factors requires an intentional training
approach led by Executive Staff. They must be out front talking about inmates with a sex offense, expressing an
understanding of sex offender dynamics, modeling agency condoned expectations for the understanding and
treatment of inmates with a sex offenses, and assisting with institutional trainings. These practices encourage a
broader acceptance by line staff.
Institution Response:
The MCC New York Executive Staff are out front talking about inmates with sex offenses, and expressing an
understanding of sex offender dynamics, modeling agency expectations for the understanding and treatment of
inmates with sex offenses. This is done through departmental meetings, trainings, staff recalls and walking and
talking throughout the institution.
ATTACHED DOCUMENTS:
Institution Duty Officer Report
Cellmate Review
Report Writing "Back to Basics Training"
SHU Suicide Prevention Training
Department Head Meeting minutes
PSY ALERT inmates
Bed Book Count Schedule (Exec Staff/IDO)
Bed Book Audit (emails)
Log Book Audit
Executive Staff List
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Suicide Timeline:
RE: Epstein, Jeffrey Edward, Reg. No. 76318-054
Friday, August 9, 2019
8:00 am: inmate Reyes Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 departs for
court (WAB-USMS-SDNY). Reyes is Epstein's cellmate.
8:30 am: inmate Epstein arrives in Attorney Conference. He is
visited by several attorneys throughout the day.
6:45 pm: inmate Epstein departs attorney conference and returns
to SHU.
7:00 pm: inmate Epstein provided a social call by IDO. IDO
reports inmate Epstein was in good spirits, nothing unusual.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
6:33 am: Body alarm activated in SHU. Staff found inmate Epstein
unresponsive in cell. Staff reported to bedside of inmate and
attempted to wake him. Control announced medical emergency. CPR
initiated
6:35 am: Medical staff (on duty PA) on site, CPR already in
progress medical staff continues CPR and AED applied
on inmate. Control called for ambulance
6:40 am: S.
, AW notified
6:45 am: EMS arrives, paramedics continue CPR. Inmate Epstein
remains unresponsive. Inmate Epstein is intubated, given three
rounds of Epinephrine, IV access started, IO initiated. No pulse
found, no shock advised, inmate prepared for transport to local
hospital.
7:00 am: Institution placed on modified operations
7:10 am: EMS departs institution enroute to Beekman Hospital.
7:19 am: USMS notified of incident.
smcoommn
EFTA00139162
7:20 am: SIS Lt notified.
7:30 am: L.
notified.
, Warden arrives at institution.
, AW
7:32 am: PIO notified of incident by the Warden.
7:36 am: Official time of death reported by ER physician.
7:40 am: Acting Chief Psychologist notified.
8:00 am:
institution.
8:10 am: SIS Lt arrives at institution.
8:10 am: CMC and SCSS notified.
8:34 am: FBI notified.
9:00 am: AUSA notified.
9:00 am: C.
arrives at institution.
, AW and I.
, Captain arrives at
Cont. Saturday, August 10, 2019
9:00 am: SIS Lt. Reports to SHU. Interviews will be conducted
with inmates assigned to tier.
9:15 am: CMC arrives at institution.
9:30 am: Acting Chief Psychologist arrived to the institution.
9:50 am: SCSS arrives at institution.
9:55 am: CMC and IDO depart institution enroute to Beekman
Hospital.
10:00 am: CMC and IDO arrive at Beekman Hospital, fingerprints
and photographs taken of inmate Epstein. Inmate clothing secured
and brought back to institution.
10:00 am: Judge Berman notified.
10:15 am: CMC returns to institution.
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Cont. Saturday, August 10, 2019
10:45 am: PIO arrived to the institution.
11:00 am: Next of kin (brother) notified by Case Management
Coordinator.
11:12 am: Press Release released to media.
11:15 am: Press Release provided to Judge Berman.
11:15 am: Crisis Support Team activated.
12:15 pm: Body released to Medical Examiner (ME) for autopsy
12:19 pm: FBI arrives.
1:35 pm: FBI arrives in Special Housing Unit.
1:40 pm: OIG notified by the Warden and they will be sending an
Agent to NYM.
2:15 pm: Crisis Support Team debrief conducted.
2:45 pm: OIG arrived in Special Housing Unit (SHU)
3:45 pm: OIG and FBI departed from SHU.
5:05 pm: OIG/FBI departed MCC New York.
5:30 pm: CST departed MCC New York.
10:15 pm: Computer Services Manager arrives at institution to
remove hard drives (Computers) from SHU. And replaced with new
ones.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
8:00 am: Resumed normal operations. Attorney conference visits
and social visits (Unit 3) resume.
12:15 am: Computer Services Manager departs the institution.
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Cont. Sunday, August 11, 2019
10:40 am: DIG Agent
at institution.
and Agent
arrives
11:15 am: DIG Agent
, departs institution with two
computers FPS 021407270 and FPS 0214207268.
2:00 pm: DIG Agent
departs the institution.
Monday, August 12, 2019
1:00 pm: Staff recall conducted
3:14 pm: FBI arrives
7:56 pm: FBI departs
9:45 pm: FBI returns
10:30 pm: FBI departs
Tuesday August 13, 2019
7:15 am: Mr.
, NER Correctional Services
Administrator arrives to the institution
7:25 am: Dr.
National suicide prevention
coordinator, and Dr.
, National Sex offender
program coordinator arrives to the institution.
8:40 am: Northeast Regional Director
arrives to the
institution.
SDNY_00017574
EFTA00139165
Wednesday August 14, 2019
11:30 am: FBI Agents arrive to work in communication room
advised they will work through the night until next morning. NYM
Facilities staff working in room also.
Thursday August 15, 2019
5:24 am: FBI agent departs communication room and secured the
door with evidence tape.
8:30 am: NER Regional Director arrives to the institution.
9:30 am: ODAG arrives to the institution.
9:40 am: AUSA/FBI/OIG arrives to the institution.
11:30 am: FBI arrives to work in communication room.
12:00 am: AUSA/FBI/OIG departed the institution.
12:30 am: ODAG departs the institution.
4:52 pm: FBI Agents departs with all computer software from
communication room new system running.
5:37 pm: Gave Facilities Manager receipt from FBI for computer
system.
SDNY_00017575
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U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
ISO Park Row
New York. New York 10007
Office of the Warden
January 14, 2020
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH I. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
M. Licon-Vitale, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated December 27,
2019.
2. Rounds: 30-minute rounds are required by P5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 2. Rounds:
SHU training is conducted quarterly in which emphasis will be placed on the importance of diligent rounds within
the policy guided timeframes. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review documentation (SHU Round Sheets) on a
daily basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum of their completion weekly. SHU Rounds sheets
will be maintained on the specified range to ensure officers are completing required rounds. A staff member must
observe all inmates confined in continuous locked down status, such as administrative detention or disciplinary
segregation, at least once in the first 30 minute period of the hour, followed by another round in the second 30
minute period of the same hour, thus ensuring an inmate is observed at least twice per hour. These rounds are to be
conducted on an irregular schedule and no more than 40 minutes apart. All observations must be documented.
Closer observation may be required for an inmate who is mentally ill, or who demonstrates unusual or bizarre
behavior. These inmates have been identified with an orange photographic door tag to ensure staff are aware to take
more security pit-cautions in dealing with this inmate. Two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video
review are being conducted.
The substance of the weekly video reviews by the Captain and IDO consists
of a general review of randomly designated ranges and times, covering all
three primary shifts, to ensure all SHU policies and procedures are being
followed. Additionally, the reviews will ensure strict adherence to the
requirements that rounds be conducted at least once during every 30-minute
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period, not to exceed 40 minutes between rounds and that all scheduled
counts are being conducted in the SHU. The Captain's reviews are
documented in a memorandum that is submitted to institutional executive
staff as well as the NERO Correctional Services Administrator. The IDO
reviews are documented in their weekly report, with any misconduct being
reported in a separate memorandum to the Warden and/or SIA.
The requirement is that the Captain will view two hours of Special Housing
Unit archived video footage selected by the NERO. The surveillance footage
is downloaded by the institutional SIA and a compact disk is provided to
the Captain for review. The footage is reviewed for any discrepancies
and/or egregious security violations, which will be immediately addressed.
On Tuesday of each week, institutions will be notified of the date, time,
and range in which to download SHU video. The video is to be reviewed by
the Captain. Each Captain will submit an assurance memo to the CSA
indicating the designated video footage was reviewed, and corrective
actions were taken for any deficiencies noted. This memorandum will be
submitted to the Regional Office by COB on Friday of that same week. If an
institution does not have inmates on the specified range, then video will
be downloaded from the next highest/lowest range. References to
highest/lowest and even/odd ranges are the SENTRY designations. (i.e. ZO1,
Z03, Z05, etc. are odd ranges and Z02, Z04, Z06, etc. are even)
Institutional Duty Officers (IDO's) are required to review 6 hours of SHU
video to review the accuracy of SHU 30 Min Rounds. All reviews are
documented in a memorandum to the Warden for review.
3.Cellmate Assignments: When Mr. Epstein was placed in MU on July 7, 2019, Executive Staff decided Mr.
Tartaglione would be his cellmate. As explained by Dr.
, input was not sought from Psychology Services and
it is not clear if or how sex offender-specific needs and associated risk were incorporated into the housing plan. Mr.
Tartaglione was also a high profile inmate-an ex-police officer charged in multiple murders. However, he and Mr.
Epstein did not share the risk associated with being a sex offender and their pairing may have aggravated Mr.
Epstein's risk for self-directed violence. In an effort to treat Mr. Epstein the same as other inmates, a statement
repeated by multiple staff, Executive Staff may have inadvertently overlooked the need to consider unique risk
factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and convicted of a sex offense. On July 25, 2019.
Dr.
sent an e-mail to
, Associate Warden explaining a consultation between Dr.
and Dr.
, National Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In the e-mail, Dr.
Reviewed the consult and
recommendation from the Psychology Services Branch, Central Office that Mr. Epstein be housed with another
inmate who had also been accused of committing a sex offense. There is no evidence this information was
considered beyond this e-mail, and Mr. Epstein was never housed with another inmate charged or convicted of a
sexual offense.
It is recommended Executive Staff and Correctional Services staff include a psychologist in decisions about
cellmates as a means of incorporating expertise about suicide risk, mental health needs, and interventions for
psychological stability.
Institution Response: 3. Cellmate Assignments:
Inmates with serious mental illness and those at-risk for suicidality are discussed during staff meetings, department
head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings. and close out meetings. The Captain. Associate Wardens.
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Warden and Psychology Services discuss the inmate's needs. The Legal Department also assists when the inmate's
attorney or court are concerned about an inmate's mental health. Psychology Services are involved in making
recommendations regarding the types of cellmates with whom inmates at-risk for suicidal ity should celled.
Psychology Services takes into consideration the suicide risk factors involved with a particular inmate and shares
their knowledge with Executive Staff.
The psychological reconstruction team suggests MCC New York Executive Staff did not take into account Mr.
Epstein's sex offender-specific needs in assigning him a cellmate in SHU. However, that is not correct. MCC New
York Executive Staff considered a variety of factors in determining the most appropriate cellmate for Mr. Epstein,
including but not limited to history of sex offenses, nature of the inmate, cooperation status, etc.
MCC New York administrators initially housed Mr. Epstein with Mr. Tartaglione as both had high profile cases.
Mr. Tartaglione is also a certified death penalty eligible inmate and, thus, based on correctional judgment, less likely
to assault or otherwise try to harm Mr. Epstein. Indeed, Mr. Tartaglione notified staff immediately when he realized
Mr. Epstein first made a possible suicide attempt/gesture on July 23, 2019.
Prior to Mr. Epstein being taken off suicide watch, MCC New York Executive Staff, with input from Psychology
staff, assessed all the inmates in SHU at that time and narrowed the list down to the most appropriate candidates.
Mr. Tartaglione was not chosen as the investigation at the time had not yet cleared him of any wrongdoing. Most of
the other inmates in SHU at the time were there for disciplinary reasons and were otherwise not appropriate to be
housed with Mr. Epstein. The other notable inmate in SHU with a history of sex offenses, Mr. Hoyt, was deemed
dangerous to Mr. Epstein due to his threatening nature. Accordingly, MCC New York Executive Staff narrowed the
possibilities to cooperators. Specifically. Efrain Reyes, Register Number 85993-054. was placed in SHU for claims
he was being threatened and extorted on his unit, and he was confirmed as proffering with the U.S. Attorney's
Office. As both he and Mr. Epstein were in SHU for safety reasons, Mr. Reyes was deemed an appropriate cellmate.
Based on the above, consideration was made for Mr. Epstein's sex-offender-specific needs in choosing his cellmate
in SHU. His charged crime was just one of the factors reviewed in making the determination. MCC New York
Executive Staff also considered high publicity inmates with ample reasons not to hurt Mr. Epstein, and cooperators
who are not only vulnerable themselves, but also had a lot to lose should they harm Mr. Epstein.
NYM Executive Staff conduct bed book audits Monday through Friday and the IDO conduct them on Weekends and
Holidays. All discrepancies are noted and corrected ordinarily on the spot and or the next buisness day.
4. Documentation Accuracy: On July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell. He had abrasions on
his neck and knee. There are inconsistencies between documents describing the circumstances of the scene. In a
General Administrative Note in PDS-BEMR, Dr.
documented information received from Operations
Lieutenant
that Mr. Epstein, "was found with a string loosely hanging around his neck." In
contrast, Officer Wilson Silva, who responded to this emergency, wrote a memorandum dated July 23, 2019. In that
memorandum,
wrote he saw Mr. Epstein "laying down near his bunk with what appeared to be a piece
of handmade orange cloth around his neck." It is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect
objective evidence.
Officer
wrote Mr. Epstein an incident report for Self-Mutilation on July 23, 2019, after he was
found unresponsive in his cell but prior to having the necessary facts to determine whether he likely engaged in a
Bureau violation. BOP Policy expects staff to write an incident report within 24 hours of having the information that
an inmate likely violated BOP rules but without making a presumptive decision about guilt. A Special Investigative
Services Threat Assessment was completed August 2, 2019, but results were inconclusive as to whether Mr. Epstein
engaged in self- directed violence, willingly fought with his cellmate, or was assaulted by his cellmate. It is
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recommended that staff remain open to all reasonable explanations for a behavior and take the appropriate actions
when a final determination is made. Although the incident report was later expunged, inmates frequently experience
significant stress when they contemplate the potential consequences associated with findings of guilt.
Dr.
entered a Psychology Services Intake Screening into PDS-BEMR on July 8, 2010. The document
has three typographical errors. She selected the No Sexual Offense Convictions check box when, in fact, Mr. Epstein
was previously convicted of Solicitation of Prostitution and Procuring a Person Under the Age of 18 for Prostitution.
Second, Mr. Epstein was erroneously identified as a Black male in this document. Finally, there is one instance
where he was mistakenly referred to as Mr. Brown.
Dr.
completed a Risk of Sexual Abusiveness document on July 8, 2019. She marked "History of prior
prison sexual predation" in the affirmative. This is not accurate.
Mid-Level Practitioner, completed a History and Physical on July 9, 2019. An Intake Screening
should have been conducted within 24 hours of his entry into Bureau custody which was on July 6, 2019, according
to P6031.04, Patient Care.
Officer
was responsible for observing Mr. Epstein and documenting his behavior while on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019.
mistakenly used a Suicide Watch Log Book intended for inmate companion
documentation between 1:40 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on July 23, 2019, when he should have been using the Staff Suicide
Watch Log Book. Ms.
, Drug Treatment Specialist, reportedly noticed this error and subsequently hand
copied all of
entries from 1:40 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. into a Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. She then
initialed these entries, and this makes it ap ar as if she was the one conducting the watch. This information was
discovered and conve ed in an e-mail from
Associate Warden to Dr.
with a carbon
copy to Warden
on August 12, 2019. Of note
did not make an entry explaining why she was
making the log book changes. Additionally,
then wrote entries for 6:15, 6:30 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. in the
Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. These were not a part of the original entries made by
nor was III
assn ned to work the Suicide Watch
st. Due to the inability to interview staff at this time, it is unknown
why
attempted to correct
error, or made any of the subsequent log entries. It is
recommended that if a staff member makes an entry error (e.g., writes in the incorrect suicide watch log book), the
staff member should describe the error in the correct log book, to include indicating when they became aware of the
error. The staff member should then notify the Chief Psychologist.
A review of Special Housing Unit Records (BP-A0292) revealed a number of incomplete entries. This document is
used to monitor provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical rounds, showers, meal
consumption, etc. The Officer in Charge signature is missing on 10 occasions and a medical provider's signature is
missing in seven instances. There are six instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein ate his meal. There are nine
instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein took a shower. There are ten instances in which it is not clear if Mr.
Epstein was offered recreation. P5500.15, Correctional Services Manual requires accurate and complete information
on the BP-A0292.
A review of Psychology Observation Log Books revealed significant discrepancies from the approved Psychological
Observation Procedural Memorandum, dated April 15, 2019. A Correctional Officer is required to complete hourly
rounds and sign the log book.
179 out of 183 round signatures were missing. The lieutenant is required to sign the log book one time per shift and
signatures were missing in 10 of 23 instances. A Physician Assistant is required to sign one time per shift and 16 of
16 instances were missing. It is recommended that a further review of Psychological Observation procedures be
conducted.
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Institution Response: 4. Documentation Accuracy:
The Reconstruction team indicates it is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect objective
evidence, and references Psychology staffs reliance on differing statements from two different staff regarding the
July 23, 2019 incident. Psychology staff considers the information from more than one source when making
decisions about suicide watch placement. Clinical judgment is used to make determinations taking into
consideration each person's self-report of a situation as they may be perceived differently.
In reference to typographical errors noted in PDS/BEMR notes, the Chief Psychologist has spoken to all psychology
staff members concerning proof reading all documents entered to reduce typos and to improve information accuracy.
Additionally, there is a second Staff Psychologist in the department which helps reduce the workload on current
psychologists, allowing more time for documentation review.
Regarding the Reconstruction team's concerns in reference to Mr. Epstein's expunged incident report, Special
Investigative Services staff will conduct all investigations in matters of attempted suicide and make a determination
as to whether an incident report is warranted.
The Reconstruction team stated medical staff conducted Inmate Epstein's Intake Screening late. SENTRY records
reflect Inmate Epstein arrived in MCC New York's Receiving and Discharge (R&D) area on July 6, 2019, at
approximately 9:24 .m. His medical Intake Screening was conducted at approximately 9:38 p.m., by Physician
an
Assist
t (PA)
on the same night and approximately 14 minutes after his arrival in R&D. On July 9, 2019, he
was placed on Psychological Observation and at approximately 12:38 p.m., he was escorted from Psychological
Observation to Health Services for a Medical Assessment and a History and Physical, which was performed by PA
within three (3) days of his arrival. According to Program Statement 6031.04, Patient Care, a provider
must perform a History and Physical within 14 days of the inmate arriving at BOP facility. The History and Physical
and Intake Screening were conducted timely and in accordance to policy.
Regarding use of the incorrect Suicide Watch Log and the re-creation thereof, the Chief Psychologist and Drug
Abuse Coordinator counseled the Drug Treatment Specialist (DTS) concerning her documentation in the suicide
watch log book. There was no ill-intent on the part of the DTS as all log books were maintained; the original log
book written by the officer and the one documented by the DTS. The DTS indicated a desire to assist the officer as
he had written in the wrong log book. Specifically, he wrote in the inmate companion log book rather than the staff
log book. However, she was informed that this is not her role and she is not to document in a log book for anyone
else observing an inmate on suicide watch. In the future, only the staff member watching the inmate on suicide
watch and Operations Lieutenants document in the suicide watch log book. Log books are now being closely
monitored on a daily basis by the Chief Psychologist.
Incomplete entries were noted in the BP-292s. SHU training is conducted quarterly, in which emphasis will be
placed on the importance of proper 292 documentation. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review 292s on a daily
basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum. 292s will be printed for the previous week every
Sunday, and the SHU Lieutenant will acquire any needed signatures from the respective OICs in a handwritten
manner.
The Reconstruction team findings noted discrepancies in the procedures approved for Psychological Observation.
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Both Staff and the Lieutenants
received additional training on when they are required to complete rounds and sign Suicide Watch log books. With
regard to suicide watch log books signatures, correctional staff are required to perform routine rounds every hour.
The 2 Sally Officer on Monday- Friday during Day Watch is required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates as
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prescribed by the Captain. After-hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, serving meals,
collecting trash in the area, and performing the count with the Internal 1 or Internal 2 assisting with duties as
assigned by the Captain. Additionally, Psychology staff check the suicide watch logs daily when they interview the
inmates on suicide watch. If it is noted hourly rounds are not being conducted by the Unit Officer and/or the
Lieutenants are not rounding and signing the books each shift, the Associate Warden over Programs and the Captain
are notified immediately and enforce accountability.
Two slides (slide numbers 23-24) have been added to the Annual Training
slide show for the Report Writing class. In addition to the established
training, the slides further differentiate and provide guidance to staff
regarding when it is appropriate to write an Incident Report and when, in
cases of a lack of evidence, a memorandum is more appropriate.
The
additional information is being provided to all staff as a part of Annual
Training that is already in progress.
5. Telephone Calls: In a PDS-BEMR note written by Dr.
on July 16, 2019, she was informed by an unnamed
staff member that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls for Mr. Epstein. It is unknown when and to whom these
calls were placed and no evidence that they took place on a monitored telephone.
According to a memorandum from Unit Manager
on August 10, 2019, Mr.lpstein terminated his
legal visit early on August 9, 2019, in order to place a telephone call to his family. Mr.
(who was the
Institutional Duty Officer that week) escorted Mr. Epstein to SHU around 7:00 p.m. that evening and he was placed
in the shower area on G tier. While there, he was provided the telephone to make a call.
Since Mr. Epstein reportedly did not have his PAC or PIN number, which is required to use the inmate telephone
system, the Unit Manager placed the call, dialing a number that reportedly began with area code 347. Mr. Epstein
told Mr.
he was calling his mother who, according to public records, has been deceased since 2004.
It is recommended that all telephone calls, other than legal calls, be made on monitored lines to be available for post-
call review or on a speaker phone so staff can monitor what is discussed.
Institution Response: 5. Telephone calls:
There is no documentation to substantiate that a Lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls to Mr. Epstein. However,
there is documented evidence that Unit Manager Proto provided a call to Mr. Epstein on July 30. 2019, at 5: I 5 p.m..
to a
friend, on a monitored telephone/speaker phone. The call was documented in a log that is
maintained in the Correctional Systems Department. Mr. Epstein was provided a call because he had not been able
to conduct voice recording on the inmate telephone. This is standard procedure by the Unit Team at MCC New
York, to occasionally provide a call to new arrivals, when necessary.
On Au ust 29, 2019, Warden I. Petrucci, signed a referral related to
failure to follow policy in allowing Epstein to complete an
unmonitored phone call. The referral was submitted to the Office of
Internal Affairs on that same date and is pending further action at this
time.
