Prisoner Transportation Overview

Prisoner Transportation

• Prisoner transport is a constant and frequent requirement.
• Two main situations require prisoner transport:
  • After arrest, for booking, holding, or transfer.
  • Movement from detention facilities (e.g., jails) to medical, court, or other locations.
• Prisoner transport is potentially dangerous.
• Law enforcement agencies must take precautions to protect officers, the public, and the prisoner.

Specific Transport Procedures

• Transport in patrol vehicles with prisoner barriers is general policy.

• Juveniles under 17 cannot be transported with adults suspected of or charged with crimes.

• Officer verifies prisoner identity upon pickup.

• Officer obtains paperwork, property, and medical records from the custodian.

• Pre-transport Prisoner Search:

  • Officers must search prisoners before placing them in the vehicle.
  • This search must be conducted every time the prisoner enters custody.
  • Officers should not assume the prisoner does not have contraband or that someone else searched them.
  • Officers remain mindful of the department's infectious disease plan and use PPE when necessary.
  • Items taken from the prisoner are secured and returned upon arrival.

• Vehicle Search:

  • Vehicles must be searched before each transport to ensure no contraband is available to the prisoner.
  • Search the vehicle again after delivering the prisoner to ensure no contraband/evidence was hidden.

Transport Equipment

• Marked vehicles usually have metal or plastic screens separating compartments; these are used in all prisoner transports.
• Sliding Lexan windows (in vehicles with) must be closed and locked during transport.
• Rear interior door and window handles are removed from vehicles with metal screens to minimize escape attempts.
• Vehicles must be checked for security and contraband before each shift and before every transport.

Prisoner Positioning

• With barriers: Prisoner in rear seat, secured with seatbelt and handcuffed behind the back, palms outward.
• Without barriers: Prisoner in right front seat, secured with seatbelt and handcuffed according to policy section 7.10. Single officers should not transport multiple suspects without a barrier, except with supervisor permission.
• Multiple officers, no barrier:
  • One officer behind the driver, prisoner on rear passenger side.
  • In transports of multiple prisoners, with two officers, prisoners secured on front and rear seats; the assisting officer remains behind the driver to watch them.
• Prisoners cannot be transported prone.

Control During Transport

• Observation & Medical Assistance:
  • Continuous observation of prisoner, even during restroom use.
  • Immediate medical help if the prisoner appears lethargic, unresponsive, or exhibits signs of illness.
  • The transporting officer should ask an ill prisoner if he or she wants medical assistance.
  • Any medical conditions or suspected health issues should be advised to the receiving officer.
  • Prisoners are not left unattended during transit, except in specific circumstances outlined in Section G.

Law Enforcement Services During Transport

• Transporting officers can only perform police services if absolutely necessary to stop a violent act or if a person has been injured and needs immediate assistance.
• Prisoners must be secured and protected at all times.
• Officers transporting prisoners are forbidden to engage in pursuits.

Escape Procedures

• If a prisoner escapes, immediately request local jurisdiction assistance.
• Provide local law enforcement and dispatch with information regarding: location, escape route, escapee description, possible weapons, and pending charges.
• Attempt to recapture the escapee.
• A written report detailing the escape must be submitted promptly to the Chief of Police..

Communication Restrictions

• Transporting officers should not allow prisoner communication with others unless absolutely necessary. The officer's judgment is critical in determining when to allow such communication.