When is continuous observation required?

• A. For non-high-risk individuals only
• B. For high-risk individuals or any custody level designated by policy
• C. Only when the arrestee asks
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Continuous observation is used whenever an arrestee’s risk level or policy rules require it. It’s a safety measure tied to how dangerous or unstable the person might be and to what custody level the agency designates for monitoring. If someone is considered high-risk—for self-harm, violence, medical instability, or other safety concerns—or if the policy specifies a certain custody level must be watched continuously, then one-on-one or constant monitoring is required. It’s not about whether the arrestee asks for it, and it isn’t applied to everyone by default. Policies may also specify continuous observation for specific processes or times (like intake, transport, or waiting in holding) to prevent incidents.