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7. Follow-Up: Mr. Epstein arrived at MCC New York on Saturday, July 6, 2019. While conducting the 10:00 p.m.
institution count that evening, M=,
Facilities Assistant reported she observed Mr. Epstein in his cell. In an e-
mail she sent to Drs.
and Imeri and Lieutenant
later that evening, she described Mr. Epstein as
"distraught, sad and a little confused." She said she then asked Mr. Epstein if he was okay, and he reportedly said he
was. However, Ms.
noted in her e-mail she was not convinced of this, adding, "He seems dazed and
withdrawn." She went on to say, "So just to be on the safe side and prevent any suicidal thoughts can someone from
Psychology come and talk with him." Despite the fact that Lieutenant Medina opened the e-mail there is no evidence
that he contacted the on-call psychologist as is required by P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Additionally, if
Ms.
was concerned about suicide risk, P5324.08 Suicide Prevention Program, requires her to maintain direct,
continuous observation of Mr. E stein. When Dr.
opened the e-mail the following Monday morning, Mr.
Epstein was evaluated by Dr.
at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Epstein was denied bail on Thursday, July 18, 2019. This was a significant disappointment for Mr. Epstein and
likely challenged his ability and willingness to adapt to incarceration. Given the potential impact of the judge's
decision, a psychologist should have assessed Mr. Epstein's mental status upon his return to the institution. The BOP
developed a SENTRY assignment of PSY ALERT for purposes such as this.
Specifically PSY ALERT is used "to ensure, if movement occurs, that all staff consider the special psychological
and management-related risks associated with the inmate." Furthermore, P5324.07, SENTRY Psychology Alert
Function states, "When a decision to move [any PSY ALERT] inmate occurs, any special psychological needs of the
inmate are reviewed and considered by Psychology Services staff [and] any safety and security concerns are
highlighted for non-Psychology Services staff." Psychologists should use the PSY ALERT assignment more
frequently with high profile cases and with inmates who have a history or charge of sex offense. Both of these
groups of inmates are susceptible to exaggerated or unrealistic fears about correctional settings and experience stress
associated during movement and periods of transition (e.g., cell/unit changes, movement to and from court,
institutional movement, and release of information through the media).
Mr. Epstein was reportedly in court on July 31, 2019. It is unknown what time he departed or returned to MCC New
York because this information was not entered in SENTRY. Regardless, upon his return, the United States Marshals
Service (USMS) provided R&D staff with a Prisoner Custody Alert Notice regarding Mr. Epstein. The notice
indicated Mr. Epstein had "MTL Mental Concerns Suicidal Tendencies." The USMS r nested R&D staff
the
form, and they then departed with the signed copy. On August 1, 2019, at 8:46 a.m.,
sent Dr.
an e-
mail reporting she had just become aware of the above information. In the absence of additional information about
this notation, this should have been considered a referral to Psychology Services about a potentially suicidal inmate
and procedures should have been followed as outlined in P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Specifically, when
a staff member becomes aware an inmate may be thinking about suicide during normal working hours, that staff
member must contact Psychology Services and maintain the inmate under direct,continuous observation until he is
placed on Suicide Watch or seen by a psychologist. There is no evidence Mr. E stein was monitored under these
conditions from the time he returned from court until he was seen by
for a suicide risk assessment on
August 1, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Institution Response: 7. Follow Up:
Staff have been trained that it is required that they make verbal contact with either Psychology Staff or a Lieutenant
when they have concerns for an inmate's mental health. If Psychology Staff is not in the institution, an inmate is
placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden are notified.
As part of their signature block, all Psychology staff have added the following: "If you are emailing about an inmate
that may be at risk for suicide or self-harm, this is an emergency situation. Please make sure that you make contact
(verbally) to Psychology Staff or the on-call psychologist. Please ensure to maintain constant visual observation of
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the inmate until formal steps can be taken to ensure his/her safety pending a formal assessment by a Psychologist."
The Psychology Department uses PSY ALERT codes more frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with
a history or charge of a sex offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately on classification and/or
identification, and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution. If an inmate is moved in and out of our
institution for court, etc., the inmate is assessed immediately prior to being released to a unit.
R&D staff have been reminded of the U.S. Marshal and Court alert notices. Psychology Staff are notified
immediately if there are suicidal concerns noted by the Courts. If Psychology Staff is not in the institution, an
inmate that enters the institution with an alert notice is placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and
Warden are notified. These inmates receive a suicide risk assessment by a psychologist before being released to the
general population.
Inmates who initially enter and/or transfer into the institution with a PSY ALERT assignment will be seen by a
member of the Psychology Services Department immediately and prior to being released to the general
population. R&D will review the PP44 code and Intake Screeners will utilize the PPM to determine if inmates
entering the facility have a PSY ALERT assignment. If there is not a psychologist in the building when a PSY
ALERT inmate is identified and/or if it is during non-duty hours, the Operations Lieutenant will immediately be
notified and will then contact the on-call psychologist. The on-call psychologist will come in after hours to
screen the inmate in R&D and determine their appropriateness for general population, as well as any other
pertinent housing considerations, prior to the inmate's release to general population.
Inmates may also be assigned a PSY ALERT function code by a psychologist while housed at this institution.
Psychologists will consider not only inmates with substantial mental health concerns for a PSY ALERT assignment,
but will use PSY ALERT codes frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with a history or charge of a sex
offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution.
The attached institutional procedural memorandum has been reviewed by Central Office Psychology Services and
implemented by MCC New York Psychology Services to outline the follow-up procedures when existing PSY
ALERT inmates return from trips such as court proceedings and hospital trips. If any movement occurs with an
existing PSY ALERT inmate, psychology must be verbally notified immediately when the inmate returns back to the
institution. This would include movement from court, institutional movement, or hospital trips. The Psychology
Department will also be notified of a PSY ALERT inmate's movement prior to the inmate leaving. The Psychology
Department will be provided with the court lists as well as the Prisoner Schedule Report on a daily basis. These
reports will be reviewed daily by a member of the psychology department to assess whether a PSY ALERT inmate is
scheduled to go out to court the following day.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court with a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office indicating imminent mental health concerns or
concerns related to suicidality, the PSY ALERT inmate will be seen by a psychologist immediately and prior to their
return to general population. A psychologist will determine at that time if a PSY ALERT inmate is ready to return to
general population, their psychological stability, and their treatment needs. If the inmate returns after hours and there
is no psychologist in the institution, the PSY ALERT inmate will be placed on suicide watch pending a suicide risk
assessment by a psychologist. The Operations Lieutenant, On-Call Psychologist and Warden will be notified.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court routinely and without a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office, they will be screened by a
8
SDNY_000175&3
EFTA00139174
member of the Psychology Department within 24 hours to assess if they are experiencing any significant distress
regarding their court proceedings that may be exacerbating their mental health difficulties and/or risk factors.
Per guidance from Central Office Psychology Division, the Psychology Department will conduct a training with
R&D staff to help train them about PSY ALERT inmates and to recognize signs of psychological distress and
suicidality. Suicide Prevention and PSY ALERT Trainings have recently been conducted by the Psychology
Services Department with Lieutenants and during a recent Department Head Meeting. Further, an e-mail regarding
PSY ALERT procedures was sent to all Lieutenants. Receiving and Discharge (R&D), Psychology and Health
Services staff.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy: According to a SENTRY quarters roster generated on August
10, 2019, at 12:51 a.m., there were three inmates assigned to Mr. Epstein's SHU cell, Z04-206LAD, including him,
at the time of his death. However, his SHU cell was only a double occupancy cell. Inmate Patrick Avila (#86710-
054), inmate Gregory Ferrer (#79793-054), and Mr. Epstein were all assigned to the same cell. On August 13, 2019,
at 12:06 p.m. and 12:08 p.m., a quarters history roster was generated for inmate Avila and Ferrer, respectively.
Inmate Avila's cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from August 5, 2019, until August 11, 2019, when he was moved
to cell Z04-212UAD. Inmate Ferrer's cell assignment was Z04-206UAD from August 1, 2019, until August 11,
2019, when he was moved to cell Z04-207LAD. A quarters history roster was generated for Mr. Epstein on August
13, 2019, at 9:07 a.m. His cell assignment was 104-206LAD from July 29, 2019, until August 10, 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, photographs of nametags on SHU cell doors and SHU locator forms were sent to the
Correctional Service Department in the Northeast Region. The SHU locator form is dated August 9, 2019. It shows
inmate Ferrer in cell 207L (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Avila in cell
212U (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Epstein in cell 220L (SENTRY never
shows him in this cell) along with inmate Reyes (#85993-054). The locator shows inmate Copper (#92299-054) and
inmate Dockery (#60685-050) in cell 206. The photo sheets show the cell being 220 with inmates Epstein and Reyes'
identification cards on the door. Inmate Reyes, Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 was in cell Z06-220U from August 5,
2019 to August 9, 2019.
MCC New York has four suicide watch cells and each is for single occupancy use. The suicide watch cells are
located in Health Services. Each cell is abbreviated with the unit code HOI in SENTRY followed by the four-digit
cell number. The doors are identified by a painted number from one to four. Two reviews were conducted. The fust
revealed Mr. Epstein was in H01-001L according to SENTRY but the Suicide Watch Log Books indicate he was in
cell 4. A second review was conducted on August 13, 2019, while there were four inmates on in these cells.
SENTRY showed two inmates assigned to HO1-001L, one assigned to H01-002L, and the fourth inmate assigned to a
general population housing unit. Through physical observation of the dedicated suicide watch cells there were four
H0I cells, however a review of the BOPWARE Inmate Housing Format, only shows three cells.
Inmate movement and assignments are not accurately reflected in SENTRY as required by P5500.14, Correctional
Service Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy:
With regard to the accuracy and accountability of inmates placed on suicide watch status in the hospital area.
Psychology Services now runs a daily Sentry roster of all the inmates on suicide watch in that area. The roster is
examined to ensure that the inmates placed on suicide watch in a suicide watch cell are keyed into SENTRY with
the correct cell assignment noted. The Associate Warden, Programs. is notified if there are any inconsistencies.
Moreover, the four suicide watch cells now all have SENTRY Assignments of H01-001L - H01-004L. Further,
9
SDNY_0001 7584
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Psychology Services Department reviews suicide watch log books on a daily basis to assess whether the Lieutenants
have conducted rounds during each shift and whether the Unit 2 Sallyport and Unit 2 Officer are conducting hourly
rounds. Any inconsistencies noted in the logbooks by Psychology staff will be reported immediately to the Captain
and the Associate Warden over Programs to address appropriately.
The Operations Lieutenant will physically check the PP30 Cell Assignment Roster when inmates are quartered on
suicide watch. The Lieutenant will ensure the Counts and Assignments (C&A) Officer keys cell assignments
correctly and annotate any errors in the daily log and contact the Captain immediately. Guidance was sent to the
Lieutenants regarding keying of suicide watch bed assignments after hours. The Lieutenants were instructed that
upon placing an inmate on suicide watch, they are responsible for contacting C&A and providing the cell
assignment. Additionally, the Lieutenant will run a PP30 with the selection category for suicide watch. The
Operations Lieutenant will email the roster to the Captain, as he will be responsible for verifying that each inmate is
in the appropriate cell. This verification process will ensure inmates placed on suicide watch are keyed into accurate
bed assignments and will eliminate inmates being keyed into the same cell.
Additionally, the Lieutenants were instructed to contact the Captain and on-call Psychology staff by telephone when
the need for suicide watch placement is determined after hours. Psychology staff have been instructed to contact the
Warden upon receiving said notification. After consultation with the Warden, Psychology staff will designate
whether a staff or inmate companion will be assigned. Psychology staff will in turn inform the Shift Lieutenant of
this determination.
To ensure inmates are assigned to the correct cell inside the Special Housing Unit, periodic and unannounced checks
are conducted. Specifically, SENTRY Roster PP30 Quarters assignments are audited daily by the SHU Lieutenant.
Executive Staff also conduct routine bed book counts in all units. Any and all discrepancies identified are addressed.
Results will be maintained by Correctional services in the Lieutenants Log. Morning Watch Lieutenant is
responsible for observing one count during his or her shift in SHU which is documented daily in the Lieutenants
Log.
In order to properly account for inmates in the unit, staff have been informed not use the Inmate Locator Form, due
to the forms being unreliable in accounting for inmates and cell assignments. A Unit Accountability Board along
with a SENTRY PP30 Quarters Roster have been placed in the unit to establish better oversight over inmate
accountability.
Correctional Staff are required to perform routine rounds of the second floor suicide watch area every hour. On Day
watch, Monday through Friday, the 2 Sally Officers are required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates, as
prescribed by the Captain. After hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, serving meals,
collecting trash in the area, and performing the count with the Internal I or Internal 2 Officer assisting with duties as
assigned by the Captain. To ensure that staff are informed of the importance of Suicide Prevention and
responsibilities when one occurs. Lieutenants will reinforce the message through conference calls with staff. Roll
Call notes will be placed on TRU Scope to notify staff of which inmates are currently on suicide watch.
9. Attorney Log Books: Four log books were not secured following Mr. Epstein's death. Specifically, three Attorney
Log Books located in the Attorney Visiting and Front Lobby areas and an Inmate Search Log Book located in the
Attorney Visiting area were not secured. All four books were still in use at the outset of the reconstruction and after
the reconstruction team advised staff to secure them. P5324.08 states, "In the event of a suicide, institution staff,
particularly Correctional Services staff, and other law enforcement personnel, will handle the site with the same
level of protection as any crime scene in which a death has occurred." This policy further states, "All possible
evidence and documentation will be preserved to provide data and support for subsequent investigators doing a
psychological reconstruction."
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SDNY_0001 75M
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Further, a review of the attorney log books identified many errors and signify a systemic concern. For example, there
were two concurrently open attorney log books in the Attorney Visiting area. Further, the different purposes of the
two attorney log books, one in the Attorney Visit area and one in the Front Lobby, could not be explained. BOP staff
were unable to articulate a system of control for the log books, and during the reconstruction, some of the log books
could not be accounted for. Within the log books, entries were made out of chronological order, attorneys did not
consistently sign in and out, significant information was illegible or missing, columns were not consistently labeled,
log book opening and closing dates were inconsistent, and the cover had been tom off of several books. At the
current time, these log books are not functioning as an adequate system of control and monitoring.
Institution Response: 9. Attorney Log Books:
On August 10, 20 I 9, log books deemed relevant to the investigation were removed from various locations
throughout the facility. The Reconstruction Team did identify pertinent logbooks that had not been secured. At this
time, all relevant logbooks have been removed and replaced. In addition, a logbook audit was conducted to ensure
accuracy of the documentation and compliance with policy. Measures are being taken to ensure in the future that all
relevant logbooks are identified, secured immediately and replaced with new ones to ensure the institution can
continue to run efficiently.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors: A broad understanding of risk factors associated with sex offenders, by staff at MCC
New York, did not appear to be present in all staff but was vital to his adjustment and safety in prison. A more
focused management strategy is recommended, particularly in complex and high profile cases. Supplemental training
on sex-offender specific risk factors is recommended for all staff and should be provided by Executive Staff and
Psychology Services.
Institution Response: 13. Sex Offense Risk Factors:
The Chief Psychologist is a member of the Executive Staff. The Chief Psychologist or her designee continues to be
present at all Executive Staff Meetings, Department Head Meetings, and SHU meetings. During these meetings, the
Chief Psychologist offers feedback regarding the treatment and management of sex offender imnates. Additionally,
the Chief Psychologist continues to educate all staff during Introduction to Correctional Techniques (ICT) and
Annual Training (AT) about the sex offender specific risk factors and suicidality.
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DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
TRU-INTEL Download Report of Incident (583), 586, & Global Report
TRUVIEW - Money Exchanged; Phone, Email, & Visitor Lists; Calls; Messages; Visits; Timeline
TRU-SCOPE - Logs, High Risk Inmates, Inmates Lists, etc. Staff Memorandums
Staff E-Mail
Photographs of Scene; Deceased, Autopsy Video Showing Scene and Staff Response Sentry Documentation
SIS Case File Index Psychology File PDS-BEMR
Psychological Observation Procedural Memorandum Post Orders
Lieutenant Logs Attorney Logs Staff Roster
Medical Information/Records (BEMR) BOP Twenty-Four Hour Death Report Pre-Sentence Report
Note(s) Left Behind by Deceased Time Line
Autopsy Request & Report Inmate Central File
Court Return Screening Form Prisoner Remand Form (If applicable)
USM 129 Individual Custody/Detention Report (If applicable) Prisoner Custody Alert Notice
Staff Sign-In Log 1 Week Prior to Suicide (If applicable) Detention Orders (If applicable)
30 minute SHU rounds BP 292's
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Suicide Timeline:
Re: Epstein, Jeffrey Edward, Reg. No. 76318-054
Friday, August 9, 2019
8:00 am inmate Reyes Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 departs for
court (WAB-USMS-SDNY). Reyes is Epstein's cellmate.
8:30 am inmate Epstein arrives in Attorney Conference. He is
visited by several attorneys throughout the day.
6:45 pm inmate Epstein departs attorney conference and returns
to SHU
7:00 pm inmate Epstein provided a social call by IDO. IDO
reports inmate Epstein was in good spirits, nothing unusual.
***Inmate Reyes is released from court and does not return to
the institution.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
6:33 am body alarm activated in SHU. Staff found inmate Epstein
unresponsive in cell. Staff reported to bedside of inmate and
attempted to wake him. Control announced medical emergency. CPR
initiated
6:35 am medical staff (on duty PA) on site, CPR already in
progress medical staff continues CPR and AED applied
on inmate. Control called for ambulance
6:40 am
, AW notified
6:45 am EMS arrives, paramedics continue CPR. Inmate Epstein
remains unresponsive. Inmate Epstein is intubated, given three
rounds of Epinephrine, IV access started, IO initiated. No pulse
found, no shock advised, inmate prepared for transport to local
hospital.
7:10 am EMS departs institution enroute to Beekman Hospital.
7:19 am USMS notified of incident.
7:20 am SIS Lt notified.
7:30 am
, Warden arrives at institution.
, AW
notified.
7:32 am PIO notified of incident by the Warden
7:36 am official time of death reported by ER physician.
7:40 am Acting Chief Psychologist notified.
8:00 am
and Captain arrive at institution.
SDNY_00017588
EFTA00139179
8:10 am SIS Lt arrives at institution.
8:10 am CMC and SCSS notified.
8:34 am FBI notified.
9:00 am AUSA notified.
9:00 am C.
arrives at institution.
Cont. Saturday, August 10, 2019
9:00 am SIS Lt. reports to SHU. Interviews will be conducted
with inmates assigned to tier.
9:15 am CMC arrives at institution.
9:30 am Acting Chief Psychologist arrived to the institution.
9:50 am SCSS arrives at institution.
9:55 am CMC and IDO depart institution enroute to Beekman
Hospital.
10:00 am CMC and IDO arrive at Beekman Hospital, fingerprints
and photographs taken of inmate Epstein. Inmate clothing secured
and brought back to institution.
10:00 am Judge Berman notified.
10:15 am CMC return to institution.
10:45 am PIO arrived to the institution.
11:00 am next of kin (brother) notified by Case Management
Coordinator.
11:12 am press release is released to media.
11:15 am press release provided to Judge Berman.
11:15 am CST activated.
12:15 pm body released to Medical Examiner (ME) for autopsy
12:19 pm FBI arrives.
1:35 pm FBI arrives in Special Housing Unit.
1:40 pm OIG notified by the Warden and they will be sending an
Agent to NYM.
2:15 pm CST debrief conducted.
2:45 pm OIG arrived in Special Housing Unit (SHU).
3:45 pm OIG and FBI departed from SHU.
5:05 pm OIG/FBI departed MCC New York.
5:30 pm CST departed MCC New York.
10:15 pm Computer Services Manager arrives at institution to
remove hard drives (Computers) from SHU. And replaced with new
ones.
SDNY_00017589
EFTA00139180
Sunday, August 11, 2019
12:15 am Computer Services Manager departs the institution.
10:40 am OIG Agent
institution.
and
arrives at
11:15 am OIG Agent
departs institution with two
computers FPS 021407270 and FPS 0214207268.
2:00 pm OIG Agent
departs the institution.
Monday, August 12, 2019
10:00 am Warden departed to AUSA office for questioning.
12:50 am Warden arrives back from AUSA office.
Tuesday August 13, 2019
7:15 am Mr.
, NER Correctional Services
Administrator arrives to the insitution
7:25 am Dr.
National suisice prevention
coordinator, and Dr. Christen ****** arrives to the institution.
8:40 am Northeast Regional Director
arrives to the
institution.
SDNY_00017590
EFTA00139181
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
150 Park Row
New York. Ncw York 10007
Office of the Warden
January 27, 2020
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
M. Licon-Vitale, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated December 27,
2019.
2. 30 Minute Rounds
The substance of the two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video review is unclear.
Please clarify the
requirement for the Captain and IDO. Additionally, please identify the documentation used to maintain
accountability of the reviews.
Institution Response:
Video review requirements have been instituted by NERO. Specifically, on Tuesday of each week, the
institution is notified by NERO of the date, time, and SHU range in which to download video. The video is a
two hour block. The video is to be reviewed by the Captain. During the reviews the Captain is looking for
strict adherence to the requirements that rounds be conducted at least once during every 30-minute period, not to
exceed 40 minutes between rounds and that all scheduled counts are being conducted in the SHU. The Captain
will then submit an assurance memo to the institutional executive staff and Correctional Services Administrator
(CSA) indicating the designated video footage was reviewed, and corrective actions which were taken for any
deficiencies noted. This memorandum will be submitted to the Regional Office by COB on Friday of that same
week. Institutional Duty Officers (IDO's) are required to review 6 hours of SHU video. The surveillance
footage is downloaded by the institutional SIA and a compact disk is provided to the IDO's for review. The
IDOs are reviewing the video for accuracy of the 30 minute rounds. All reviews are documented in the weekly
IDO Report.
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EFTA00139182
3. Cellmate Assignments
Documentation exists reflecting the role of the local Psychology Services department in communicating the
importance of Mr. Epstein's status as a sex offender with specific needs to the Associate Warden. This includes
consultation with the Psychology Services Branch in Central Office. The communication chain and decision making
of Executive Staff lacks transparency as there is no documentation of the process or staff members present when
decisions were made about the housing of Mr. Epstein. After the fact explanations may not accurately reflect what
occurred.
Institution Response:
As was noted, there was no documentation indicating Psychology Services, was present when housing decisions
were made regarding Mr. Epstein. Psychology services is present at the weekly SHU meeting, Executive Staff
meetings, and weekly Opening and Close-Out meetings. During these meetings, the Chief Psychologist and/or
Acting Chief psychologist are present to provide feedback and or recommendations to the Executive Staff on
housing concerns regarding inmates with mental health issues or risk factors for suicidality. When an inmate
presents with unique risk factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and/or convicted of a
sex offense, careful evaluation is made with regard to housing these inmates with appropriate cellmates.
Moving forward, a plan has been established to have a sign-in sheet and checklist at these meetings where
housing issues are addressed, indicating who was present and what the housing plan is for these inmates with
psychological concerns. These checklists will be maintained in a binder by the Associate Warden of Programs.
4. Documentation Accuracy
Professional responsibility requires taking into account multiple descriptions of an incident as noted in
your response.
However, when discrepancies exist these should be compiled and noted in
documentation to decrease the likelihood of conflicting conclusions.
