Section 904.505. Disciplinary procedures — use of force.

  1.  Inmates who disobey the disciplinary rules of the institution to which they are committed shall be punished by the imposition of the penalties prescribed in the disciplinary rules, according to the following guidelines:

  a.  To ensure that sanctions are imposed only at such times and to such a degree as is necessary to regulate inmate behavior within the limits of the disciplinary rules and to promote a safe and orderly institutional environment.

  b.  To control inmate behavior in an impartial and consistent manner.

  c.  To ensure that disciplinary procedures are fair and that sanctions are not capricious or retaliatory.

  d.  To prevent the commission of offenses through the deterrent effect of the sanctions available.

  e.  To define the elements of each offense and the penalties which may be imposed for violations, in order to give fair warning of prohibited conduct.

  f.  To provide procedures for preparation of reports of disciplinary actions, for conducting disciplinary hearings, and for processing of disciplinary appeals.

  2.  The superintendent of each institution shall maintain a register of all penalties imposed on inmates and the cause for which the penalties were imposed.

  3.  A correctional officer of a correctional institution or the officer’s assistant shall, in case an inmate resists the officer’s or assistant’s lawful authority, or refuses to obey the officer’s or assistant’s lawful command, only use such force as is reasonably necessary under all attendant circumstances. The use of a deadly weapon is justified under conditions of extreme necessity and as a last resort to protect the life or safety of a person. The use of a deadly weapon is not justified solely to prevent damage to or destruction of property where there is no danger to the life or safety of a person. An officer or assistant is justified in using force which causes injury or death to an inmate if the officer’s or assistant’s actions comply with the requirements of this subsection.

  4.  The disciplinary rules may impose a reasonable administrative fee for the filing of a report of a major disciplinary rule infraction for which an inmate is found guilty. A fee charged pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.

85 Acts, ch 21, §21

2010 Acts, ch 1031, §411