Opinion ID: 2972579
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Deputy Warden Howell

Text: The district court similarly determined that Deputy Warden Howell was not entitled to the protections of qualified immunity. Howell contends on appeal primarily that he cannot be held liable for the actions of his subordinates and that he had no personal involvement in Cook’s treatment on the day in question. Although Howell correctly states that a supervisor may not be made liable for the acts of his subordinate, this circuit has held that supervisors may be liable where they “implicitly authorized, approved, encouraged, condoned or knowingly acquiesced in” the actions of their subordinates. Taylor v. Mich. Dept. of Corrections, 69 F.3d 76, 81 (6th Cir. 1995). In the present case, Cook has presented evidence that Howell had a responsibility to authorize or deny the use of the restraint chair. The evidence further demonstrates that Captain Bigcraft ordered Cook into the restraining chair without waiting for proper authorization from Howell, and that Bigcraft informed Howell of his use of the restraint chair on at least two occasions on the evening in question. Despite being advised that Bigcraft had used the restraint chair without proper authorization, there is no evidence that Howell took any steps to personally assess Bigcraft’s actions or the efficacy of continuing to use the restraint chair. On this record, Cook has alleged facts and produced evidence sufficient to establish that Howell was made aware of his placement in the restraint chair, but that Howell acquiesced in Captain Bigcraft’s use of the chair. Howell’s failure 18 No. 03-2446 / 03-2461 to properly supervise his subordinates, especially where he has a clear obligation to do so, subjects him to potential liability in the present case.