As noted in the reconstruction report, an incident report must be written within 24 hours of having the
information that an inmate likely violated BOP rules. An incident report was written for Mr. Epstein
prior to a determination of whether he engaged in self- directed violence or was assaulted on July 23,
2019. Staff had ample time to wait for the outcome of the SIS investigation of this incident. The
incident report presumed self-directed violence, although SIS was not able to determine whether this
incident was self-directed violence or an assault. Generating the incident report for self-directed
violence is evidence of a local bias about the July 23,2019 incident that still exists amongst some staff at
MCC New York. Preconceived notions challenge the ability to remain open about alternative
explanations, and subsequent systemic changes may be needed.
Please develop and provide local training for all staff that at a minimum reviews the time frame for
writing incident reports and offers guidance when there is not clear evidence of an infraction. Include an
outline of the training and evidence of staff who attended the training.
Institution Response:
Two slides (slide numbers 23-24) have been added to the Annual Training slide show for the Report Writing
class. In addition to the established training, the slides further differentiate and provide guidance to staff
regarding when it is appropriate to write an Incident Report and when, in cases of a lack of evidence, a
memorandum is more appropriate. The additional information is being provided to all staff as a part of Annual
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SDNY_00017592
EFTA00139183
Training that is already in progress.
5. Telephone Calls
As noted in the response, there is a lack of documentation to substantiate that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone
calls to Mr. Epstein. However, this does not address the report of two telephone calls being provided. This
response implies that the reporting of two staff members is inaccurate.
The response neglects the documented telephone call to Mr. Epstein's deceased mother.
Institution Response:
On August 29, 2019, Warden'. Petrucci, signed a referral related to
failure to follow policy in
allowing Epstein to complete an unmonitored phone call. The referral was submitted to the Office of Internal
Affairs on that same date and is pending further action at this time.
7. Follow-Up
Please provide documentation for the follow up training provided to staff detailing the content of the training and to
whom it was provided.
Institution Response:
Psychology Services: Attached please find the follow-up training sign-in sheets, Department Head Meeting
Minutes, and e-mails provided by psychology staff regarding Psy Alert Inmates. As recommended by Central
Office, the Chief Psychologist has conducted suicide prevention trainings during Department Head Meetings.
through e-mail correspondence. during SHU Staff Trainings, and during Lieutenant's Trainings.
8: Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy Periodic and unannounced checks are now conducted in
SHU to determine pp30 assignments and actual inmate placement match.
Please provide an operational definition of periodic. Please do the same for routine, as it relates Executive Staff
bed book counts in all units. Where will the periodic and routine reviews be documented and will they include
the identity (e.g., name and title) of staff who complete them?
Institution Response:
9. Attorney Log Books
Please provide a copy of the log book audit.
Institution Response:
Please see the attached audit which was conducted on September 25. 2019.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors
Psychologists are subject matter experts in sex offender risk factors and they play a crucial role in sharing this
knowledge through traditional settings such as ICT, AT, and institutional meetings. However, Executive Staff play a
pivotal role in establishing and addressing institutional culture and promoting and participating in training. A lack
of a broad understanding of sex offender specific risk factors requires an intentional training approach led by
3
SDNY_00017593
EFTA00139184
Executive Staff. They must be out front talking about inmates with a sex offense, expressing an understanding of
sex offender dynamics, modeling agency condoned expectations for the understanding and treatment of inmates with
a sex offenses, and assisting with institutional trainings. These practices encourage a broader acceptance by line
staff.
Institution Response:
The PREA Compliance Manager whom is an Associate Warden has been delegated the instructor for Sex offender
specific dynamics and addressing inmate sexual misconduct.
DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
Psy Alert inmates
Department Head meeting Minutes
SHU Suicide Prevention Training
Report Writing "Back to Basics training"
Bed book count Schedule
Bed Book audit Log Book Audit
4
SDNY_0001 7594
EFTA00139185
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
150 Park Row
New York. Ncw York 10007
Office of the Warden
Januar), 20, 2020
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH'. HURWITZ., ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
M. Licon-Vitale, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated December 27,
2019.
2. Rounds: 30-minute rounds are required by P5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual.
Institution Response:
Video review requirements have been instituted by NERO. Specifically, on Tuesday of each week, the
institution is notified by NERO of the date, time, and SHU range in which to download video. The video is a
two hour block. The video is to be reviewed by the Captain. During the reviews the Captain is looking for
strict adherence to the requirements that rounds be conducted at least once during every 30-minute period, not to
exceed 40 minutes between rounds and that all scheduled counts are being conducted in the SHU. The Captain
will then submit an assurance memo to the institutional executive staff and Correctional Services Administrator
(CSA) indicating the designated video footage was reviewed, and corrective actions which were taken for any
deficiencies noted. This memorandum will be submitted to the Regional Office by COB on Friday of that same
week.
Institutional Duty Officers (IDO's) are required to review 6 hours of SHU video to review. The surveillance
footage is downloaded by the institutional SIA and a compact disk is provided to the IDO's for review. The
IDOs are reviewing the video for accuracy of the 30 minute reviews. All reviews are documented in a
memorandum to the Warden for review.
3.Cellmate Assignments: When Mr. Epstein was placed in SHU on July 7, 2019, Executive Staff decided Mr.
Tartaglione would be his cellmate. As explained by Dr.
input was not sought from Psychology Services and
1
SDNY_00017595
EFTA00139186
it is not clear if or how sex offender-specific needs and associated risk were incorporated into the housing plan. Mr.
Tartaglione was also a high profile inmate-an ex-police officer charged in multiple murders. However, he and Mr.
Epstein did not share the risk associated with being a sex offender and their pairing may have aggravated Mr.
Epstein's risk for self-directed violence. In an effort to treat Mr. Epstein the same as other inmates, a statement
repeated by multiple staff, Executive Staff may have inadvertently overlooked the need to consider unique risk
factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and convicted of a sex offense. On July 25 2019
Dr.
sent an e-mail to
, Associate Warden explaining a consultation between Dr.
and Dr.
National Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In the e-mail, Dr.
reviewed the consult and
recommendation from the Psychology Services Branch, Central Office that Mr. Epstein be housed with another
inmate who had also been accused of committing a sex offense. There is no evidence this information was
considered beyond this e-mail, and Mr. Epstein was never housed with another inmate charged or convicted of a
sexual offense.
It is recommended Executive Staff and Correctional Services staff include a psychologist in decisions about
cellmates as a means of incorporating expertise about suicide risk, mental health needs, and interventions for
psychological stability.
Institution Response:
Psychology Services: As was noted, there was no documentation indicating Psychology Services, was present
when housing decisions were made regarding Mr. Epstein. Psychology services is present at the weekly SHU
meeting, Executive Staff meetings. and weekly Opening and Close-Out meetings. During these meetings, the
Chief Psychologist and/or Acting Chief psychologist are present to give feedback to the Executive Staff on
housing concerns regarding inmates with mental health issues or risk factors for suicidality. When an inmate
presents with unique risk factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and/or convicted of a
sex offense, careful evaluation is made with regard to housing these inmates with appropriate cellmates.
Moving forward, a plan has been established to have a sign-in sheet and checklist at these meetings where
housing issues are addressed, indicating who was present and what the housing plan is for these inmates with
psychological concerns. These checklists will be maintained in a binder by the Associate Warden of Programs.
4. Documentation Accuracy: On July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell. He had abrasions on
his neck and knee. There are inconsistencies between documents describing the circumstances of the scene. In a
General Administrative Note in PDS-BEMR, Dr.
documented information received from Operations
Lieutenant
that Mr. Epstein, "was found with a string loosely hanging around his neck." In
contrast, Officer Wilson Silva, who responded to this emergency, wrote a memorandum dated July 23, 2019. In that
memorandum,
wrote he saw Mr. Epstein "laying down near his bunk with what appeared to be a piece
of handmade orange cloth around his neck." It is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect
objective evidence.
Officer
wrote Mr. Epstein an incident report for Self-Mutilation on July 23, 2019, after he was
found unresponsive in his cell but prior to having the necessary facts to determine whether he likely engaged in a
Bureau violation. BOP Policy expects staff to write an incident report within 24 hours of having the information that
an inmate likely violated BOP rules but without making a presumptive decision about guilt. A Special Investigative
Services Threat Assessment was completed August 2, 2019, but results were inconclusive as to whether Mr. Epstein
engaged in self- directed violence, willingly fought with his cellmate, or was assaulted by his cellmate. It is
recommended that staff remain open to all reasonable explanations for a behavior and take the appropriate actions
when a final determination is made. Although the incident report was later expunged, inmates frequently experience
2
SDNY_00017596
EFTA00139187
significant stress when they contemplate the potential consequences associated with findings of guilt.
Dr.
entered a Psychology Services Intake Screening into PDS-BEMR on July 8, 2010. The document
has three typographical errors. She selected the No Sexual Offense Convictions check box when, in fact, Mr. Epstein
was previously convicted of Solicitation of Prostitution and Procuring a Person Under the Age of 18 for Prostitution.
Second, Mr. Epstein was erroneously identified as a Black male in this document. Finally, there is one instance
where he was mistakenly referred to as Mr. Brown.
Dr.
completed a Risk of Sexual Abusiveness document on July 8, 2019. She marked "History of prior
prison sexual predation" in the affirmative. This is not accurate.
Mid-Level Practitioner, completed a History and Physical on July 9, 2019. An Intake Screening
should have been conducted within 24 hours of his entry into Bureau custody which was on July 6, 2019, according
to P6031.04, Patient Care.
Officer
was res onsible for observing Mr. Epstein and documenting his behavior while on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019.
mistakenly used a Suicide Watch Log Book intended for inmate companion
documentation between 1:40 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on July 23, 2019, when he should have been using the Staff Suicide
Watch Log Book. Ms.
, Drug Treatment Specialist, reportedly noticed this error and subsequently hand
copied all of
entries from 1:40 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. into a Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. She then
initialed these entries, and this makes it appear as if she was the one conducting the watch. This information was
discovered and conve ed in an e-mail from
Associate Warden to Dr.
with a carbon
copy to Warden
on August 12, 2019. Of note.
did not make an entry explaining why she was
making the log book changes. Additionally,
then wrote entries for 6:15, 6:30 6:45 and 7130 a.m. in the
Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. These were not a part of the original entries made by
nor was
why
assigned to work the Suicide Watch
st. Due to the inability to interview staff at this time, it is unknown
attempted to correct
error, or made any of the subsequent log entries. It is
recommended that if a staff member makes an entry error (e.g., writes in the incorrect suicide watch log book), the
staff member should describe the error in the correct log book, to include indicating when they became aware of the
error. The staff member should then notify the Chief Psychologist.
A review of Special Housing Unit Records (BP-A0292) revealed a number of incomplete entries. This document is
used to monitor provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical rounds, showers, meal
consumption, etc. The Officer in Charge signature is missing on 10 occasions and a medical provider's signature is
missing in seven instances. There are six instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein ate his meal. There are nine
instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein took a shower. There are ten instances in which it is not clear if Mr.
Epstein was offered recreation. P5500.15, Correctional Services Manual requires accurate and complete information
on the BP-A0292.
A review of Psychology Observation Log Books revealed significant discrepancies from the approved Psychological
Observation Procedural Memorandum, dated April 15, 2019. A Correctional Officer is required to complete hourly
rounds and sign the log book.
179 out of 183 round signatures were missing. The lieutenant is required to sign the log book one time per shift and
signatures were missing in 10 of 23 instances. A Physician Assistant is required to sign one time per shift and 16 of
16 instances were missing. It is recommended that a further review of Psychological Observation procedures be
conducted.
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SDNY_0001 7597
EFTA00139188
Institution Response:
Two slides (slide numbers 23-24) have been added to the Annual Training slide show for the Report Writing
class. In addition to the established training, the slides further differentiate and provide guidance to staff
regarding when it is appropriate to write an Incident Report and when, in cases of a lack of evidence, a
memorandum is more appropriate. The additional information is being provided to all staff as a part of Annual
Training that is already in progress.
5. Telephone Calls: In a PDS-BEMR note written by Dr.
on July 16, 2019, she was informed by an unnamed
staff member that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls for Mr. Epstein. It is unknown when and to whom these
calls were placed and no evidence that they took place on a monitored telephone.
According to a memorandum from Unit Manager
on August 10, 2019, Mr&ptn tenninated his
legal visit early on August 9, 2019, in order to place a telephone call to his family. Mr.
(who was the
Institutional Duty Officer that week) escorted Mr. Epstein to SHU around 7:00 p.m. that evening and he was placed
in the shower area on G tier. While there, he was provided the telephone to make a call.
Since Mr. Epstein reportedly did not have his PAC or PIN number, which is required to use the inmate telephone
system, the Unit Manager placed the call, dialing a number that reportedly began with area code 347. Mr. Epstein
told Mr.
he was calling his mother who, according to public records, has been deceased since 2004.
It is recommended that all telephone calls, other than legal calls, be made on monitored lines to be available for post-
call review or on a speaker phone so staff can monitor what is discussed.
Institution Response:
On August 29, 2019, Warden'. Petrucci, signed a referral related to
failure to follow policy in
allowing Epstein to complete an unmonitored phone call. The referral was submitted to the Office of Internal
Affairs on that same date and is pending further action at this time.
7. Follow-Up: Mr. Epstein arrived at MCC New York on Saturday, July 6, 2019. While conducting the 10:00 p.m.
institution count that evening,
Facilities Assistant reported she observed Mr. Epstein in his cell. In an e-
mail she sent to Drs.
and Imeri and Lieutenant
later that evening, she described Mr. Epstein as
"distraught, sad and a little confused." She said she then asked Mr. Epstein if he was okay, and he reportedly said he
was. However, Ms.
noted in her e-mail she was not convinced of this, adding, "He seems dazed and
withdrawn." She went on to say, "So just to be on the safe side and prevent any suicidal thoughts can someone from
Psychology come and talk with him." Despite the fact that Lieutenant Medina opened the e-mail there is no evidence
that he contacted the on-call psychologist as is required by P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Additionally, if
Ms.
was concerned about suicide risk, P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program, requires her to maintain direct,
continuous observation of Mr. E stein. When Dr.
opened the e-mail the following Monday morning, Mr.
Epstein was evaluated by Dr.
at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Epstein was denied bail on Thursday, July 18, 2019. This was a significant disappointment for Mr. Epstein and
likely challenged his ability and willingness to adapt to incarceration. Given the potential impact of the judge's
decision, a psychologist should have assessed Mr. Epstein's mental status upon his return to the institution. The BOP
developed a SENTRY assignment of PSY ALERT for purposes such as this.
Specifically PSY ALERT is used "to ensure, if movement occurs, that all staff consider the special psychological
and management-related risks associated with the inmate." Furthermore, P5324.07, SENTRY Psychology Alert
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SDNY_00017598
EFTA00139189
Function states, "When a decision to move [any PSY ALERT] inmate occurs, any special psychological needs of the
inmate are reviewed and considered by Psychology Services staff [and] any safety and security concerns are
highlighted for non-Psychology Services staff." Psychologists should use the PSY ALERT assignment more
frequently with high profile cases and with inmates who have a history or charge of sex offense. Both of these
groups of inmates are susceptible to exaggerated or unrealistic fears about correctional settings and experience stress
associated during movement and periods of transition (e.g., cell/unit changes, movement to and from court,
institutional movement, and release of information through the media).
Mr. Epstein was reportedly in court on July 31, 2019. It is unknown what time he departed or returned to MCC New
York because this information was not entered in SENTRY. Regardless, upon his return, the United States Marshals
Service (USMS) provided R&D staff with a Prisoner Custody Alert Notice regarding Mr. Epstein. The notice
indicated Mr. Epstein had "MTL Mental Concerns Suicidal Tendencies." The USMS r nested R&D staff
the
form, and they then departed with the signed copy. On August 1, 2019, at 8:46 a.m.,
sent Dr.
an e-
mail reporting she had just become aware of the above information. In the absence of additional information about
this notation, this should have been considered a referral to Psychology Services about a potentially suicidal inmate
and procedures should have been followed as outlined in P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Specifically, when
a staff member becomes aware an inmate may be thinking about suicide during normal working hours, that staff
member must contact Psychology Services and maintain the inmate under direct, continuous observation until he is
placed on Suicide Watch or seen by a psychologist. There is no evidence
stein was monitored under these
conditions from the time he returned from court until he was seen by
for a suicide risk assessment on
August 1, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy: According to a SENTRY quarter's roster generated on August
10, 2019, at 12:51 a.m., there were three inmates assigned to Mr. Epstein's SHU cell, Z04-206LAD, including him,
at the time of his death. However, his SHU cell was only a double occupancy cell. Inmate Patrick Avila (#86710-
054), inmate Gregory Ferrer (#79793-054), and Mr. Epstein were all assigned to the same cell. On August 13, 2019,
at 12:06 p.m. and 12:08 p.m., a quarter's history roster was generated for inmate Avila and Ferrer, respectively.
Inmate Avila's cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from August 5, 2019, until August II, 2019, when he was moved
to cell Z04-212UAD. Inmate Ferrer's cell assignment was Z04-206UAD from August 1, 2019, until August I1,
2019, when he was moved to cell ZO4-207LAD. A quarter's history roster was generated for Mr. Epstein on August
13, 2019, at 9:07 a.m. His cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from July 29, 2019, until August 10, 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, photographs of nametags on SHU cell doors and SHU locator forms were sent to the
Correctional Service Department in the Northeast Region. The SHU locator form is dated August 9, 2019. It shows
inmate Ferrer in cell 207L (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August I1, 2019), inmate Avila in cell
212U (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Epstein in cell 220L (SENTRY never
shows him in this cell) along with inmate Reyes (#85993- 054). The locator shows inmate Copper (#92299-054) and
inmate Dockery (#60685-050) in cell 206. The photo sheets show the cell being 220 with inmates Epstein and Reyes'
identification cards on the door. Inmate Reyes, Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 was in cell ZO6-220U from August 5,
2019 to August 9, 2019.
MCC New York has four suicide watch cells and each is for single occupancy use. The suicide watch cells are
located in Health Services. Each cell is abbreviated with the unit code HOI in SENTRY followed by the four-digit
cell number. The doors are identified by a painted number from one to four. Two reviews were conducted. The first
revealed Mr. Epstein was in H01-00IL according to SENTRY but the Suicide Watch Log Books indicate he was in
cell 4. A second review was conducted on August 13, 2019, while there were four inmates on in these cells.
SENTRY showed two inmates assigned to HOl-OOIL, one assigned to H01-002L, and the fourth inmate assigned to a
general population housing unit. Through physical observation of the dedicated suicide watch cells there were four
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SDNY_00017599
EFTA00139190
H0l cells, however a review of the BOPWARE Inmate Housing Format, only shows three cells.
Inmate movement and assignments are not accurately reflected in SENTRY as required by P5500.14, Correctional
Service Procedures Manual.
Institution Response:
Psychology Services: Attached please find the follow-up training sign-in sheets. Department Head Meeting
Minutes, and e-mails provided by psychology staff regarding Psy Alert Inmates. As recommended by Central
Office, the Chief Psychologist has conducted suicide prevention trainings during Department Head Meetings.
through e-mail correspondence, during SHU Staff Trainings, and during Lieutenant's Trainings.
9. Attorney Log Books: Four log books were not secured following Mr. Epstein's death. Specifically, three Attorney
Log Books located in the Attorney Visiting and Front Lobby areas and an Inmate Search Log Book located in the
Attorney Visiting area were not secured. All four books were still in use at the outset of the reconstruction and after
the reconstruction team advised staff to secure them. P5324.08 states, "In the event of a suicide, institution staff,
particularly Correctional Services staff, and other law enforcement personnel, will handle the site with the same
level of protection as any crime scene in which a death has occurred." This policy further states, "All possible
evidence and documentation will be preserved to provide data and support for subsequent investigators doing a
psychological reconstruction."
Further, a review of the attorney log books identified many errors and signify a systemic concern. For example, there
were two concurrently open attorney log books in the Attorney Visiting area. Further, the different purposes of the
two attorney log books, one in the Attorney Visit area and one in the Front Lobby, could not be explained. BOP staff
were unable to articulate a system of control for the log books, and during the reconstruction, some of the log books
could not be accounted for. Within the log books, entries were made out of chronological order, attorneys did not
consistently sign in and out, significant information was illegible or missing, columns were not consistently labeled,
log book opening and closing dates were inconsistent, and the cover had been tom off of several books. At the
current time, these log books are not functioning as an adequate system of control and monitoring.
Institution Response:
Please see the attached audit which was conducted on September 25, 2019.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors: A broad understanding of risk factors associated with sex offenders, by staff at MCC
New York, did not appear to be present in all staff but was vital to his adjustment and safety in prison. A more
focused management strategy is recommended, particularly in complex and high profile cases. Supplemental training
on sex-offender specific risk factors is recommended for all staff and should be provided by Executive Staff and
Psychology Services.
Institution Response:
The PREA Compliance Manager whom is an Associate Warden has been delegated the instructor for Sex offender
specific dynamics and addressing inmate sexual misconduct.
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DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
Psy Alert inmates
Department Head meeting Minutes
SHU Suicide Prevention Training
Report Writing "Back to Basics training"
Bed book count Schedule
Bed Book audit Log Book Audit
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Office of the Warden
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
ISO Park Row
New York. New York 10007
January 27, 2020
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
icon-Vitale, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein. Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated
December 27. 2019.
2. 30 Minute Rounds
The substance of the two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video review is unclear. Please clarify
the requirement for the Captain and IDO. Additionally, please identify the documentation used to maintain
accountability of the reviews.
Institution Response:
Video review requirements have been instituted by NERO. Specifically, on Tuesday of each week, the
institution is notified by NERO of the date, time, and SHU range in which to download video. The video is a
two hour block. The video is to be reviewed by the Captain. During the reviews the Captain is looking for
strict adherence to the requirements that rounds be conducted at least once during every 30-minute period, not to
exceed 40 minutes between rounds and that all scheduled counts are being conducted in the SHU. The Captain
will then submit an assurance memo to the institutional executive staff and Correctional Services Administrator
(CSA) indicating the designated video footage was reviewed, and corrective actions which were taken for any
deficiencies noted. This memorandum will be submitted to the Regional Office by COB on Friday of that same
week. Institutional Duty Officers (IDOs) are required to review 6 hours of SHU video. The surveillance
footage is downloaded by the institutional SIA and a compact disk is provided to the IDOs for review. The
IDOs are reviewing the video for accuracy of the 30 minute rounds. All reviews are documented in the weekly
1DO Report.
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3. Cellmate Assignments
Documentation exists reflecting the role of the local Psychology Services department in communicating the
importance of Mr. Epstein's status as a sex offender with specific needs to the Associate Warden. This includes
consultation with the Psychology Services Branch in Central Office. The communication chain and decision
making of Executive Staff lacks transparency as there is no documentation of the process or staff members
present when decisions were made about the housing of Mr. Epstein. After the fact explanations may not
accurately reflect what occurred.
Institution Response:
As was noted, there was no documentation indicating Psychology Services was present when housing decisions
were made regarding Mr. Epstein. Psychology services is present at the weekly SHU meeting, Executive Staff
meetings, and weekly Opening and Close-Out meetings. During these meetings, the Chief Psychologist or
Acting Chief Psychologist are present to provide recommendations and feedback to the Executive Staff on
housing concerns regarding inmates with mental health issues or risk factors for suicidality. When an inmate
presents with unique risk factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and/or convicted of a
sex offense, careful evaluation is made with regard to housing these inmates with appropriate cellmates.
Moving forward, a plan has been established to have a sign-in sheet and checklist at these meetings where
housing issues are addressed, indicating who was present and what the housing plan is for these inmates with
psychological concerns. These checklists will be maintained in a binder by the Associate Warden of Programs.
Please see the attached checklist.
4. Documentation Accuracy
Professional responsibility requires taking into account multiple descriptions of an incident as noted
in your response. However, when discrepancies exist these should be compiled and noted in
documentation to decrease the likelihood of conflicting conclusions.
As noted in the reconstruction report, an incident report must be written within 24 hours of having
the information that an inmate likely violated BOP rules. An incident report was written for Mr.
Epstein prior to a determination of whether he engaged in self-directed violence or was assaulted on
July 23, 2019. Staff had ample time to wait for the outcome of the SIS investigation of this incident.
The incident report presumed self-directed violence, although SIS was not able to determine whether
this incident was self-directed violence or an assault. Generating the incident report for self-directed
violence is evidence of a local bias about the July 23, 2019, incident that still exists amongst some
staff at MCC New York. Preconceived notions challenge the ability to remain open about alternative
explanations. and subsequent systemic changes may be needed.
Please develop and provide local training for all staff that at a minimum reviews the time frame for
writing incident reports and offers guidance when there is not clear evidence of an infraction. Include
an outline of the training and evidence of staff who attended the training.
Institution Response:
Additional information (slides) has been included in our Annual Training presentations for Report Writing. In
addition to the established training, the slides further differentiate and provide guidance to staff regarding when
it is appropriate to write an Incident Report and when, in cases of a lack of evidence, a memorandum is more
appropriate. The additional information is being provided to all staff as a part of Annual Training. Annual
Training began the week of January 6, 2020, and will continue through the week of March 8, 2020.
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5. Telephone Calls
As noted in the response, there is a lack of documentation to substantiate that a lieutenant facilitated two
telephone calls to Mr. Epstein. However, this does not address the report of two telephone calls being provided.
This response implies that the reporting of two staff members is inaccurate.
The response neglects the documented telephone call to Mr. Epstein's deceased mother.
Institution Response:
On August 29, 2019, Warden'. Petrucci, signed a referral related to
failure to follow policy in
allowing Epstein to complete an unmonitored phone call. The referral was submitted to the Office of Internal
Affairs on that same date and is pending further action at this time.
7. Follow-Up
Please provide documentation for the follow-up training provided to staff detailing the content of the training
and to whom it was provided.
Institution Response:
As recommended by Central Office, the Chief Psychologist has conducted suicide prevention trainings during
Department Head Meetings, e-mail correspondence, SHU Staff Trainings, and Lieutenant's Trainings. The
follow-up training sign-in sheets, Department Head Meeting Minutes, and e-mails provided by psychology staff
regarding PSY ALERT Inmates are attached for your review.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy
Periodic and unannounced checks are now conducted in SHU to determine pp30 assignments and actual inmate
placement match. Please provide an operational definition of periodic. Please do the same for routine, as it
relates Executive Staff bed book counts in all units. Where will the periodic and routine reviews be documented
and will they include the identity (e.g., name and title) of staff who complete them?
Institution Response:
An Executive Staff and Duty Officer schedule has been implemented to conduct daily 4 P.M. and 10 A.M.
weekend bed book counts. Any discrepancies noted are documented and sent via email to Unit Mangers and
Captain at the conclusion of each count for corrective action. Please see the attached schedule.
9. Attorney Log Books
Please provide a copy of the log book audit.
Institution Response:
The audit revealed the Random Visitor Log Book did not reflect visitor pat searches after May 19, 2019. In
addition, the log book does not offer a column to annotate a staff witness. The Contractor/Volunteer Log
Book was not always filled in properly. The Law Enforcement Log Book was up to date: however, the time of
departure was not always documented. The Attorney Log was missing inmate register numbers and more often
than not was legible. There was no Visitor Denial Log created. The audit conducted on September 25. 2019, is
attached for your review.
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Additional corrective measures will now include the Activities Lieutenant checking all Front Lobby log books.
The Captain will ensure these checks are included in the Lieutenant's Daily Log for Day Watch and Evening
Watch. In addition, the Activities Lieutenant will address any discrepancies immediately through on the spot
training and/or performance log entries.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors
Psychologists are subject matter experts in sex offender risk factors and they play a crucial role in sharing this
knowledge through traditional settings such as ICT, AT, and institutional meetings. However, Executive Staff
play a pivotal role in establishing and addressing institutional culture and promoting and participating in
training. A lack of a broad understanding of sex offender specific risk factors requires an intentional training
approach led by Executive Staff. They must be out front talking about inmates with a sex offense, expressing an
understanding of sex offender dynamics, modeling agency condoned expectations for the understanding and
treatment of inmates with a sex offenses, and assisting with institutional trainings. These practices encourage a
broader acceptance by line staff.
Institution Response:
The MCC New York Executive Staff are out front talking about inmates with sex oftbnses. and expressing an
understanding of sex offender dynamics, modeling agency expectations for the understanding and treatment of
inmates with sex offenses. This is done through departmental meetings. trainings. staff recalls and walking and
talking throughout the institution.
ATTACHED DOCUMENTS:
Institution Duty Officer Report
Cellmate Review
Report Writing "Back to Basics Training"
SHU Suicide Prevention Training
Department Head Meeting minutes
PSY ALERT inmates
Bed Book Count Schedule (Exec Staff/IDO)
Bed Book Audit (emails)
Log Book Audit
Executive Staff List
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U.S. Department of .Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Metropolitan Correctional Center
ISO Park Row
New York. Ncw York 10007
Office of the Warden
November 13, 2019
MEMORANDUM FOR HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
I. Petrucci, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated September 17,
2019.
I .Single Ceiling: It is recommended that all inmates be double-celled unless safety concerns or an odd number of
inmates precludes this. Priority should be given to inmates with a history of mental illness, self-directed violence,
recent stressors (e.g., losses, newly sentenced, etc.)
It is recommended that a system of control be implemented explaining who will be notified when a Suicide Watch or
Psychological Observation ends and how that communication will take place. Because this is a life safety issue, the
system of control, once approved by the warden, should be reviewed in formal meetings such as staff recalls,
department head meetings, and lieutenants meetings.
Institution Response: I. Single Cell Placement:
A system has been put in place to ensure inmates are not single celled. A single cell report is completed during each
shift by the SHU Lieutenant during Day Watch and the Operations Lieutenant during the Morning Watch and
Evening Watch. Notifications are made to the Institution Duty Officer (113O) and Executive Staff.
Psychology discusses the status of inmates who are at-risk for suicidality, their housing needs, as well as their needs
for cellmates during staff meetings, department head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings, and close out
meetings.
When inmates arc placed on and off suicide watch, the Warden is notified verbally, regardless of the time of day.
The Warden then determines which suicide watch area a suicidal inmate will be housed and if they will be observed
with an inmate companions or a staff member.
SDNY_00017606
EFTA00139197
Psychology verbally notifies the Operations Lieutenant when inmates are removed from suicide watch and that they
will need to be placed with a cellmate. Cellmates are recommended not only for SHU inmates being removed from
suicide watch, but also for inmates returning to the general population setting. The C&A officer is responsible for
entering the proper assignment.
Once an inmate is removed from suicide watch, psychology staff sends an e-mail to the Executive Staff, IDO, and
Lieutenants informing them the inmate is being removed from suicide watch and can return to a cell with a cellmate.
The e-mail contains the name of the staff member whom psychology verbally spoke with. This recommendation for
a cellmate and conversation with the Lieutenant is also documented in the Post Suicide Watch Report and placed in
BEMR/PDS.
Psychology Services has eliminated the use of Psychological Observation to avoid any confusion as to the needs of
inmates on a watch status.
2. Rounds: 30-minute rounds are required by P5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 2. Rounds:
SHU training is conducted quarterly in which emphasis will be placed on the importance of diligent rounds within
the policy guided timeframes. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review documentation (SHU Round Sheets) on a
daily basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum of their completion weekly. SHU Rounds sheets
will be maintained on the specified range to ensure officers are completing required rounds. A staff member must
observe all inmates confined in continuous locked down status, such as administrative detention or disciplinary
segregation, at least once in the first 30 minute period of the hour, followed by another round in the second 30
minute period of the same hour, thus ensuring an inmate is observed at least twice per hour. These rounds are to be
conducted on an irregular schedule and no more than 40 minutes apart. All observations must be documented.
Closer observation may be required for an inmate who is mentally ill, or who demonstrates unusual or bizarre
behavior. These inmates have been identified with an orange photographic door tag to ensure staff are aware to take
more security pre-cautions in dealing with this inmate. Two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video
review are being conducted.
3. Cellmate Assignments: When Mr. Epstein was placed in SHU on July 7, 2019, Executive Staff decided Mr.
Tartaglione would be his cellmate. As explained by Dr.
, input was not sought from Psychology Services and
it is not clear if or how sex offender-specific needs and associated risk were incorporated into the housing plan. Mr.
Tartaglione was also a high profile inmate-an ex-police officer charged in multiple murders. However, he and Mr.
Epstein did not share the risk associated with being a sex offender and their pairing may have aggravated Mr.
Epstein's risk for self-directed violence. In an effort to treat Mr. Epstein the same as other inmates, a statement
repeated by multiple staff, Executive Staff may have inadvertently overlooked the need to consider unique risk
factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and convicted of a sex offense. On July 25, 019
Dr.
sent an e-mail to
, Associate Warden explaining a consultation between Dr.
and Dr.
National Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In the e-mail, Dr.
Reviewed the consult and
recommendation from the Psychology Services Branch, Central Office that Mr. Epstein be housed with another
inmate who had also been accused of committing a sex offense. There is no evidence this information was
considered beyond this e-mail, and Mr. Epstein was never housed with another inmate charged or convicted of a
sexual offense.
It is recommended Executive Staff and Correctional Services staff include a psychologist in decisions about
cellmates as a means of incorporating expertise about suicide risk, mental health needs, and interventions for
psychological stability.
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Institution Response: 3. Cellmate Assignments:
Inmates with serious mental illness and those at-risk for suicidality are discussed during staff meetings. department
head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings, and close out meetings. The Captain, Associate Wardens,
Warden and Psychology Services discuss the inmate's needs. The Legal Department also assists when the inmate's
attorney or court are concerned about an inmate's mental health. Psychology Services are involved in making
recommendations regarding the types of cellmates with whom inmates at-risk for suicidality should celled.
Psychology Services takes into consideration the suicide risk factors involved with a particular inmate and shares
their knowledge with Executive Staff.
The psychological reconstruction team suggests MCC New York Executive Staff did not take into account Mr.
Epstein's sex offender-specific needs in assigning him a cellmate in SHU. However, that is not correct. MCC New
York Executive Staff considered a variety of factors in determining the most appropriate cellmate for Mr. Epstein,
including but not limited to history of sex offenses, nature of the inmate, cooperation status, etc.
MCC New York administrators initially housed Mr. Epstein with Mr. Tartaglione as both had high profile cases.
Mr. Tartaglione is also a certified death penalty eligible inmate and, thus, based on correctional judgment, less likely
to assault or otherwise try to harm Mr. Epstein. Indeed. Mr. Tartaglione notified staff immediately when he realized
Mr. Epstein first made a possible suicide attempt/gesture on July 23, 2019.
Prior to Mr. Epstein being taken off suicide watch, MCC New York Executive Staff, with input from Psychology
staff, assessed all the inmates in SHU at that time and narrowed the list down to the most appropriate candidates.
Mr. Tartaglione was not chosen as the investigation at the time had not yet cleared him of any wrongdoing. Most of'
the other inmates in SHU at the time were there for disciplinary reasons and were otherwise not appropriate to be
housed with Mr. Epstein. The other notable inmate in SHU with a history of sex offenses, Mr. Hoyt, was deemed
dangerous to Mr. Epstein due to his threatening nature. Accordingly, MCC New York Executive Staff narrowed the
possibilities to cooperators. Specifically. Efrain Reyes. Register Number 85993-054. was placed in SHU for claims
he was being threatened and extorted on his unit, and he was confirmed as proffering with the U.S. Attorney's
Office. As both he and Mr. Epstein were in SHU for safety reasons, Mr. Reyes was deemed an appropriate cellmate.
Based on the above, consideration was made for Mr. Epstein's sex-offender-specific needs in choosing his cellmate
in SHU. His charged crime was just one of the factors reviewed in making the determination. MCC New York
Executive Staff also considered high publicity inmates with ample reasons not to hurt Mr. Epstein, and cooperators
who are not only vulnerable themselves, but also had a lot to lose should they harm Mr. Epstein.
4. Documentation Accuracy: On July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell. He had abrasions on
his neck and knee. There are inconsistencies between documents describing the circumstances of the scene. In a
General Administrative Note in PDS-BEMR, Dr.
documented information received from Operations
Lieutenant
that Mr. Epstein, "was found with a string loosely hanging around his neck." In
contrast, Officer Wilson Silva, who responded to this emergency, wrote a memorandum dated July 23, 2019. In that
memorandum,
wrote he saw Mr. Epstein "laying down near his bunk with what appeared to be a piece
of handmade orange cloth around his neck." It is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect
objective evidence.
Officer
wrote Mr. Epstein an incident report for Self-Mutilation on July 23, 2019, after he was
found unresponsive in his cell but prior to having the necessary facts to determine whether he likely engaged in a
Bureau violation. BOP Policy expects staff to write an incident report within 24 hours of having the information that
an inmate likely violated BOP rules but without making a presumptive decision about guilt. A Special Investigative
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SDNY_00017608
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Services Threat Assessment was completed August 2, 2019, but results were inconclusive as to whether Mr. Epstein
engaged in self- directed violence, willingly fought with his cellmate, or was assaulted by his cellmate. It is
recommended that staff remain open to all reasonable explanations for a behavior and take the appropriate actions
when a final determination is made. Although the incident report was later expunged, inmates frequently experience
significant stress when they contemplate the potential consequences associated with findings of guilt.
Dr.
entered a Psychology Services Intake Screening into PDS-BEMR on July 8, 2010. The document
has three typographical errors. She selected the No Sexual Offense Convictions check box when, in fact, Mr. Epstein
was previously convicted of Solicitation of Prostitution and Procuring a Person Under the Age of 18 for Prostitution.
Second, Mr. Epstein was erroneously identified as a Black male in this document. Finally, there is one instance
where he was mistakenly referred to as Mr. Brown.
Dr.
completed a Risk of Sexual Abusiveness document on July 8, 2019. She marked "History of prior
prison sexual predation" in the affirmative. This is not accurate.
Mid-Level Practitioner, completed a History and Physical on July 9, 2019. An Intake Screening
should have been conducted within 24 hours of his entry into Bureau custody which was on July 6, 2019, according
to P6031.04, Patient Care.
Officer
was responsible for observing Mr. Epstein and documenting his behavior while on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019.
mistakenly used a Suicide Watch Log Book intended for inmate companion
documentation between 1:40 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on July 23, 2019, when he should have been using the Staff Suicide
Watch Log Book. Ms.
Drug Treatment Specialist, reportedly noticed this error and subsequently hand
copied all of
entries from 1:40 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. into a Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. She then
initialed these entries, and this makes it appear as if she was the one conducting the watch. This information was
discovered and conve ed in an e-mail from
Associate Warden to Dr.
with a carbon
copy to Warden
on August 12, 2019. Of note,
did not make an entry explaining why she was
making the log book changes. Additionally,
then wrote entries for 6:15, 6:30 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. in the
Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. These were not a part of the original entries made by
nor was
why
asst ned to work the Suicide Watch
st. Due to the inability to interview staff at this time, it is unknown
attempted to correct
error, or made any of the subsequent log entries. It is
recommended that if a staff member makes an entry error (e.g., writes in the incorrect suicide watch log book), the
staff member should describe the error in the correct log book, to include indicating when they became aware of the
error. The staff member should then notify the Chief Psychologist.
A review of Special Housing Unit Records (BP-A0292) revealed a number of incomplete entries. This document is
used to monitor provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical rounds, showers, meal
consumption, etc. The Officer in Charge signature is missing on 10 occasions and a medical provider's signature is
missing in seven instances. There are six instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein ate his meal. There are nine
instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein took a shower. There are ten instances in which it is not clear if Mr.
Epstein was offered recreation. P5500.15, Correctional Services Manual requires accurate and complete information
on the BP-A0292.
A review of Psychology Observation Log Books revealed significant discrepancies from the approved Psychological
Observation Procedural Memorandum, dated April 15, 2019. A Correctional Officer is required to complete hourly
rounds and sign the log book.
179 out of 183 round signatures were missing. The lieutenant is required to sign the log book one time per shift and
signatures were missing in 10 of 23 instances. A Physician Assistant is required to sign one time per shift and 16 of
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SDNY_0001 7609
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16 instances were missing. It is recommended that a further review of Psychological Observation procedures be
conducted.
Institution Response: 4. Documentation Accuracy:
The Reconstruction team indicates it is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect objective
evidence, and references Psychology staffs reliance on differing statements from two different staff regarding the
July 23, 2019 incident. Psychology staff considers the information from more than one source when making
decisions about suicide watch placement. Clinical judgment is used to make determinations taking into
consideration each person's self-report of a situation as they may be perceived differently.
In reference to typographical errors noted in PDS/BEMR notes, the Chief Psychologist has spoken to all psychology
staff members concerning proof reading all documents entered to reduce typos and to improve information accuracy.
Additionally, there is a second Staff Psychologist in the department which helps reduce the workload on current
psychologists, allowing more time for documentation review.
Regarding the Reconstruction team's concerns in reference to Mr. Epstein's expunged incident report, Special
Investigative Services staff will conduct all investigations in matters of attempted suicide and make a determination
as to whether an incident report is warranted.
The Reconstruction team stated medical staff conducted Inmate Epstein's Intake Screening late. SENTRY records
reflect Inmate Epstein arrived in MCC New York's Receiving and Discharge (R&D) area on July 6, 2019, at
approximately
tp• .m. His medical Intake Screening was conducted at approximately 9:38 p.m., by Physician
Assistant (PA)= on the same night and approximately 14 minutes after his arrival in R&D. On July 9, 2019, he
was placed on Psychological Observation and at approximately 12:38 p.m., he was escorted from Psychological
Observation to Health Services for a Medical Assessment and a History and Physical, which was performed by PA
within three (3) days of his arrival. According to Program Statement 6031.04, Patient Care, a provider
must perform a History and Physical within 14 days of the inmate arriving at BOP facility. The History and Physical
and Intake Screening were conducted timely and in accordance to policy.
Regarding use of the incorrect Suicide Watch Log and the re-creation thereof, the Chief Psychologist and Drug
Abuse Coordinator counseled the Drug Treatment Specialist (DTS) concerning her documentation in the suicide
watch log book. There was no ill-intent on the part of the DTS as all log books were maintained; the original log
book written by the officer and the one documented by the DTS. The DTS indicated a desire to assist the officer as
he had written in the wrong log book. Specifically, he wrote in the inmate companion log book rather than the staff
log book. However, she was informed that this is not her role and she is not to document in a log book for anyone
else observing an inmate on suicide watch. In the future, only the staff member watching the inmate on suicide
watch and Operations Lieutenants document in the suicide watch log book. Log books are now being closely
monitored on a daily basis by the Chief Psychologist.
Incomplete entries were noted in the BP-292s. SHU training is conducted quarterly, in which emphasis will be
placed on the importance of proper 292 documentation. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review 292s on a daily
basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum. 292s will be printed for the previous week every
Sunday. and the SHU Lieutenant will acquire any needed signatures from the respective OICs in a handwritten
manner.
The Reconstruction team findings noted discrepancies in the procedures approved for Psychological Observation.
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Both Staff and the Lieutenants
received additional training on when they are required to complete rounds and sign Suicide Watch log books. With
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SDNY_0001 7610
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regard to suicide watch log hooks signatures, correctional staff are required to perform routine rounds every hour.
The 2 Sally Officer on Monday- Friday during Day Watch is required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates as
prescribed by the Captain. After-hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, serving meals,
collecting trash in the area, and performing the count with the Internal 1 or Internal 2 assisting with duties as
assigned by the Captain. Additionally. Psychology staff check the suicide watch logs daily when they interview the
inmates on suicide watch. If it is noted hourly rounds are not being conducted by the Unit Officer and/or the
Lieutenants are not rounding and signing the books each shift, the Associate Warden over Programs and the Captain
are notified immediately and enforce accountability.
5. Telephone Calls: In a PDS-BEMR note written by Dr.
on July 16, 2019, she was informed by an unnamed
staff member that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls for Mr. Epstein. It is unknown when and to whom these
calls were placed and no evidence that they took place on a monitored telephone.
According to a memorandum from Unit Manager
on August 10, 2019, Mr.i,
terminated his
legal visit early on August 9, 2019, in order to place a telephone call to his family. Mr.
(who was the
Institutional Duty Officer that week) escorted Mr. Epstein to SHU around 7:00 p.m. that evening and he was placed
in the shower area on G tier. While there, he was provided the telephone to make a call.
Since Mr. Epstein reportedly did not have his PAC or PIN number, which is required to use the inmate telephone
system, the Unit Manager placed the call, dialing a number that reportedly began with area code 347. Mr. Epstein
told Mr.
he was calling his mother who, according to public records, has been deceased since 2004.
It is recommended that all telephone calls, other than legal calls, be made on monitored lines to be available for post-
call review or on a speaker phone so staff can monitor what is discussed.
Institution Response: 5. Telephone calls:
There is no documentation to substantiate that a Lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls to Mr. Epstein. However,
there is documented evidence that Unit Manager Proto provided a call to Mr. Epstein on July 30, 2019, at 5:15 p.m.,
to a
, friend, on a monitored telephone/speaker phone. The call was documented in a log that is
maintained in the Correctional Systems Department. Mr. Epstein was provided a call because he had not been able
to conduct voice recording on the inmate telephone. This is standard procedure by the Unit Team at MCC New
York. to occasionally provide a call to new arrivals, when necessary.
6. Direct Observation: Mr. Epstein was on suicide watch from July 23, 2019, until July 24, 2019. While on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein attended an Attorney visit from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.
During this time, he was without "direct, continuous observation" by a dedicated BOP staff member as required by
P5324.08. While on Psychological Observation, he attended attorney visits on July 24, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on
July 25, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on July 26, 2019, for 9.25 hours; on July 27, 2019, for 11.33 hours; on July 28, 2019,
for 10.5 hours; and on July 29, 2019, for 8 hours. On July 30, 2019, Psychology Observation was terminated. During
these visits, continuous observation by a dedicated BOP staff member was not maintained as required by MCC New
York's Procedural Memorandum for Psychological Observation.
Institution Response: 6. Direct Observation:
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Inmates on Suicide Watch are
only provided legal visits under special circumstances as deemed by the Court.
7. Follow-Up: Mr. Epstein arrived at MCC New York on Saturday, July 6, 2019. While conducting the 10:00 p.m.
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institution count that evening,
Facilities Assistant re rted she observed Mr. Epstein in his cell. In an e-
mail she sent to Drs.
and linen and Lieutenant
later that evening, she described Mr. Epstein as
"distraught, sad and a little confused." She said she then asked Mr. Epstein if he was okay, and he reportedly said he
was. However, Ms. TOMS noted in her e-mail she was not convinced of this, adding, "He seems dazed and
withdrawn." She went on to say, "So just to be on the safe side and prevent any suicidal thoughts can someone from
Psychology come and talk with him." Despite the fact that Lieutenant Medina opened the e-mail there is no evidence
that he contacted the on-call psychologist as is required by P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Additionally, if
Ms. Torras was concerned about suicide risk, P5324.08. Suicide Prevention Program, requires her to maintain direct,
continuous observation of Mr. E stein. When Dr.
opened the e-mail the following Monday morning, Mr.
Epstein was evaluated by Dr.
at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Epstein was denied bail on Thursday, July 18, 2019. This was a significant disappointment for Mr. Epstein and
likely challenged his ability and willingness to adapt to incarceration. Given the potential impact of the judge's
decision, a psychologist should have assessed Mr. Epstein's mental status upon his return to the institution. The BOP
developed a SENTRY assignment of PSY ALERT for purposes such as this.
Specifically PSY ALERT is used "to ensure, if movement occurs, that all staff consider the special psychological
and management-related risks associated with the inmate." Furthermore, P5324.07, SENTRY Psychology Alert
Function states, "When a decision to move [any PSY ALERT] inmate occurs, any special psychological needs of the
inmate are reviewed and considered by Psychology Services staff [and] any safety and security concerns are
highlighted for non-Psychology Services staff." Psychologists should use the PSY ALERT assignment more
frequently with high profile cases and with inmates who have a history or charge of sex offense. Both of these
groups of inmates are susceptible to exaggerated or unrealistic fears about correctional settings and experience stress
associated during movement and periods of transition (e.g., celUunit changes, movement to and from court,
institutional movement, and release of information through the media).
Mr. Epstein was reportedly in court on July 31, 2019. It is unknown what time he departed or returned to MCC New
York because this information was not entered in SENTRY. Regardless, upon his return, the United States Marshals
Service (USMS) provided R&D staff with a Prisoner Custody Alert Notice regarding Mr. Epstein. The notice
indicated Mr. Epstein had "Mil Mental Concerns Suicidal Tendencies." The USMS r uested R&D staf.in the
form,and they then departed with the signed copy. On August 1, 2019, at 8:46 a.m.,
sent Dr.
an e-
mail reporting she had just become aware of the above information. In the absence of additional information about
this notation, this should have been considered a referral to Psychology Services about a potentially suicidal inmate
and procedures should have been followed as outlined in P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Specifically, when
a staff member becomes aware an inmate may be thinking about suicide during normal working hours, that staff
member must contact Psychology Services and maintain the inmate under direct,continuous observation until he is
placed on Suicide Watch or seen by a psychologist. There is no evidence Mr.
was monitored under these
conditions from the time he returned from court until he was seen by
for a suicide risk assessment on
August I, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Institution Response: 7. Follow Up:
Staff have been trained that it is required that they make verbal contact with either Psychology Staff or a Lieutenant
when they have concerns for an inmate's mental health. If Psychology Staff is not in the institution, an inmate is
placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden arc notified.
As part of their signature block, all Psychology staff have added the following: "If you are emailing about an inmate
that may be at risk for suicide or self-harm, this is an emergency situation. Please make sure that you make contact
(verbally) to Psychology Staff or the on-call psychologist. Please ensure to maintain constant visual observation of
the inmate until formal steps can be taken to ensure his/her safety pending a formal assessment by a Psychologist."
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The Psychology Department uses PSY ALERT codes more frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with
a history or charge of a sex offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately on classification and/or
identification, and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution. If an inmate is moved in and out of our
institution for court, etc., the inmate is assessed immediately prior to being released to a unit.
R&D staff have been reminded of the U.S. Marshal and Court alert notices. Psychology Staff are notified
immediately if there are suicidal concerns noted by the Courts. If Psychology Staff is not in the institution, an
inmate that enters the institution with an alert notice is placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and
Warden are notified. These inmates receive a suicide risk assessment by a psychologist before being released to the
general population.
Inmates who initially enter and/or transfer into the institution with a PSY ALERT assignment will be seen by a
member of the Psychology Services Department immediately and prior to being released to the general
population. R&D will review the PP44 code and Intake Screeners will utilize the PP64 to determine if inmates
entering the facility have a PSY ALERT assignment. If there is not a psychologist in the building when a PSY
ALERT inmate is identified and/or if it is during non-duty hours, the Operations Lieutenant will immediately be
notified and will then contact the on-call psychologist. The on-call psychologist will come in after hours to
screen the inmate in R&D and determine their appropriateness for general population, as well as any other
pertinent housing considerations, prior to the inmate's release to general population.
Inmates may also be assigned a PSY ALERT function code by a psychologist while housed at this institution.
Psychologists will consider not only inmates with substantial mental health concerns for a PSY ALERT assignment.
but will use PSY ALERT codes frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with a history or charge of a sex
offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution.
The attached institutional procedural memorandum has been reviewed by Central Office Psychology Services and
implemented by MCC New York Psychology Services to outline the follow-up procedures when existing PSY
ALERT inmates return from trips such as court proceedings and hospital trips. If any movement occurs with an
existing PSY ALERT inmate, psychology must be verbally notified immediately when the inmate returns back to the
institution. This would include movement from court, institutional movement, or hospital trips. The Psychology
Department will also be notified of a PSY ALERT inmate's movement prior to the inmate leaving. The Psychology
Department will be provided with the court lists as well as the Prisoner Schedule Report on a daily basis. These
reports will be reviewed daily by a member of the psychology department to assess whether a PSY ALERT inmate is
scheduled to go out to court the following day.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court with a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office indicating imminent mental health concerns or
concerns related to suicidal ity, the PSY ALERT inmate will be seen by a psychologist immediately and prior to their
return to general population. A psychologist will determine at that time if a PSY ALERT inmate is ready to return to
general population, their psychological stability, and their treatment needs. If the inmate returns after hours and there
is no psychologist in the institution, the PSY ALERT inmate will be placed on suicide watch pending a suicide risk
assessment by a psychologist. The Operations Lieutenant. On-Call Psychologist and Warden will be notified.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court routinely, and without a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office, they will be screened by a
8
SDNY_00017613
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member of the Psychology Department within 24 hours to assess if they are experiencing any significant distress
regarding their court proceedings that may be exacerbating their mental health difficulties and/or risk factors.
Per guidance from Central Office Psychology Division. the Psychology Department will conduct a training with
R&D staff to help train them about PSY ALERT inmates and to recognize signs of psychological distress and
suicidality. Suicide Prevention and PSY ALERT Trainings have recently been conducted by the Psychology
Services Department with Lieutenants and during a recent Department Head Meeting. Further, an e-mail regarding
PSY ALERT procedures was sent to all Lieutenants, Receiving and Discharge (R&D), Psychology and Health
Services staff.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy: According to a SENTRY quarters roster generated on August
10, 2019, at 12:51 a.m., there were three inmates assigned to Mr. Epstein's SHU cell, Z04-206LAD, including him,
at the time of his death. However, his SHU cell was only a double occupancy cell. Inmate Patrick Avila (#86710-
054), inmate Gregory Ferrer (#79793-054), and Mr. Epstein were all assigned to the same cell. On August 13, 2019,
at 12:06 p.m. and 12:08 p.m., a quarters history roster was generated for inmate Avila and Ferrer, respectively.
Inmate Avila's cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from August 5, 2019, until August 11, 2019, when he was moved
to cell Z04-212UAD. Inmate Ferrer's cell assignment was Z04-206UAD from August 1, 2019, until August 11,
2019, when he was moved to cell Z04-207LAD. A quarters history roster was generated for Mr. Epstein on August
13, 2019, at 9:07 a.m. His cell assignment was 104-206LAD from July 29, 2019, until August 10, 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, photographs of nametags on SHU cell doors and SHU locator forms were sent to the
Correctional Service Department in the Northeast Region. The SHU locator form is dated August 9, 2019. It shows
inmate Ferrer in cell 207L (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Avila in cell
212U (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August II, 2019), inmate Epstein in cell 220L (SENTRY never
shows him in this cell) along with inmate Reyes (#85993-054). The locator shows inmate Copper (#92299-054) and
inmate Dockery (#60685-050) in cell 206. The photo sheets show the cell being 220 with inmates Epstein and Reyes'
identification cards on the door. Inmate Reyes, Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 was in cell Z06-220U from August 5,
2019 to August 9, 2019.
MCC New York has four suicide watch cells and each is for single occupancy use. The suicide watch cells are
located in Health Services. Each cell is abbreviated with the unit code HOI in SENTRY followed by the four-digit
cell number. The doors are identified by a painted number from one to four. Two reviews were conducted. The first
revealed Mr. Epstein was in H01-001L according to SENTRY but the Suicide Watch Log Books indicate he was in
cell 4. A second review was conducted on August 13, 2019, while there were four inmates on in these cells.
SENTRY showed two inmates assigned to HO1-001L, one assigned to H01-002L, and the fourth inmate assigned to a
general population housing unit. Through physical observation of the dedicated suicide watch cells there were four
H0I cells, however a review of the BOPWARE Inmate Housing Format, only shows three cells.
Inmate movement and assignments are not accurately reflected in SENTRY as required by P5500.14, Correctional
Service Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy:
With regard to the accuracy and accountability of inmates placed on suicide watch status in the hospital area,
Psychology Services now runs a daily Sentry roster of all the inmates on suicide watch in that area. The roster is
examined to ensure that the inmates placed on suicide watch in a suicide watch cell are keyed into SENTRY with
the correct cell assignment noted. The Associate Warden, Programs. is notified if there are any inconsistencies.
Moreover, the four suicide watch cells now all have SENTRY Assignments of H01-00IL - H01-0044. Further.
9
SDNY_00017614
EFTA00139205
Psychology Services Department reviews suicide watch log books on a daily basis to assess whether the Lieutenants
have conducted rounds during each shift and whether the Unit 2 Sallyport and Unit 2 Officer are conducting hourly
rounds. Any inconsistencies noted in the logbooks by Psychology staff will be reported immediately to the Captain
and the Associate Warden over Programs to address appropriately.
The Operations Lieutenant will physically check the PP30 Cell Assignment Roster when inmates are quartered on
suicide watch. The Lieutenant will ensure the Counts and Assignments (C&A) Officer keys cell assignments
correctly and annotate any errors in the daily log and contact the Captain immediately. Guidance was sent to the
Lieutenants regarding keying of suicide watch bed assignments after hours. The Lieutenants were instructed that
upon placing an inmate on suicide watch, they are responsible for contacting C&A and providing the cell
assignment. Additionally, the Lieutenant will run a PP30 with the selection category for suicide watch. The
Operations Lieutenant will email the roster to the Captain, as he will be responsible for verifying that each inmate is
in the appropriate cell. This verification process will ensure inmates placed on suicide watch are keyed into accurate
bed assignments and will eliminate inmates being keyed into the same cell.
Additionally, the Lieutenants were instructed to contact the Captain and on-call Psychology staff by telephone when
the need for suicide watch placement is determined after hours. Psychology staff have been instructed to contact the
Warden upon receiving said notification. After consultation with the Warden, Psychology staff will designate
whether a staff or inmate companion will be assigned. Psychology staff will in turn inform the Shift Lieutenant of
this determination.
To ensure inmates are assigned to the correct cell inside the Special Housing Unit, periodic and unannounced checks
are conducted. Specifically, SENTRY Roster PP30 Quarters assignments are audited daily by the SHU Lieutenant.
Executive Staff also conduct routine bed book counts in all units. Any and all discrepancies identified are addressed.
Results will be maintained by Correctional services in the Lieutenants Log. Morning Watch Lieutenant is
responsible for observing one count during his or her shift in SHU which is documented daily in the Lieutenants
Log.
In order to properly account for inmates in the unit, staff have been informed not use the Inmate Locator Form, due
to the forms being unreliable in accounting for inmates and cell assignments. A Unit Accountability Board along
with a SENTRY PP30 Quarters Roster have been placed in the unit to establish better oversight over inmate
accountability.
Correctional Staff are required to perform routine rounds of the second floor suicide watch area every hour. On Day
watch, Monday through Friday, the 2 Sally Officers are required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates, as
prescribed by the Captain. After hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, serving meals,
collecting trash in the area, and performing the count with the Internal I or Internal 2 Officer assisting with duties as
assigned by the Captain. To ensure that staff are informed of the importance of Suicide Prevention and
responsibilities when one occurs. Lieutenants will reinforce the message through conference calls with staff. Roll
Call notes will be placed on TRU Scope to notify staff of which inmates are currently on suicide watch.
9. Attorney Log Books: Four log books were not secured following Mr. Epstein's death. Specifically, three Attorney
Log Books located in the Attorney Visiting and Front Lobby areas and an Inmate Search Log Book located in the
Attorney Visiting area were not secured. All four books were still in use at the outset of the reconstruction and after
the reconstruction team advised staff to secure them. P5324.08 states, "In the event of a suicide, institution staff,
particularly Correctional Services staff, and other law enforcement personnel, will handle the site with the same
level of protection as any crime scene in which a death has occurred." This policy further states, "All possible
evidence and documentation will be preserved to provide data and support for subsequent investigators doing a
psychological reconstruction."
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Further, a review of the attorney log books identified many errors and signify a systemic concern. For example, there
were two concurrently open attorney log books in the Attorney Visiting area. Further, the different purposes of the
two attorney log books, one in the Attorney Visit area and one in the Front Lobby, could not be explained. BOP staff
were unable to articulate a system of control for the log books, and during the reconstruction, some of the log books
could not be accounted for. Within the log books, entries were made out of chronological order, attorneys did not
consistently sign in and out, significant information was illegible or missing, columns were not consistently labeled,
log book opening and closing dates were inconsistent, and the cover had been tom off of several books. At the
current time, these log books are not functioning as an adequate system of control and monitoring.
Institution Response: 9. Attorney Log Books:
On August 10, 2019, log books deemed relevant to the investigation were removed from various locations
throughout the facility. The Reconstruction Team did identify pertinent logbooks that had not been secured. At this
time, all relevant logbooks have been removed and replaced. In addition, a logbook audit was conducted to ensure
accuracy of the documentation and compliance with policy. Measures are being taken to ensure in the future that all
relevant logbooks are identified, secured immediately and replaced with new ones to ensure the institution can
continue to run efficiently.
10. Automatic External Defibrillators: A review of available AEDs in the institution revealed that the list used for
accountability and inspection purposes was inaccurate and incomplete.
Institution Response: 10: Automatic External Defibrillators:
A review of the Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) report presented by Great Lakes Biomedical Services
dated July 22, 2019, revealed that all AEDS were accounted for and were placed in the correct respective areas. The
report was accurate and complete. New AEDs have been purchased and will be inspected Great Lakes Biomedical
Services upon their arrival. The list reviewed by the reconstruction team was an old and outdated list from January 8,
2018.
Medical staff have prepared and are awaiting approval of training and procedures to allow them to inspect
institutional AEDs locally in between/in between outside inspections by Great Lakes Biomedical Services. A copy
of the proposed procedures is attached hereto.
11. Post Orders & SHU Training: SHU Post Orders Sign-In Sheets were reviewed for the 3rd Quarter, spanning June
9, 2019, to September 7, 2019. Officer L. Grey failed to sign post orders for SHU #3 post.
Quarterly SHU Training Sign-In Sheets were reviewed. The 2019 3rd Quarter SHU Training was conducted on June
6, 2019. Three staff assi ned to the 3rd Quarter SHU Roster in SHU did not attend or receive the SHU Training:
,and
Institution Response: 11. Post Orders & SHU Training:
The Suicide Watch Post Orders are located in the Lieutenant's Office and SHU with a quarterly sign-in sheet. A
copy of the Suicide Watch Post Orders will also be placed in a secure container outside of the suicide watch cells
on Tier H in SHU. This container will also hold signature sheets and additional Staff Suicide Watch Log Books.
All staff members assigned to a suicide watch post are responsible for signing the post orders prior to performing the
staff suicide watch. Attached please find a copy of the NERO Waiver permitting staff monitored suicide watches in
SHU.
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With regard to SHU Suicide Prevention training, this continues to be carried out on a quarterly basis. However, the
sign-in sheets for this training are now be examined by the SHU Lieutenant for accuracy. If a staff member who is
assigned to SHU misses the training, the sign-in sheet will be routed to the Captain, who will coordinate with the
Chief Psychologist and schedule a time to receive a make-up session for the SHU Suicide Prevention Training.
SHU training is conducted quarterly two weeks from the beginning of the new quarter. A representative from
Psychology will provide the required suicide prevention training. In addition, the SHU training on BOPLEARN will
be completed by all staff assigned to SHU that day of training. SHU staff will be allotted time during that day to
complete all prescribed web-based training as identified on the agenda. Staff who are assigned to SHU but have not
received the mandatory training before assuming the post will be roster-adjusted to attend another training day as
assigned by the Captain.
Staff assigned to suicide watch shall maintain a chronological log of the inmate's behavior. Blank log books will be
maintained in the Lieutenants office and on the 2nd Floor. A chronological record of events will commence
immediately upon the initiation of watch. It is the responsibility of the staff member initiating the watch to obtain a
blank log book prior to initiating the watch. Different log books will be used for each inmate on suicide watch; each
log book will contain entries for one suicide watch only. The name and register number of the inmate on watch shall
be clearly printed on the front cover of the log book and at the top of each page in the log book on which entries are
made.
During some suicide watches, staff observers may cover some shifts and inmate companions may cover others. In
this instance, two separate log books must be used: one for the shifts during which staff are maintaining constant
visual observation (blue) and another for shifts during which inmate companions are providing constant visual
observation (yellow). When separate inmate companion log books are used, staff must sign the inmate companion
log book every 60 minutes.
Lights will remain on inside the cell 24 hours day to ensure the inmate on watch can be seen. A Lieutenant will
make rounds every shift and remove the inmate from the cell and perform a cursory search. No food items, trays,
eating utensils, milk cartons, toilet paper, plastic bags, reading materials, pens, pencils, or anything else not
prescribed by Psychology staff should be in the cell.
The inmate will be outfitted in a suicide preventive smock, suicide preventive blanket, suicide preventive mattress
and if necessary a suicide preventive helmet. Inmate Companions will be searched prior to assuming duties. Inmate
Companions are not allowed to have radios, mp3 players, magazines, books or anything that would distract them
from maintaining constant supervision. Inmate Companions will not have direct or physical contact with inmates on
suicide watch.
12. Staffing: The Drug Abuse Program Coordinator positon at MCC New York was abolished during Phase I of the
staff realignment during fiscal year 2018. Re-establishing
the Drug Abuse Program Coordinator position would provide the institution with an additional supervisory
psychologist to provide critical clinical services.
Staffing in the Correctional Services department is relevant to the reconstruction. However, the details about this
topic are provided in an After Action Review completed separately from this report.
Institution Response: 12. Staffing:
The Drug Abuse Coordinator position is currently a shared position. The Warden has re-established the Drug Abuse
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Coordinator position as a full-time position to provide the Psychology Department with an additional supervisory
psychologist to perform critical clinical services. At the current time, the position is pending selection.
We arc currently in the process of requesting to hire a Staff Psychologist position to provide additional psychological
services to inmates in the SHU, including therapy sessions with PSY ALERT, CC2-MH and CC3-MH inmates who
are currently housed there. An additional psychologist could also monitor Hot List inmates arriving to the SHU and
ensure they are housed with appropriate cellmates. This psychologist could conduct daily rounds to look for signs of
psychological distress and address the concerns of our Long Term SHU inmates. Finally, an additional Staff
Psychologist could assist with our daily crisis interventions and suicide risk assessments.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors: A broad understanding of risk factors associated with sex offenders, by staff at MCC
New York, did not appear to be present in all staff but was vital to his adjustment and safety in prison. A more
focused management strategy is recommended, particularly in complex and high profile cases. Supplemental training
on sex-offender specific risk factors is recommended for all staff and should be provided by Executive Staff and
Psychology Services.
Institution Response: 13. Sex Offense Risk Factors:
The Chief Psychologist is a member of the Executive Staff. The Chief Psychologist or her designee continues to be
present at all Executive Staff Meetings, Department Head Meetings, and SHU meetings. During these meetings, the
Chief Psychologist offers feedback regarding the treatment and management of sex offender inmates. Additionally,
the Chief Psychologist continues to educate all staff during Introduction to Correctional Techniques (ICT) and
Annual Training (AT) about the sex offender specific risk factors and suicidality.
DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
TRU-INTEL Download Report of Incident (583), 586, & Global Report
TRUVIEW - Money Exchanged; Phone, Email, & Visitor Lists; Calls; Messages; Visits; Timeline
TRU-SCOPE - Logs, High Risk Inmates, Inmates Lists, etc. Staff Memorandums
Staff E-Mail
Photographs of Scene; Deceased, Autopsy Video Showing Scene and Staff Response Sentry Documentation
SIS Case File Index Psychology File PDS-BEMR
Psychological Observation Procedural Memorandum Post Orders
Lieutenant Logs Attorney Logs Staff Roster
Medical Information/Records (BEMR) BOP Twenty-Four Hour Death Report Pre-Sentence Report
Note(s) Left Behind by Deceased Time Line
Autopsy Request & Report Inmate Central File
Court Return Screening Form Prisoner Remand Form (If applicable)
USM 129 Individual Custody/Detention Report (If applicable) Prisoner Custody Alert Notice
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Staff Sign-In Log I Week Prior to Suicide (If applicable) Detention Orders (If applicable)
30 minute SHU rounds BP 292's
14
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U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of the Warden
Metropolitan Conk-atonal Cana
150 Park Row
New York. New York 10007
November 6, 2019
MEMORANDUM FOR
HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
I. Petrucci, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated September 17,
2019.
1.Single Ceiling: It is recommended that all inmates be double-celled unless safety concerns or an odd number of
inmates precludes this. Priority should be given to inmates with a history of mental illness, self-directed violence,
recent stressors (e.g., losses, newly sentenced, etc.)
It is recommended that a system of control be implemented explaining who will be notified when a Suicide Watch or
Psychological Observation ends and how that communication will take place. Because this is a life safety issue, the
system of control, once approved by the warden, should be reviewed in formal meetings such as staff recalls,
department head meetings, and lieutenants meetings.
Institution Response: 1. Single Cell Placement:
A system has been put in place to ensure inmates are not single celled. A single cell report is completed during each
shift by the SHU Lieutenant during Day Watch and the Operations Lieutenant during the Morning Watch and
Evening Watch. Notifications are made to the Institution Duty Officer (IDO) and Executive Staff.
Psychology discusses the status of inmates who are at-risk for suicidality, their housing needs, as well as their needs
for cellmates during staff meetings, department head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings, and close out
meetings.
When inmates are placed on and off suicide watch, the Warden is notified verbally, regardless of the time of day.
The Warden then determines which suicide watch area a suicidal inmate will be housed and if they will be observed
with an inmate companions or a staff member.
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Psychology verbally notifies the Operations Lieutenant when inmates are removed from suicide watch and that they
will need to be placed with a cellmate. Cellmates are recommended not only for SHU inmates being removed from
suicide watch, but also for inmates returning to the general population setting. The C&A officer is responsible for
entering the proper assisgnment.
Once an inmate is removed from suicide watch, psychology staff sends an e-mail to the Executive Staff, IDO, and
Lieutenants informing them the inmate is being removed from suicide watch and can return to a cell with a cellmate.
The e-mail contains the name of the staff member whom psychology verbally spoke with. This recommendation for
a cellmate and conversation with the Lieutenant is also documented in the Post Suicide Watch Report and placed in
BEMR/PDS.
Psychology Services has eliminated the use of Psychological Observation to avoid any confusion as to the needs of
inmates on a watch status.
2. Rounds: 30-minute rounds are required by P5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 2. Rounds:
SHU training is conducted quarterly in which emphasis will be placed on the importance of diligent rounds within
the policy guided timeframes. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review documentation (SHU Round Sheets) on a
daily basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum of their completion weekly. SHU Rounds sheets
will be maintained on the specified range to ensure officers are completing required rounds. A staff member must
observe all inmates confined in continuous locked down status, such as administrative detention or disciplinary
segregation, at least once in the first 30 minute period of the hour, followed by another round in the second 30
minute period of the same hour, thus ensuring an inmate is observed at least twice per hour. These rounds are to be
conducted on an irregular schedule and no more than 40 minutes apart. All observations must be documented.
Closer observation may be required for an inmate who is mentally ill, or who demonstrates unusual or bizarre
behavior. These inmates have been identified with an orange photographic door tag to ensure staff are aware to take
more security pm-cautions in dealing with this inmate. Two hour Captain video review and six hour IDO video
review are being conducted.
3. Cellmate Assignments: When Mr. Epstein was placed in SHU on July 7, 2019, Executive Staff decided Mr.
Tartaglione would be his cellmate. As explained by Dr.
, input was not sought from Psychology Services and
it is not clear if or how sex offender-specific needs and associated risk were incorporated into the housing plan. Mr.
Tartaglione was also a high profile inmate-an ex-police officer charged in multiple murders. However, he and Mr.
Epstein did not share the risk associated with being a sex offender and their pairing may have aggravated Mr.
Epstein's risk for self-directed violence. In an effort to treat Mr. Epstein the same as other inmates, a statement
repeated by multiple staff, Executive Staff may have inadvertently overlooked the need to consider unique risk
factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and convicted of a sex offense. On July 25,019
Dr.
sent an e-mail to
, Associate Warden explaining a consultation between Dr.
and Dr.
National Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In the e-mail, Dr.
Reviewed the consult and
recommendation from the Psychology Services Branch, Central Office that Mr. Epstein be housed with another
inmate who had also been accused of committing a sex offense. There is no evidence this information was
considered beyond this e-mail, and Mr. Epstein was never housed with another inmate charged or convicted of a
sexual offense.
It is recommended Executive Staff and Correctional Services staff include a psychologist in decisions about
cellmates as a means of incorporating expertise about suicide risk, mental health needs, and interventions for
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EFTA00139212
psychological stability.
Institution Response: 3. Cellmate Assignments:
Inmates with serious mental illness and those at-risk for suicidality are discussed during staff meetings, department
head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings, and close out meetings. The Captain, Associate Wardens,
Warden and Psychology discuss the inmate's needs. The Legal Department also assists when the inmate's attorney
or court are concerned about an inmate's mental health. Psychology Services are involved in making
recommendations regarding the types of cellmates with whom inmates at-risk for suicidality should celled.
Psychology Services takes into consideration the suicide risk factors involved with a particular inmate and shares
their knowledge with Executive Staff.
The psychological reconstruction suggests MCC New York Executive Staff did not take into account Mr. Epstein's
sex offender-specific needs in assigning him a cellmate in SHU. However, that is not correct. MCC New York
Executive Staff considered a variety of factors in determining the most appropriate cellmate for Mr. Epstein,
including but not limited to history of sex offenses, nature of the inmate, cooperation status, etc.
MCC New York administrators initially housed Mr. Epstein with Mr. Tartaglione as both had high profile cases.
Mr. Tartaglione is also a certified death penalty eligible inmate and, thus, based on correctional judgment, less likely
to assault or otherwise try to harm Mr. Epstein. Indeed, Mr. Tartaglione notified staff immediately when he realized
Mr. Epstein first made a possible suicide attempt/gesture on July 23, 2019.
Prior to Mr. Epstein being taken off suicide watch, MCC New York Executive Staff, with input from Psychology
staff, assessed all the inmates in SHU at that time and narrowed the list down to the most appropriate candidates.
Mr. Tartaglione was not chosen as the investigation at the time had not yet cleared him of any wrongdoing. Most of
the other inmates in SHU at the time were there for disciplinary reasons and were otherwise not appropriate to be
housed with Mr. Epstein. The other notable inmate in SHU with a history of sex offenses, Mr. Hoyt, was deemed
dangerous to Mr. Epstein due to his threatening nature. Accordingly, MCC New York Executive Staff narrowed the
possibilities to cooperators. Specifically, Efrain Reyes, reg. no. 85993-054, was placed in SHU for claims he was
being threatened and extorted on his unit, and he was confirmed as proffering with the U.S. Attorney's Office. As
both he and Mr. Epstein were in SHU for safety reasons, Mr. Reyes was deemed an appropriate cellmate.
Based on the above, consideration was made for Mr. Epstein's sex-offender-specific needs in choosing his cellmate
in SHU. His charged crime was just one of the factors reviewed in making the determination. MCC New York
Executive Staff also considered high publicity inmates with ample reasons not to hurt Mr. Epstein, and cooperators
who are not only vulnerable themselves, but also had a lot to lose should they harm Mr. Epstein.
4. Documentation Accuracy: On July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell. He had abrasions on
his neck and knee. There are inconsistencies between documents describing the circumstances of the scene. In a
General Administrative Note in PDS-BEMR, Dr.
documented information received from Operations
Lieutenant
that Mr. Epstein, "was found with a string loosely hanging around his neck." In
contrast, Officer Wilson Silva, who responded to this emergency, wrote a memorandum dated July 23, 2019. In that
memorandum,
wrote he saw Mr. Epstein "laying down near his bunk with what appeared to be a piece
of handmade orange cloth around his neck." It is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect
objective evidence.
Officer
wrote Mr. Epstein an incident report for Self-Mutilation on July 23, 2019, after he was
found unresponsive in his cell but prior to having the necessary facts to determine whether he likely engaged in a
Bureau violation. BOP Policy expects staff to write an incident report within 24 hours of having the information that
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an inmate likely violated BOP rules but without making a presumptive decision about guilt. A Special Investigative
Services Threat Assessment was completed August 2, 2019, but results were inconclusive as to whether Mr. Epstein
engaged in self- directed violence, willingly fought with his cellmate, or was assaulted by his cellmate. It is
recommended that staff remain open to all reasonable explanations for a behavior and take the appropriate actions
when a final determination is made. Although the incident report was later expunged, inmates frequently experience
significant stress when they contemplate the potential consequences associated with findings of guilt.
Dr.
entered a Psychology Services Intake Screening into PDS-BEMR on July 8, 2010. The document
has three typographical errors. She selected the No Sexual Offense Convictions check box when, in fact, Mr. Epstein
was previously convicted of Solicitation of Prostitution and Procuring a Person Under the Age of 18 for Prostitution.
Second, Mr. Epstein was erroneously identified as a Black male in this document. Finally, there is one instance
where he was mistakenly referred to as Mr. Brown.
Dr.
completed a Risk of Sexual Abusiveness document on July 8, 2019. She marked "History of prior
prison sexual predation" in the affirmative. This is not accurate.
Mid-Level Practitioner, completed a History and Physical on
July 9, 2019. An Intake Screening should have been conducted within 24 hours of his entry into Bureau custody
which was on July 6, 2019, according to P6031.04, Patient Care.
Officer
was responsible for observing Mr. Epstein and documenting his behavior while on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019.
mistakenly used a Suicide Watch Log Book intended for inmate companion
documentation between 1:40 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on July 23, 2019, when he should have been using the Staff Suicide
copied all of
' entries from 1:40 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. into a Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. She then
Watch Log Book. Ms.
, Drug Treatment Specialist, reportedly noticed this error and subsequently hand
initialed these entries, and this makes it appear as if she was the one conducting the watch. This information was
Associate Warden to Dr.
with a carbon
did not make an entry explaining why she was
then wrote entries for 6:15, 6:30.6:45 and 7:00 a.m. in the
Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. These were not a part of the original entries made by
nor was
why
assigned to work the Suicide Watch
st. Due to the inability to interview staff at this time, it is unknown
attempted to correct
error, or made any of the subsequent log entries. It is
recommended that if a staff member makes an entry error (e.g., writes in the incorrect suicide watch log book), the
staff member should describe the error in the correct log book, to include indicating when they became aware of the
error. The staff member should then notify the Chief Psychologist.
discovered and conveyed in an e-mail from
copy to Warden
on August 12, 2019. Of note
making the log book changes. Additionally,
A review of Special Housing Unit Records (BP-A0292) revealed a number of incomplete entries. This document is
used to monitor provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical rounds, showers, meal
consumption, etc. The Officer in Charge signature is missing on 10 occasions and a medical provider's signature is
missing in seven instances. There are six instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein ate his meal. There are nine
instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein took a shower. There are ten instances in which it is not clear if Mr.
Epstein was offered recreation. P5500.15, Correctional Services Manual requires accurate and complete information
on the BP-A0292.
A review of Psychology Observation Log Books revealed significant discrepancies from the approved Psychological
Observation Procedural Memorandum, dated April 15, 2019. A Correctional Officer is required to complete hourly
rounds and sign the log book.
179 out of 183 round signatures were missing. The lieutenant is required to sign the log book one time per shift and
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signatures were missing in 10 of 23 instances. A Physician Assistant is required to sign one time per shift and 16 of
16 instances were missing. It is recommended that a further review of Psychological Observation procedures be
conducted.
Institution Response: 4. Documentation Accuracy:
The Reconstruction indicates it is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect objective evidence,
and references Psychology staffs reliance on differing statements from two different staff regarding the July 23,
2019 incident. Psychology considers the information from more than one source when making decisions about
suicide watch placement. Clinical judgment is used to make determinations taking into consideration each person's
self-report of a situation as they may be perceived differently.
In reference to typographical errors noted in PDS/BEMR notes, the Chief Psychologist has spoken to all psychology
staff members concerning proof reading all documents entered to reduce typos and to improve information accuracy.
Additionally, there is a second Staff Psychologist in the department which helps reduce the workload on current
psychologists, allowing more time for documentation review.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN RE INCIDENT REPORT
The Reconstruction stated medical staff conducted Inmate Epstein's Intake Screening late. SENTRY records reflect
Inmate Epstein arrived in MCC New York's Receiving and Discharge (R&D) area on July 6, 2019, at approximately
9:24 ).m. His medical Intake Screening was conducted at approximately 9:38 p.m., by Physician Assistant (PA)
on the same night and approximately 14 minutes after his arrival in R&D. On July 9, 2019, he was placed on
Psychological Observation and at approximately 12:38 p.m., he was escorted from Psychological Observation to
Health Services for a Medical Assessment and a History and Physical, which was performed by PA
within
three (3) days of his arrival. According to Program Statement 6031.04, Patient Care, a provider must perform a
History and Physical within 14 days of the inmate arriving at BOP facility. The History and Physical and Intake
Screening were conducted timely and in accordance to policy.
Regarding use of the incorrect Suicide Watch Log and the re-creation thereof, the Chief Psychologist and Drug
Abuse Coordinator counseled the Drug Treatment Specialist (DTS) concerning her documentation in the suicide
watch log book. There was no ill-intent on the part of the DTS as all log books were maintained; the original log
book written by the officer and the one documented by the DTS. The DTS indicated a desire to assist the officer as
he had written in the wrong log book. Specifically, he wrote in the inmate companion log book rather than the staff
log book. However, she was informed that this is not her role and she is not to document in a log book for anyone
else observing an inmate on suicide watch. In the future, only the staff member watching the inmate on suicide
watch and Operations Lieutenants document in the suicide watch log book. Log books are now being closely
monitored on a daily basis by the Chief Psychologist.
Incomplete entries were noted in the BP-292s. SHU training is conducted quarterly, in which emphasis will be
placed on the importance of proper 292 documentation. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review 292s on a daily
basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum. 292s will be printed for the previous week every
Sunday, and the SHU Lieutenant will acquire any needed signatures from the respective OICs in a handwritten
manner.
The Reconstruction noted discrepancies in the procedures approved for Psychological Observation. The Psychology
Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Both Staff and the Lieutenants received additional
training on when they are required to complete rounds and sign Suicide Watch log books. With regard to suicide
watch log books signatures, Correctional Staff are required to perform routine rounds every hour. The 2 Sally
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Officer on Monday- Friday during Day Watch is required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates as prescribed
by the Captain. After-hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, feeding meals, collecting trash
in the area, and performing the count with the Internal 1 or Internal 2 assisting with duties as assigned by the
Captain. Additionally, Psychology staff check the suicide watch logs daily when they interview the inmates on
suicide watch. If it is noted hourly rounds are not being conducted by the Unit Officer and/or the Lieutenants are not
rounding and signing the books each shift, the Associate Warden over Programs and the Captain are notified
immediately and enforce accountability.
5. Telephone Calls: In a PDS-BEMR note written by Dr.
on July 16, 2019, she was informed by an unnamed
staff member that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls for Mr. Epstein. It is unknown when and to whom these
calls were placed and no evidence that they took place on a monitored telephone.
According to a memorandum from Unit Manager
on August 10, 2019, Mr.
terminated his
legal visit early on August 9, 2019, in order to place a telephone call to his family. Mr.
(who was the
Institutional Duty Officer that week) escorted Mr. Epstein to SHU around 7:00 p.m. that evening and he was placed
in the shower area on O tier. While there, he was provided the telephone to make a call.
Since Mr. Epstein reportedly did not have his PAC or PEN number, which is required to use the inmate telephone
system, the Unit Manager placed the call, dialing a number that reportedly began with area code 347. Mr. Epstein
told Mr.
he was calling his mother who, according to public records, has been deceased since 2004.
It is recommended that all telephone calls, other than legal calls, be made on monitored lines to be available for post-
call review or on a speaker phone so staff can monitor what is discussed.
Institution Response: 5. Telephone calls:
There is no documentation to substantiate that a Lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls to Mr. Epstein. However,
there is documented evidence that Unit Manager Proto provided a call to Mr. Epstein on July 30. 2019, at 5:15 p.m.,
to a
, friend, on a monitored telephone/speaker phone. The call was documented in a log that is
maintained in the Correctional Systems Department. Mr. Epstein was provided a call because he had not been able
to conduct voice recording on the inmate telephone. This is standard procedure by the Unit Team at MCC New
York. to occasionally provide a call to new arrivals, when necessary.
6. Direct Observation: Mr. Epstein was on suicide watch from July 23, 2019, until July 24, 2019. While on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein attended an Attorney visit from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.
During this time, he was without "direct, continuous observation" by a dedicated BOP staff member as required by
P5324.08. While on Psychological Observation, he attended attorney visits on July 24, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on
July 25, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on July 26, 2019, for 9.25 hours; on July 27, 2019, for 11.33 hours; on July 28, 2019,
for 10.5 hours; and on July 29, 2019, for 8 hours. On July 30, 2019, Psychology Observation was terminated. During
these visits, continuous observation by a dedicated BOP staff member was not maintained as required by MCC New
York's Procedural Memorandum for Psychological Observation.
Institution Response: 6. Direct Observation:
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Inmates on Suicide Watch are
only provided legal visits under special circumstances as deemed by the Court.
7. Follow-Up: Mr. Epstein arrived at MCC New York on Saturday, July 6, 2019. While conducting the 10:00 p.m.
institution count that evening, INIM,
Facilities Assistant reported she observed Mr. Epstein in his cell. In an e-
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mail she sent to Drs.
and Imeri and Lieutenant
later that evening, she described Mr. Epstein as
"distraught, sad and a little confused." She said she then asked Mr. Epstein if he was okay, and he reportedly said he
was. However, Ms. Torres noted in her e-mail she was not convinced of this, adding, "He seems dazed and
withdrawn." She went on to say, "So just to be on the safe side and prevent any suicidal thoughts can someone from
Psychology come and talk with him." Despite the fact that Lieutenant Medina opened the e-mail there is no evidence
that he contacted the on-call psychologist as is required by P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Additionally, if
Ms.
was concerned about suicide risk, P5324.08. Suicide Prevention Program, requires her to maintain direct,
continuous observation of Mr. E stein. When Dr.
opened the e-mail the following Monday morning, Mr.
Epstein was evaluated by Dr.
at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Epstein was denied bail on Thursday, July 18, 2019. This was a significant disappointment for Mr. Epstein and
likely challenged his ability and willingness to adapt to incarceration. Given the potential impact of the judge's
decision, a psychologist should have assessed Mr. Epstein's mental status upon his return to the institution. The BOP
developed a SENTRY assignment of PSY ALERT for purposes such as this.
Specifically PSY ALERT is used "to ensure, if movement occurs, that all staff consider the special psychological
and management-related risks associated with the inmate." Furthermore. P5324.07, SENTRY Psychology Alert
Function states, "When a decision to move [any PSY ALERT] inmate occurs, any special psychological needs of the
inmate are reviewed and considered by Psychology Services staff [and] any safety and security concerns are
highlighted for non-Psychology Services staff." Psychologists should use the PSY ALERT assignment more
frequently with high profile cases and with inmates who have a history or charge of sex offense. Both of these
groups of inmates are susceptible to exaggerated or unrealistic fears about correctional settings and experience stress
associated during movement and periods of transition (e.g., cell/unit changes, movement to and from court,
institutional movement, and release of information through the media).
Mr. Epstein was reportedly in court on July 31, 2019. It is unknown what time he departed or returned to MCC New
York because this information was not entered in SENTRY. Regardless, upon his return, the United States Marshals
Service (USMS) provided R&D staff with a Prisoner Custody Alert Notice regarding Mr. Epstein. The notice
indicated Mr. Epstein had "MTL Mental Concerns Suicidal Tendencies." The USMS r nested R&D salt
the
form, and they then departed with the signed copy. On August 1, 2019, at 8:46 a.m.,
sent Dr.
an e-
mail reporting she had just become aware of the above information. In the absence of additional information about
this notation, this should have been considered a referral to Psychology Services about a potentially suicidal inmate
and procedures should have been followed as outlined in P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Specifically, when
a staff member becomes aware an inmate may be thinking about suicide during normal working hours, that staff
member must contact Psychology Services and maintain the inmate under direct,continuous observation until he is
placed on Suicide Watch or seen by a psychologist. There is no evidence
was monitored under these
conditions from the time he returned from court until he was seen by
for a suicide risk assessment on
August 1, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Institution Response: 7. Follow Up:
Staff have been trained that it is required that they make verbal contact with either Psychology Staff or a Lieutenant
when they have concerns for an inmate's mental health. If Psychology is not in the institution, an inmate is placed
on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden are notified.
As an automatic response to all incoming emails, all Psychology staff added the following auto-reply: "If you are
emailing about an inmate that may be at risk for suicide or self-harm, this is an emergency situation. Please make
sure that you make contact (verbally) to Psychology Staff or the on-call psychologist. Please ensure to maintain
constant visual observation of the inmate until formal steps can be taken to ensure his/her safety pending a formal
assessment by a Psychologist."
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The Psychology Department uses PSY ALERT codes more frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with
a history or charge of a sex offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately on classification and/or
identification, and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution. If an inmate is moved in and out of our
institution for court, etc., the inmate is assessed immediately prior to being released to a unit.
R&D staff have been reminded of the U.S. Marshal and Court alert notices. Psychology Staff are notified
immediately if there are suicidal concerns noted by the Courts. If Psychology is not in the institution, an inmate that
enters the institution with an alert notice is placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden are
notified. These inmates receive a suicide risk assessment by a psychologist before being released to the general
population.
Inmates who initially enter and/or transfer into the institution with a PSY ALERT assignment will be seen by a
member of the Psychology Services Department immediately and prior to being released to the general
population. R&D will review the PP44 code and Intake Screeners will utilize the PP64 to determine if inmates
entering the facility have a PSY ALERT assignment. If there is not a psychologist in the building when a PSY
ALERT inmate is identified and/or if it is during non-duty hours, the Operations Lieutenant will immediately be
notified and will then contact the on-call psychologist. The on-call psychologist will come in after hours to
screen the inmate in R&D and determine their appropriateness for general population, as well as any other
pertinent housing considerations, prior to the inmate's release to general population.
Inmates may also be assigned a PSY ALERT function code by a psychologist while housed at this institution.
Psychologists will consider not only inmates with substantial mental health concerns for a PSY ALERT assignment,
but will use PSY ALERT codes frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with a history or charge of a sex
offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution.
An institutional procedural memorandum will be established by Psychology Services to outline the follow-up
procedures when existing PSY ALERT inmates return from trips such as court proceedings and hospital trips. If any
movement occurs with an existing PSY ALERT inmate, psychology must be verbally notified immediately when the
inmate returns back to the institution. This would include movement from court, institutional movement, or hospital
trips. The Psychology Department will also be notified of a PSY ALERT inmate's movement prior to the inmate
leaving. The Psychology Department will be provided with the court lists as well as the Prisoner Schedule Report on
a daily basis. These reports will be reviewed daily by a member of the psychology department to assess whether a
PSY ALERT inmate is scheduled to go out to court the following day.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court with a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office indicating imminent mental health concerns or
concerns related to suicidality, the PSY ALERT inmate will be seen by a psychologist immediately and prior to their
return to general population. A psychologist will determine at that time if a PSY ALERT inmate is ready to return to
general population, their psychological stability, and their treatment needs. If the inmate returns after hours and there
is no psychologist in the institution, the PSY ALERT inmate will be placed on suicide watch pending a suicide risk
assessment by a psychologist. The Operations Lieutenant, On-Call Psychologist and Warden will be notified.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court routinely and without a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office, they will be screened by a
member of the Psychology Department within 24 hours to assess if they are experiencing any significant distress
regarding their court proceedings that may be exacerbating their mental health difficulties and/or risk factors.
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Per guidance from Central Office Psychology Division, the Psychology Department will conduct a training with
R&D staff to help train them about PSY ALERT inmates and to recognize signs of psychological distress and
suicidality.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy: According to a SENTRY quarters roster generated on August
10, 2019, at 12:51 a.m., there were three inmates assigned to Mr. Epstein's SHU cell, Z04-206LAD, including him,
at the time of his death. However, his SHU cell was only a double occupancy cell. Inmate Patrick Avila (#86710-
054), inmate Gregory Ferrer (#79793-054), and Mr. Epstein were all assigned to the same cell. On August 13, 2019,
at 12:06 p.m. and 12:08 p.m., a quarters history roster was generated for inmate Avila and Ferrer, respectively.
Inmate Avila's cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from August 5, 2019, until August 11, 2019, when he was moved
to cell Z04-212UAD. Inmate Ferrer's cell assignment was Z04-206UAD from August 1, 2019, until August 11,
2019, when he was moved to cell Z04-207LAD. A quarters history roster was generated for Mr. Epstein on August
13, 2019, at 9:07 a.m. His cell assignment was ZO4-206LAD from July 29, 2019, until August 10, 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, photographs of nametags on SHU cell doors and SHU locator forms were sent to the
Correctional Service Department in the Northeast Region. The SHU locator form is dated August 9, 2019. It shows
inmate Ferrer in cell 207L (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Avila in cell
212U (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Epstein in cell 220L (SENTRY never
shows him in this cell) along with inmate Reyes (#85993- 054). The locator shows inmate Copper (#92299-054) and
inmate Dockery (#60685-050) in cell 206. The photo sheets show the cell being 220 with inmates Epstein and Reyes'
identification cards on the door. Inmate Reyes, Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 was in cell ZO6-220U from August 5,
2019 to August 9, 2019.
MCC New York has four suicide watch cells and each is for single occupancy use. The suicide watch cells are
located in Health Services. Each cell is abbreviated with the unit code HOI in SENTRY followed by the four-digit
cell number. The doors are identified by a painted number from one to four. Two reviews were conducted. The first
revealed Mr. Epstein was in H01-001L according to SENTRY but the Suicide Watch Log Books indicate he was in
cell 4. A second review was conducted on August 13, 2019, while there were four inmates on in these cells.
SENTRY showed two inmates assigned to HOl-OOIL, one assigned to H01-002L, and the fourth inmate assigned to a
general population housing unit. Through physical observation of the dedicated suicide watch cells there were four
H0I cells, however a review of the BOPWARE Inmate Housing Format, only shows three cells.
Inmate movement and assignments are not accurately reflected in SENTRY as required by P5500.14, Correctional
Service Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy:
With regard to the accuracy and accountability of inmates placed on suicide watch status in the hospital area,
Psychology Services now runs a daily Sentry roster of all the inmates on suicide watch in that area. The roster is
examined to ensure that the inmates placed on suicide watch in a suicide watch cell are keyed into SENTRY with
the correct cell assignment noted. The Associate Warden. Programs, is notified if there are any inconsistencies.
Moreover, the four suicide watch cells now all have Sentry Assignments of H01-001L - H01-0041.
To ensure inmates are assigned to the correct cell inside the Special Housing Unit, periodic and unannounced checks
are conducted. Specifically, SENTRY Roster PP3O Quarters assignments are audited daily by the SHU Lieutenant .
Executive Staff also conduct routine bed book counts in all units. Any and all discrepancies identified are addressed.
Results are maintained by Correctional services in the Daily Log.
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In order to properly account for inmates in the unit, staff have been informed not use the Inmate Locator Form, due
to the forms being unreliable in accounting for inmates and cell assignments. A Unit Accountability Board along
with a SENTRY PP30 Quarters Roster have been placed in the unit to establish better oversight over inmate
accountability.
9. Attorney Log Books: Four log books were not secured following Mr. Epstein's death. Specifically, three Attorney
Log Books located in the Attorney Visiting and Front Lobby areas and an Inmate Search Log Book located in the
Attorney Visiting area were not secured. All four books were still in use at the outset of the reconstruction and after
the reconstruction team advised staff to secure them. P5324.08 states, "In the event of a suicide, institution staff,
particularly Correctional Services staff, and other law enforcement personnel, will handle the site with the same
level of protection as any crime scene in which a death has occurred." This policy further states, "All possible
evidence and documentation will be preserved to provide data and support for subsequent investigators doing a
psychological reconstruction."
Further, a review of the attorney log books identified many errors and signify a systemic concern. For example, there
were two concurrently open attorney log books in the Attorney Visiting area. Further, the different purposes of the
two attorney log books, one in the Attorney Visit area and one in the Front Lobby, could not be explained. BOP staff
were unable to articulate a system of control for the log books, and during the reconstruction, some of the log books
could not be accounted for. Within the log books, entries were made out of chronological order, attorneys did not
consistently sign in and out, significant information was illegible or missing, columns were not consistently labeled,
log book opening and closing dates were inconsistent, and the cover had been tom off of several books. At the
current time, these log books are not functioning as an adequate system of control and monitoring.
Institution Response: 9. Attorney Log Books:
THE BELOW IS NOT RESPONSIVE. WE NEED A STATEMENT AS TO WHEN THE 3 ATTORNEY LOG
BOOKS AND THE INMATE SEARCH LOGBOOK FROM ATTORNEY CONFERENCE WERE SECURED
AND A PLAN TO PULL THEM IN THE EVENT OF ANY FUTURE SUICIDE IF APPLICABLE. WE ALSO
NEED TO ADDRESS HOW THE LOGBOOKS WERE FIXED TO ENSURE ACCURATE DOCUMENTATION.
10. Automatic External Defibrillators: A review of available AEDs in the institution revealed that the list used for
accountability and inspection purposes was inaccurate and incomplete.
Institution Response: 10: Automatic External Defibrillators:
A review of the Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) report presented by Great Lakes Biomedical Services
dated July 22, 2019, revealed that all AEDS were accounted for and were placed in the correct respective areas. The
report was accurate and complete. New AEDs have been purchased and will be inspected Great Lakes Biomedical
Services upon their arrival. The list reviewed by the reconstruction team was an old and outdated list from January 8,
2018.
I I. Post Orders & SHU Training: SHU Post Orders Sign-In Sheets were reviewed for the 3rd Quarter, spanning June
9, 2019, to September 7, 2019. Officer L. Grey failed to sign post orders for SHU #3 post.
Quarterly SHU Training Sign-In Sheets were reviewed. The 2019 3rd Quarter SHU Training was conducted on June
6, 2019. Three staff assigned to the 3rd Quarter SHU Roster in SHU did not attend or receive the SHU Training:
,and
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Institution Response: I 1 . Post Orders & SHU Training:
The Suicide Watch Post Orders are located in the Lieutenant's Office with a quarterly sign-in sheet. All staff
members assigned to a suicide watch post are responsible for signing the post orders prior to performing the staff
suicide watch.
With regard to SHU Suicide Prevention training, this continues to be carried out on a quarterly basis. However, the
sign-in sheets for this training are now be examined by the SHU Lieutenant for accuracy. If a staff member who is
assigned to SHU misses the training, they see the Chief Psychologist and schedule a time to receive a make-up
session for the SHU Suicide Prevention Training.
SHU training is conducted quarterly two weeks from the beginning of the new quarter. A representative from
Psychology will provide the required suicide prevention training. In addition, the SHU training on BOPLEARN will
be completed by all staff assigned to SHU that day of training. SHU staff will be allotted time during that day to
complete all prescribed web-based training as identified on the agenda. Staff who are assigned to SHU but have not
received the mandatory training before assuming the post will be roster-adjusted to attend another training day as
assigned by the Captain.
Staff assigned to suicide watch shall maintain a chronological log of the inmate's behavior. Blank log books will be
maintained in the Lieutenants office and on the r d Floor. A chronological record of events will commence
immediately upon the initiation of watch. It is the responsibility of the staff member initiating the watch to obtain a
blank log book prior to initiating the watch. Different log books will be used for each inmate on suicide watch; each
log book will contain entries for one suicide watch only.
The name and register number of the inmate on watch shall be clearly printed on the front cover of the log book and
at the top of each page in the log book on which entries are made.
During some suicide watches, staff observers may cover some shifts and inmate companions may cover others. In
this instance, two separate log books must be used: one for the shifts during which staff are maintaining constant
visual observation (blue) and another for shifts during which inmate companions are providing constant visual
observation (yellow). When separate inmate companion log books are used, STAFF MUST SIGN THE INMATE
COMPANION LOG BOOK EVERY 60 MINUTES. Lights will remain on inside the cell 24 hours day to ensure the
inmate on watch can be seen. Every shift a Lieutenant will make rounds and remove the inmate from the cell and
perform a cursory search.
No food items, trays, eating utensils, milk cartons, toilet paper, plastic bags, reading materials, pens , pencils, or
anything else not prescribe by Psychology staff should be in the cell.
The inmate will be outfitted in a (Suicide Preventive Smock, Suicide Preventive Blanket, Suicide Preventive
Mattress and if necessary a Suicide Preventive Helmet). Inmate Companions will be searched prior to assuming
duties. Inmate Companions are not allowed to have Radios, MP-3 Players, Magazines, Books or anything that
would distract them from maintaining constant supervision. Inmate Companions will not have direct or physical
contact with inmates on Suicide Watch.
12. Staffing: The Drug Abuse Program Coordinator positon at MCC New York was abolished during Phase I of the
staff realignment during fiscal year 2018. Re-establishing
the Drug Abuse Program Coordinator position would provide the institution with an additional supervisory
psychologist to provide critical clinical services.
Staffing in the Correctional Services department is relevant to the reconstruction. However, the details about this
topic are provided in an After Action Review completed separately from this report.
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Institution Response: 12. Staffing:
The current Drug Abuse Coordinator position is currently a shared position. The Warden is currently working on re-
establishing the Drug Abuse Coordinator position as a full-time position to provide the Psychology Department with
an additional supervisory psychologist to perform critical clinical services. At the current time, the position has been
formally announced.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors: A broad understanding of risk factors associated with sex offenders, by staff at MCC
New York, did not appear to be present in all staff but was vital to his adjustment and safety in prison. A more
focused management strategy is recommended, particularly in complex and high profile cases. Supplemental training
on sex-offender specific risk factors is recommended for all staff and should be provided by Executive Staff and
Psychology Services.
Institution Response: 13. Sex Offense Risk Factors:
The Chief Psychologist or her representative continues to be present at all Executive Staff Meetings, Department
Head Meetings, and SHU meetings. During these meetings, the Chief Psychologist offers feedback regarding the
treatment and management of sex offender inmates. Additionally, the Chief Psychologist continues to educate all
staff during Institution Familiarization (IF) and Annual Training (AT), about the sex offender specific risk factors
and suicidality.
DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
TRU-INTEL Download Report of Incident (583), 586, & Global Report
TRUVIEW - Money Exchanged; Phone, Email, & Visitor Lists; Calls; Messages; Visits; Timeline
TRU-SCOPE - Logs, High Risk Inmates, Inmates Lists, etc. Staff Memorandums
Staff E-Mail
Photographs of Scene; Deceased, Autopsy Video Showing Scene and Staff Response Sentry Documentation
SIS Case File Index Psychology File PDS-BEMR
Psychological Observation Procedural Memorandum Post Orders
Lieutenant Logs Attorney Logs Staff Roster
Medical Information/Records (BEMR) BOP Twenty-Four Hour Death Report Pre-Sentence Report
Note(s) Left Behind by Deceased Time Line
Autopsy Request & Report Inmate Central File
Court Return Screening Form Prisoner Remand Form (If applicable)
USM 129 Individual Custody/Detention Report (If applicable) Prisoner Custody Alert Notice
Staff Sign-In Log 1 Week Prior to Suicide (If applicable) Detention Orders (If applicable)
30 minute SHU rounds BP 292's
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U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Office of the Warden
Metropolitan Correctional Cana
150 Park Row
New York. New Yost 10007
November 1, 2019
MEMORANDUM FOR
HUGH'. HURWITZ, ASSISISTANT DIRECTOR,
REENTRY SERVICES DIVISION
FROM:
SUBJECT:
I. Petrucci, Warden, MCC New York
Institution Response to Psychological Reconstruction
Inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054)
This is the response to the psychological reconstruction of inmate Epstein, Jeffrey (76318-054) dated September 17,
2019.
1.Single Ceiling: It is recommended that all inmates be double-celled unless safety concerns or an odd number of
inmates precludes this. Priority should be given to inmates with a history of mental illness, self-directed violence,
recent stressors (e.g., losses, newly sentenced, etc.)
It is recommended that a system of control be implemented explaining who will be notified when a Suicide Watch or
Psychological Observation ends and how that communication will take place. Because this is a life safety issue, the
system of control, once approved by the warden, should be reviewed in formal meetings such as staff recalls,
department head meetings, and lieutenants meetings.
1. Single Cell Placement
A system has been put in place to ensure inmates are not single celled. A single cell report is completed during each
shift by the SHU Lieutenant during Day Watch and the Operations Lieutenant during the Morning Watch and
Evening Watch. Notifications are made to the Institution Duty Officer (IDO) and Executive Staff.
Psychology discusses the status of inmates who are at-risk for suicidality, their housing needs, as well as their needs
for cellmates during staff meetings. department head meetings, SHU meetings, morning meetings, and close out
meetings.
When inmates are placed on and off suicide watch, the Warden is notified verbally, regardless of the time of day.
The Warden then determines which suicide watch area a suicidal inmate will be housed and if they will be observed
with an inmate companions or a staff member.
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Psychology verbally notifies the Operations Lieutenant when inmates are removed from suicide watch and that they
will need to be placed with a cellmate. Cellmates are recommended not only for SHU inmates being removed from
suicide watch, but also for inmates returning to the general population setting. C&A officer is responsible for
entering the proper assisgnment.
Once an inmate is removed from suicide watch, psychology staff sends an e-mail to the Executive Staff, IDO, and
Lieutenants informing them the inmate is being removed from suicide watch and can return to a cell with a cellmate.
The e-mail contains the name of the staff member whom psychology verbally spoke with. This recommendation for
a cellmate and conversation with the Lieutenant is also documented in the Post Suicide Watch Report and placed in
BEMR/PDS.
Psychology Services has eliminated the use of Psychological Observation to avoid any confusion as to the needs of
inmates on a watch status.
2. Rounds: 30-minute rounds are required by P5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual.
2. Rounds: SHU training is conducted quarterly in which emphasis will be placed on the importance of diligent
rounds within the policy guided timeframes. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review documentation (SHU
Round Sheets) on a daily basis and provide the Captain with an assurance memorandum of their completion weekly.
SHU Rounds sheets will be maintained on the specified range to ensure officers are completing required rounds. A
staff member must observe all inmates confined in continuous locked down status, such as administrative detention
or disciplinary segregation, at least once in the first 30 minute period of the hour, followed by another round in the
second 30 minute period of the same hour. thus ensuring an inmate is observed at least twice per hour. These rounds
are to be conducted on an irregular schedule and no more than 40 minutes apart. All observations must be
documented. Closer observation may be required for an inmate who is mentally ill, or who demonstrates unusual or
bizarre behavior. These inmates have been identified with an (ORANGE) picture door tag to ensure staff are aware
to take more security pre-cautions in dealing with this inmate. Two hour Captian video review and six hour IDO
video review are being conducted.
3. Cellmate Assignments: When Mr. Epstein was placed in SHU on July 7, 2019, Executive Staff decided Mr.
Tartaglione would be his cellmate. As explained by Dr.
, input was not sought from Psychology Services and
it is not clear if or how sex offender-specific needs and associated risk were incorporated into the housing plan. Mr.
Tartaglione was also a high profile inmate-an ex-police officer charged in multiple murders. However, he and Mr.
Epstein did not share the risk associated with being a sex offender and their pairing may have aggravated Mr.
Epstein's risk for self-directed violence. In an effort to treat Mr. Epstein the same as other inmates, a statement
repeated by multiple staff, Executive Staff may have inadvertently overlooked the need to consider unique risk
factors associated with individuals who have been charged with and convicted of a sex offense. On July 25, 2019
Dr.
sent an e-mail to
, Associate Warden explaining a consultation between Dr.
and Dr.
National Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In the e-mail, Dr.
Reviewed the consult and
recommendation from the Psychology Services Branch, Central Office that Mr. Epstein be housed with another
inmate who had also been accused of committing a sex offense. There is no evidence this information was
considered beyond this e-mail, and Mr. Epstein was never housed with another inmate charged or convicted of a
sexual offense.
It is recommended Executive Staff and Correctional Services staff include a psychologist in decisions about
cellmates as a means of incorporating expertise about suicide risk, mental health needs, and interventions for
psychological stability.
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Institution Response: 3. Cellmate Assignments: Inmates with serious mental illness and those at-risk for
suicidality are discussed during staff meetings, department head meetings, SEW meetings, morning meetings, and
close out meetings. The Captain, Associate Wardens, Warden and Psychology discuss the inmate's needs. The Staff
Attorney also assists when the inmate's attorney or court are concerned about an inmate's mental health. Psychology
Services are involved in making recommendations regarding the types of cellmates that inmates at-risk for
suicidality should celled with. Psychology Services takes into consideration the suicide risk factors involved with a
particular inmate and share their knowledge with Executive Staff.
The psychological reconstruction suggests MCC New York Executive Staff did not take into account Mr. Epstein's
sex offender-specific needs in assigning him a cellmate in SHU. However, that is not correct. MCC New York
Executive Staff considered a variety of factors in determining the most appropriate cellmate for Mr. Epstein,
including but not limited to history of sex offenses, nature of the inmate, cooperation status, etc.
MCC New York administrators initially housed Mr. Epstein with Mr. Tartaglione as both had high profile cases.
Mr. Tartaglione is also a certified death penalty eligible inmate and, thus. based on correctional judgment. less likely
to assault or otherwise try to extort Mr. Epstein. Indeed, Mr. Tartaglione notified staff immediately when he realized
Mr. Epstein first made a possible suicide attempt/gesture on July 23, 2019.
Prior to Mr. Epstein being taken off suicide watch, MCC New York Executive Staff, with input from psychology
staff, assessed all the inmates in SHU at that time and narrowed the list down to the most appropriate candidates.
Mr. Tartaglione was not chosen as the investigation at the time had not yet cleared him of any wrongdoing. Most of
the other inmates in SHU at the time were there for disciplinary reasons and were otherwise not appropriate to be
housed with Mr. Epstein. The other notable inmate in SHU with a history of sex offenses, Mr. Hoyt. was deemed
dangerous to Mr. Epstein due to his threatening nature. Accordingly, MCC New York Executive Staff narrowed the
possibilities to cooperators. Specifically, Efrain Reyes, reg. no. 85993-054, was placed in SHU for claims he was
being threatened and extorted on his unit, and he was confirmed as proffering with the U.S. Attorney's Office. As
both he and Mr. Epstein were in SHU for safety reasons, Mr. Reyes was deemed an appropriate cellmate.
Based on the above, consideration was made for Mr. Epstein's sex-offender-specific needs in choosing his cellmate
in SHU. His charged crime was just one of the factors reviewed in making the determination. MCC New York
Executive Staff also considered high publicity inmates with ample reasons not to hurt Mr. Epstein, and cooperators
who are not only vulnerable themselves, but also had a lot to lose should they harm Mr. Epstein.
4. Documentation Accuracy: On July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell. He had abrasions on
his neck and knee. There are inconsistencies between documents describing the circumstances of the scene. In a
General Administrative Note in PDS-BEMR, Dr.
documented information received from Operations
Lieutenant
that Mr. Epstein, "was found with a string loosely hanging around his neck." In
contrast, Officer Wilson Silva, who responded to this emergency, wrote a memorandum dated July 23, 2019. In that
memorandum,
wrote he saw Mr. Epstein "laying down near his bunk with what appeared to be a piece
of handmade orange cloth around his neck." It is critical that all descriptions of the incident accurately reflect
objective evidence.
Officer
wrote Mr. Epstein an incident report for Self-Mutilation on July 23, 2019, after he was
found unresponsive in his cell but prior to having the necessary facts to determine whether he likely engaged in a
Bureau violation. BOP
Policy expects staff to write an incident report within 24 hours of having the information that an inmate likely
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violated BOP rules but without making a presumptive decision about guilt. A Special Investigative Services Threat
Assessment was completed
August 2, 2019, but results were inconclusive as to whether Mr. Epstein engaged in self- directed violence, willingly
fought with his cellmate, or was assaulted by his cellmate. It is recommended that staff remain open to all reasonable
explanations for a behavior and take the appropriate actions when a final determination is made. Although the
incident report was later expunged, inmates frequently experience significant stress when they contemplate the
potential consequences associated with findings of guilt.
Dr.
entered a Psychology Services Intake Screening into PDS-BEMR on July 8, 2010. The document
has three typographical errors. She selected the No Sexual Offense Convictions check box when, in fact, Mr. Epstein
was previously convicted of Solicitation of Prostitution and Procuring a Person Under the Age of 18 for Prostitution.
Second, Mr. Epstein was erroneously identified as a Black male in this document. Finally, there is one instance
where he was mistakenly referred to as Mr. Brown.
Dr.
completed a Risk of Sexual Abusiveness document on July 8, 2019. She marked "History of prior
prison sexual predation" in the affirmative. This is not accurate.
Mid-Level Practitioner, completed a History and Physical on
July 9, 2019. An Intake Screening should have been conducted within 24 hours of his entry into Bureau custody
which was on July 6, 2019, according to P6031.04, Patient Care.
Institution Response: 4. Documentation Accuracy
Psychology considers the information from more than one source when making decisions about suicide watch
placement. Clinical judgment is used to make determinations taking into consideration each person's self-report of a
situation as they may be perceived differently.
The Chief Psychologist has spoken to all psychology staff members concerning proof reading all documents entered
to reduce typos and to improve information accuracy. Additionally, there is a second Staff Psychologist in the
department which helps reduce the workload on current psychologists, allowing more lime for documentation
review.
The Chief Psychologist and Drug Abuse Coordinator counseled the Drug Treatment Specialist (DTS) concerning her
documentation in the suicide watch log book. There was no ill-intent on the part of the DTS as all log books were
maintained; the original log book written by the officer and the one documented by the DTS. The DTS indicated a
desire to assist the officer as he had written in the wrong log book. Specifically, he wrote in the inmate companion
log book rather than the staff log book. However, she was informed that this is not her role and she is not to
document in a log book for anyone else observing an inmate on suicide watch. In the future, only the staff member
watching the inmate on suicide watch and Operations Lieutenants documents in the suicide watch log book. Log
books are now being closely monitored on a daily basis by the Chief Psychologist.
SHU training is conducted quarterly, in which emphasis will be placed on the importance of proper 292
documentation. In addition, the SHU Lieutenant will review 292's on a daily basis, and provide the Captain with an
assurance memorandum. 292's will be printed for the previous week every Sunday. and the SHU Lieutenant will
acquire any needed signatures from the respective OIC in a handwritten manner.
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY. Both Staff and the Lieutenants
received additional training on when they are required to complete rounds and sign Suicide Watch log books. With
regard to suicide watch log books signatures, Correctional Staff are required to perform routine rounds every hour.
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The 2 Sally Officer on Monday- Friday during Day Watch is required to perform rounds on suicide watch inmates as
prescribed by the Captain. After-hours, the Unit 2 Officer will be responsible for making rounds, feeding meals,
collecting trash in the area, and performing the count with the Internal 1 or Internal 2 assisting with duties as
assigned by the Captain. Additionally, Psychology staff check the suicide watch logs daily when they interview the
inmates on suicide watch. If it is noted hourly rounds are not being conducted by the Unit Officer and/or the
Lieutenants are not rounding and signing the books each shift, the Associate Warden over Programs and the Captain
are notified immediately and enforce accountability.
Inmate Jeffery Epstein #76318-05, arrived in the Receiving and Discharge (R&D), area, on July 6, 2019, at
approximately 9:24 p.m. His medical Intake Screening was conducted at approximately 9:38 p.m., by Health
Services staff, Physician Assistant (PA)
on July 6, 2019, the same night he arrived in R&D. On July 9. 2019.
he was placed on Psychological Observation and at approximately 12:38 p.m., he was escorted from Psychological
Observation to Health Services for a Medical Assessment and a History and Physical. which was performed by PA
. According to P6031.04. Patient Care. a provider must perform a History and Physical within 14 days of the
inmate arriving at BOP facility. The History and Physical and Intake Screening was conducted timely and in
accordance to policy.
Officer
was responsible for observing Mr. Epstein and documenting his behavior while on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019.1
mistakenly used a Suicide Watch Log Book intended for inmate companion
documentation between
1:40 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on July 23, 2019, when he should have been using the Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. Ms.
Drug Treatment Specialist, reportedly noticed this error and subsequently hand copied all of
entries from 1:40
a.m. to 6:00 a.m. into a Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. She then initialed these entries, and this makes it appear as if
she was the one conducting the watch. This information was discovered and convi le l an e-mail from ■
Associate Warden to Dr.
with a carbon copy to Warden
on August 12, 2019.
Of note,
did not make an entry explaining why she was making the log book changes. Additionally, M
Coates then wrote entries for 6:15, 6:30, 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. in the Staff Suicide Watch Log Book. These were not a
part of the original entries made by
nor was
assigned to work the Suicide Watch post.
Due to the inability to interview staff at this time, it is unknown why
attempted to correct
error, or made any of the subsequent log entries. It is recommended that if a staff member makes an entry error (e.g.,
writes in the incorrect suicide watch log book), the staff member should describe the error in the correct log book, to
include indicating when they became aware of the error. The staff member should then notify the Chief
Psychologist.
A review of Special Housing Unit Records (BP-A0292) revealed a number of incomplete entries. This document is
used to monitor provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical rounds, showers, meal
consumption, etc. The Officer in Charge signature is missing on 10 occasions and a medical provider's signature is
missing in seven instances. There are six instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein ate his meal. There are nine
instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein took a shower.
There are ten instances in which it is not clear if Mr. Epstein was offered recreation. P5500.15. Correctional Services
Manual requires accurate and complete information on the BP-A0292.
,
A review of Psychology Observation Log Books revealed significant discrepancies from the approved Psychological
Observation Procedural Memorandum, dated April 15, 2019. A Correctional Officer is required to complete hourly
rounds and sign the log book;
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179 out of 183 round signatures were missing. The lieutenant is required to sign the log book one time per shift and
signatures were missing in 10 of 23 instances. A Physician Assistant is required to sign one time per shift and 16 of
16 instances were missing. It is recommended that a further review of Psychological Observation procedures be
conducted.
5. Telephone Calls: In a PDS-BEMR note written by Dr.
on July 16, 2019, she was informed by an unnamed
staff member that a lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls for Mr. Epstein. It is unknown when and to whom these
calls were placed and no evidence that they took place on a monitored telephone.
According to a memorandum from Unit Manager
on August 10, 2019, Mr.1rSi terminated his
legal visit early on August 9, 2019, in order to place a telephone call to his family. Mr.
(who was the
Institutional Duty Officer that week) escorted Mr. Epstein to SHU around 7:00 p.m. that evening and he was placed
in the shower area on G tier. While there, he was provided the telephone to make a call.
Since Mr. Epstein reportedly did not have his PAC or PIN number, which is required to use the inmate telephone
system. the Unit Manager placed the call, dialing a number that reportedly began with area code 347. Mr. Epstein
told Mr.
he was calling his mother who, according to public records, has been deceased since 2004.
It is recommended that all telephone calls, other than legal calls, be made on monitored lines to be available for post-
call review or on a speaker phone so staff can monitor what is discussed.
Institution Response: 5. There is no documentation to substantiate that a Lieutenant facilitated two telephone calls
to Mr. Epstein. However, there is documented evidence that Unit Manager Proto provided a call to Mr. Epstein on
July 30, 2019. at 5:15 p.m., to a
, friend, on a monitored telephone/speaker phone. The call was
documented in a log that is maintained in the Correctional Systems Department. Mr. Epstein was provided a call
because he had not been able to conduct voice recording on the inmate telephone. This is standard procedure by the
Unit Team at MCC New York, to occasionally provide a call to new arrivals, when necessary.
6. Direct Observation: Mr. Epstein was on suicide watch from July 23, 2019, until July 24, 2019. While on suicide
watch on July 23, 2019, Mr. Epstein attended an
Attorney visit from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. During this time, he was without "direct, continuous
observation" by a dedicated BOP staff member as required by P5324.08. While on Psychological Observation, he
attended attorney visits on
July 24, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on July 25, 2019, for 11.25 hours; on July 26, 2019, for
9.25 hours; on July 27, 2019, for 11.33 hours; on July 28, 2019, for 10.5 hours; and on July 29, 2019, for 8 hours.
On July 30, 2019, Psychology Observation was terminated. During these visits, continuous observation by a
dedicated BOP staff member was not maintained as required by MCC New York's Procedural Memorandum for
Psychological Observation.
Institution Response: 6. Direct Observation:
The Psychology Department has eliminated Psychology Observation at MCC-NY.
Inmates on Suicide Watch are only provided legal visits under special circumstances as deemed by the Court.
7. Follow-Up: Mr. Epstein arrived at MCC New York on Saturday, July 6, 2019. While conducting the 10:00 p.m.
institution count that evening,
Facilities Assistant reported she observed Mr. Epstein in his cell. In an e-
mail she sent to Drs.
and Imeri and Lieutenant
later that evening, she described Mr. Epstein as
"distraught, sad and a little confused." She said she then asked Mr. Epstein if he was okay, and he reportedly said he
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was. However, Ms.
noted in her e-mail she was not convinced of this, adding, "He seems dazed and
withdrawn." She went on to say, "So just to be on the safe side and prevent any suicidal thoughts can someone from
Psychology come and talk with him." Despite the fact that Lieutenant Medina opened
the e-mail there is no evidence that he contacted the on-call psychologist as is required by P5324.08, Suicide
Prevention Program. Additionally, if Ms. Torres was concerned about suicide risk, P5324.08. Suicide Prevention
Program, requires her to maintain direct, continuous observation of Mr.
stein. When Dr.
opened the e-mail
the following Monday morning, Mr. Epstein was evaluated by Dr.
at approximately
9:30 a.m.
Mr. Epstein was denied bail on Thursday, July 18, 2019. This was a significant disappointment for Mr. Epstein and
likely challenged his ability and willingness to adapt to incarceration. Given the potential impact of the judge's
decision, a psychologist should have assessed Mr. Epstein's mental status upon his return to the institution. The BOP
developed a SENTRY assignment of PSY ALERT for purposes such as this.
Specifically PSY ALERT is used "to ensure, if movement occurs, that all staff consider the special psychological
and management-related risks associated with the inmate." Furthermore, P5324.07, SENTRY Psychology Alert
Function states, "When a decision to move [any PSY ALERT] inmate occurs, any special psychological needs of the
inmate are reviewed and considered by Psychology Services staff [and] any safety and security concerns are
highlighted for non-Psychology Services staff." Psychologists should use the PSY ALERT assignment more
frequently with high profile cases and with inmates who have a history or charge of sex offense. Both of these
groups of inmates are susceptible to exaggerated or unrealistic fears about correctional settings and experience stress
associated during movement and periods of transition (e.g., cell/unit changes, movement to and from court,
institutional movement, and release of information through the media).
Mr. Epstein was reportedly in court on July 31, 2019. It is unknown what time he departed or returned to MCC New
York because this information was not entered in SENTRY. Regardless, upon his return, the United States Marshals
Service (USMS) provided R&D staff with a Prisoner Custody Alert Notice regarding Mr. Epstein. The notice
indicated Mr. Epstein had "MTL Mental Concerns Suicidal Tendencies." The USMS r uested R&D staff
the
form, and they then departed with the signed copy. On August 1, 2019, at 8:46 a.m.,
sent Dr.
an e-
mail reporting she had just become aware of the above information. In the absence of additional information about
this notation, this should have been considered a referral to Psychology Services about a potentially suicidal inmate
and procedures should have been followed as outlined in P5324.08, Suicide Prevention Program. Specifically, when
a staff member becomes aware an inmate may be thinking about suicide during normal working hours, that staff
member must contact Psychology Services and maintain the inmate under direct,continuous observation until he is
placed on Suicide Watch or seen by a psychologist. There is no evidence
was monitored under these
conditions from the time he returned from court until he was seen by
for a suicide risk assessment on
August I, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Institution Response: 7. Follow Up:
Staff have been trained when they have concerns for an inmate's mental health, they need to make verbal contact
with either Psychology Staff or a Lieutenant. If Psychology is not in the institution. an inmate is placed on suicide
watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden is notified.
All Psychology Staff added a response to their incoming emails. This automatic replay states. "If you are email ing
about an inmate that may be at risk for suicide or self-harm, this is an emergency situation. Please make sure that
you make contact (verbally) to Psychology Staff or the on-call psychologist. Please ensure to maintain constant
visual observation of the inmate until formal steps can be taken to ensure his/her safety pending a formal assessment
by a Psychologist.-
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The Psychology Department uses PSY ALERT codes more frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with
a history or charge of a sex offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied immediately on classification/identification
and not just when an inmate is about to leave the institution. If an inmate is moved in and out of our institution for
court, etc., the inmate is assessed immediately prior to being released to a unit.
R&D staff have been reminded of the Marshall and Court alert notices. Psychology Staff are notified immediately if
there are suicidal concerns noted by the Courts. If Psychology is not in the institution, an inmate that enters the
institution with an alert notice is placed on suicide watch, and the on-call psychologist and Warden is notified.
These inmates receive a suicide risk assessment by a psychologist before being released to the general population.
Inmates who initially enter and/or transfer into the institution with a PSY ALERT assignment will be seen by a
member from the Psychology Services Department immediately and prior to being released to the general
population. R&D will review the PP44 code and Intake Screeners will utilize the PPM to determine if inmates
entering the facility have a PSY ALERT assignment. If there is not a psychologist in the building when a PSY
ALERT inmate is identified and/or if it is during non-duty hours, the Operations Lieutenant will immediately be
notified and will then contact the on-call psychologist. The on-call psychologist will come in after hours to
screen the inmate in R&D and determine their appropriateness for general population, as well as any other
pertinent housing considerations, prior to the inmate's release to general population.
Inmates may also be assigned a PSY ALERT function code by a psychologist while housed at this institution.
Psychologists will consider not only inmates with substantial mental health concerns for a PSY ALERT assignment,
but will use PSY ALERT codes frequently with high profile cases and with inmates with a history or charge of a sex
offense. The PSY ALERT code is applied more immediately and not just when an inmate is about to leave the
institution.
An institutional procedural memorandum will be established by Psychology Services to outline the follow-up
procedures when existing PSY ALERT inmates return from trips such as court proceedings, and hospital trips. If any
movement occurs with an existing PSY ALERT inmate, psychology must be verbally notified immediately when the
inmate returns back to the institution. This would include movement from court, institutional movement, or hospital
trips. The Psychology Department will also be notified of a PSY ALERT inmate's movement prior to the inmate
leaving. The Psychology Department will be provided with the court lists as well as the Prisoner Schedule Report on
a daily basis. These reports will be reviewed daily by a member of the psychology department to assess whether a
PSY ALERT inmate is scheduled to go out to court the following day.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court with a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office indicating imminent mental health concerns or
concerns related to suicidality, the PSY ALERT inmate will be seen by a psychologist immediately and prior to their
return to general population. A psychologist will determine at that time if a PSY ALERT inmate is ready to return to
general population, their psychological stability, and their treatment needs. If the inmate returns after hours and them
is no psychologist in the institution, the PSY ALERT inmate will be placed on suicide watch pending a suicide risk
assessment by a psychologist. The Operations Lieutenant, On-Call Psychologist and Warden will be notified.
When an existing PSY ALERT inmate who has already been initially screened by the Psychology Department
returns from court routinely, and without a notice from the Judge or Marshal's Office, they will be screened by a
member of the Psychology Department within 24 hours to assess if they are experiencing any significant distress
regarding their court proceedings that may be exacerbating their mental health difficulties and/or risk factors.
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Per guidance from Central Office Psychology Division, the Psychology Department will conduct a training with
R&D staff to help train them about PSY ALERT inmates and to recognize signs of psychological distress and
suicidality.
8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy: According to a SENTRY quarters roster generated on August
10, 2019, at 12:51 a.m., there were three inmates assigned to Mr. Epstein's SHU cell, Z04-206LAD, including him,
at the time of his death. However, his SHU cell was only a double occupancy cell. Inmate Patrick Avila (#86710-
054), inmate Gregory Ferrer (#79793-054), and Mr. Epstein were all assigned to the same cell. On August 13, 2019,
at 12:06 p.m. and 12:08 p.m., a quarters history roster was generated for inmate Avila and Ferrer, respectively.
Inmate Avila's cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from August 5, 2019, until August 11, 2019, when he was moved
to cell Z04-212UAD. Inmate Ferrer's cell assignment was Z04-206UAD from August 1, 2019, until August 11,
2019, when he was moved to cell Z04-207LAD. A quarters history roster was generated for Mr. Epstein on August
13, 2019, at 9:07 a.m. His cell assignment was Z04-206LAD from July 29, 2019, until August 10, 2019.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, photographs ofnametags on SHU cell doors and SHU locator forms were sent to the
Correctional Service Department in the Northeast Region. The SHU locator form is dated August 9, 2019. It shows
inmate Ferrer in cell 207L (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Avila in cell
212U (SENTRY states he was moved to this cell on August 11, 2019), inmate Epstein in cell 220L (SENTRY never
shows him in this cell) along with inmate Reyes (#85993-054). The locator shows inmate Copper (#92299-054) and
inmate Dockery (#60685-050) in cell 206. The photo sheets show the cell being 220 with inmates Epstein and Reyes'
identification cards on the door. Inmate Reyes, Efrain, Reg. No. 85993-054 was in cell Z06-220U from August 5,
2019 to August 9, 2019.
MCC New York has four suicide watch cells and each is for single occupancy use. The suicide watch cells are
located in Health Services. Each cell is abbreviated with the unit code HOI in SENTRY followed by the four-digit
cell number. The doors are identified by a painted number from one to four. Two reviews were conducted. The first
revealed Mr. Epstein was in H01-00IL according to SENTRY but the Suicide Watch Log Books indicate he was in
cell 4. A second review was conducted on August 13, 2019, while there were four inmates on in these cells.
SENTRY showed two inmates assigned to HO1-001L, one assigned to H01-002L, and the fourth inmate assigned to a
general population housing unit. Through physical observation of the dedicated suicide watch cells there were four
H0I cells, however a review of the BOPWARE Inmate Housing Format, only shows three cells.
Inmate movement and assignments are not accurately reflected in SENTRY as required by P5500.14, Correctional
Service Procedures Manual.
Institution Response: 8. Inmate Accountability and Assignment Accuracy
With regard to the accuracy and accountability of inmates placed on suicide watch status in the hospital area,
Psychology Services now runs a daily Sentry roster of all the inmates on suicide watch in the hospital area. The
roster is examined to ensure that the inmates placed on suicide watch in a suicide watch cell are keyed into SENTRY
with the correct cell assignment noted. The Associate Warden. Programs, is notified if there are any inconsistencies.
Moreover, the four suicide watch cells now all have Sentry Assignments of H01-00 L - H01-0041.
To ensure inmates are assigned to the correct cell inside the Special Housing Unit. Periodic and un announced
checks are conducted. Specifically, SENTRY Roster PP 30 Quarters assignments are audited daily by the assigned
Lieutenant in the unit. Executive Staff conduct routine bed book counts in the unit. Procedures of how the count is
conducted any discrepancies are identified and corrected. Results are maintained by Correctional services in Daily
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Log.
In order to properly account for inmates in the unit, staff have infonned not use the (Inmate Locator Form), due to
forms inability as a reliable means for accounting for inmates and cell assignments. A Unit Accountability Board
along with SENTRY PP 30 Quarters Roster has been placed in the unit to establish better oversight over inmate
accountability.
9. Attorney Log Books: Four log books were not secured following Mr. Epstein's death. Specifically, three Attorney
Log Books located in the Attorney Visiting and Front Lobby areas and an Inmate Search Log Book located in the
Attorney Visiting area were not secured. All four books were still in use at the outset of the reconstruction and after
the reconstruction team advised staff to secure them. P5324.08 states, "In the event of a suicide, institution staff,
particularly Correctional Services staff, and other law enforcement personnel, will handle the site with the same
level of protection as any crime scene in which a death has occurred." This policy further states, "All possible
evidence and documentation will be preserved to provide data and support for subsequent investigators doing a
psychological reconstruction."
Further, a review of the attorney log books identified many errors and signify a systemic concern. For example, them
were two concurrently open attorney log books in the Attorney Visiting area. Further, the different purposes of the
two attorney log books, one in the Attorney Visit area and one in the Front Lobby, could not be explained. BOP staff
were unable to articulate a system of control for the log books, and during the reconstruction, some of the log books
could not be accounted for. Within the log books, entries were made out of chronological order, attorneys did not
consistently sign in and out, significant information was illegible or missing, columns were not consistently labeled,
log book opening and closing dates were inconsistent, and the cover had been tom off of several books. At the
current time, these log books are not functioning as an adequate system of control and monitoring.
Institution Response: 9. Attorney Log Books: Staff assigned to suicide watch shall maintain a chronological log of
the inmate's behavior. Blank log books will be maintained in the Lieutenants office and on the 2"4 Floor. A
chronological record of events will commence immediately upon the initiation of watch. It is the responsibility of
the staff member initiating the watch to obtain a blank log book prior to initiating the watch. Different log books will
be used for each inmate on suicide watch: each log book will contain entries for one suicide watch only.
The name and register number of the inmate on watch shall be clearly printed on the front cover of the log book
and at the top of each page in the log book on which entries are made.
During some suicide watches, staff observers may cover some shifts and inmate companions may cover others. In
this instance, two separate log books must be used: one for the shifts during which staff are maintaining constant
visual observation (blue) and another for shifts during which inmate companions are providing constant visual
observation (yellow). When separate inmate companion log books are used. STAFF MUST SIGN THE INMATE
COMPANION LOG BOOK EVERY 60 MINUTES. Lights will remain on inside the cell 24 hours day to ensure the
inmate on watch can be seen. Every shift a Lieutenant will make rounds and remove the inmate from the cell and
perform a cursory search.
No food items, trays, eating utensils, milk canons, toilet paper, plastic bags, reading materials, pens , pencils, or
anything else not prescribe by Psychology staff should be in the cell.
The inmate will be outfitted in a (Suicide Preventive Smock, Suicide Preventive Blanket, Suicide Preventive
Mattress and if necessary a Suicide Preventive Helmet).
Inmate Companions will be searched prior to assuming duties.
Inmate Companions are not allowed to have Radios, MP-3 Players, Magazines, Books or anything that would
distract them from maintaining constant supervision.
Inmate Companions will not have direct or physical contact with inmates on Suicide Watch.
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10. Automatic External Defibrillators: A review of available AEDs in the institution revealed that the list used for
accountability and inspection purposes was inaccurate and incomplete.
Institution Response: 10: A review of the Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) report presented by Great
Lakes Biomedical Services dated July 22, 2019, revealed that all AEDS were accounted for and were placed in the
correct perspective areas. The report was accurate and complete. New AEDs have been purchased and will be
inspected Great Lakes Biomedical Services, upon their arrival. It must be noted that the list reviewed by the
reconstruction team was an old and outdated list (January 8, 2018).
II. Post Orders & SHU Training: SHU Post Orders Sign-In Sheets were reviewed for the 3rd Quarter, spanning June
9, 2019, to September 7, 2019. Officer L. Grey failed to sign post orders for SHU #3 post.
Quarterly SHU Training Sign-In Sheets were reviewed. The 2019 3rd Quarter SHU Training was conducted on June
6. 2019. Three staff assi ned to the 3rd Quarter SHU Roster in SHU did not attend or receive the SHU Training:
and
Institution Response: 11. Post Orders & SEW Training
The Suicide Watch Post Orders is located in the Lieutenant's Office with a quarterly sign-in sheet. All staff
members assigned to a suicide watch post arc responsible for signing the post orders prior to performing the staff
suicide watch.
With regard to SHU Suicide Prevention training, this continues to be carried out on a quarterly basis. However, the
sign-in sheets for this training are now be examined by the SHU Lieutenant for accuracy. If a staff member who is
assigned to SHU misses the training, they see the Chief Psychologist and schedule a time to receive a make-up
session for the SHU Suicide Prevention Training.
SHU training is conducted quarterly two weeks from the beginning of the new quarter. A representative from
Psychology will provide the required suicide prevention training. In addition, the SHU training on BOPLEARN will
be completed by all staff assigned to SHU that day of training. SHU staff will be allotted time during that day to
complete all prescribe web-based training as identified on the agenda. Staff assigned to SEW and have not received
the mandatory training before assuming post; will be roster adjusted to attend another training day as assigned by the
Captain.
12. Staffing: The Drug Abuse Program Coordinator positon at MCC New York was abolished during Phase I of the
staff realignment during fiscal year 2018. Re-establishing
the Drug Abuse Program Coordinator position would provide the institution with an additional supervisory
psychologist to provide critical clinical services.
Staffing in the Correctional Services department is relevant to the reconstruction. However, the details about this
topic are provided in an After Action Review completed separately from this report.
Institution Response: 12. Staffing
The current Drug Abuse Coordinator position is currently a shared position. The Warden is currently working on re-
establishing the Drug Abuse Coordinator position as a full-time position to provide the Psychology Department with
an additional supervisory psychologist to perform critical clinical services. At the current time, the position has been
formally announced.
13. Sex Offense Risk Factors: A broad understanding of risk factors associated with sex offenders, by staff at MCC
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New York, did not appear to be present in all staff but was vital to his adjustment and safety in prison. A more
focused management strategy is recommended, particularly in complex and high profile cases. Supplemental training
on sex-offender specific risk factors is recommended for all staff and should be provided by Executive Staff and
Psychology Services.
Institution Response: 13. Sex Offense Risk Factors
The Chief Psychologist or her representative continues to be present at all Executive Staff Meetings, Department
Head Meetings, and SHU meetings. During these meetings. the Chief Psychologist offers feedback regarding the
treatment and management of sex offender inmates. Additionally, the Chief Psychologist continues to educate all
staff during Institution Familiarization (IF) and Annual Training (AT), about the sex offender specific risk factors
and suicidality.
DOCUMENTS EXAMINED
TRU-INTEL Download Report of Incident (583), 586, & Global Report
TRUVIEW - Money Exchanged; Phone, Email, & Visitor Lists; Calls; Messages; Visits; Timeline
TRU-SCOPE - Logs, High Risk Inmates, Inmates Lists, etc. Staff Memorandums
Staff E-Mail
Photographs of Scene; Deceased, Autopsy Video Showing Scene and Staff Response Sentry Documentation
SIS Case File Index Psychology File PDS-BEMR
Psychological Observation Procedural Memorandum Post Orders
Lieutenant Logs Attorney Logs Staff Roster
Medical Information/Records (BEMR) BOP Twenty-Four Hour Death Report he-Sentence Report
Note(s) Left Behind by Deceased Time Line
Autopsy Request & Report Inmate Central File
Court Return Screening Form Prisoner Remand Form (If applicable)
USM 129 Individual Custody/Detention Report (If applicable) Prisoner Custody Alert Notice
Staff Sign-In Log 1 Week Prior to Suicide (If applicable) Detention Orders (If applicable)
30 minute SHU rounds BP 292's
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