Des Plaines Police Department: Transportation of Prisoners/Citizens Policy PDF

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 405 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Transportation of Prisoners/ Citizens 405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Transporting prisoners is a potentially dangerous function. It is, therefore, the purpose of this policy to spell out the precautions needed to protect the lives and sa...

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 405 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Transportation of Prisoners/ Citizens 405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Transporting prisoners is a potentially dangerous function. It is, therefore, the purpose of this policy to spell out the precautions needed to protect the lives and safety of officers, the public and the person in custody while transporting prisoners. 405.2 VEHICLE INSPECTION At the beginning and end of each tour of duty, all vehicles regularly used for prisoner transport will be inspected for readiness as follows: The safety screen will be securely in place and undamaged. All windows will be intact, and outer door latches in proper working order. Rear-seat door handles and window controls will be deactivated. The interior shall be thoroughly searched to ensure that no weapons or contraband have been left behind or hidden within the vehicle. Prior to placing a prisoner in the vehicle for transport, the transporting officer will again inspect the interior for weapons or contraband. As soon as practical after the prisoner has been removed from the vehicle, it will be searched again for weapons or contraband. 405.3 SEARCHING OF PRISONERS Prior to transport, all prisoners will be thoroughly searched for any weapons or contraband. A protective search should be conducted by an officer of the same sex as the prisoner. Where this is not practical, officers shall adhere to this agency's policy on searching prisoners of the opposite sex. The transporting officer should search the prisoner regardless of any searches that may or may not have been conducted by arresting officers. 405.4 USE OF RESTRAINTS Generally, all persons who are placed under physical arrest will be handcuffed as soon as practical after arrest. At the officer's discretion, and with consideration as to the safety and well being of both the officer and prisoner, certain persons may be exempted from handcuffing. These may include the sick, injured, disabled, handicapped, pregnant, elderly, very young, or other persons whose physical condition may be aggravated by handcuffing. Sound professional judgement should be used when exceptions are made and alternative safety precautions should be taken. 405.5 PRISONER TRANSPORT IN VEHICLES - GENERAL GUIDELINES Officers should use care when assisting prisoners into department vehicles for transportation. Prisoners will not be handcuffed to any part of the vehicle during transport. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Transportation of Prisoners/ Citizens - 1 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Transportation of Prisoners/ Citizens Prisoners will be transported in a manner that allows for visual observation. Females will not be handcuffed to male arrestees and should normally be separated during transport. Juveniles will not be transported in the same area of a vehicle with adult prisoners. Prisoners will not be left unattended in the vehicle. Any wheelchairs, crutches and medications should be transported with, but not in the possession of, the prisoner. Officers should use a waist belt and front cuffing when prisoners will be transported for an extended distance. Officers shall not engage in enforcement activities while transporting prisoners, unless failure to act would risk death or serious bodily injury to another. In non-life threatening, yet serious situations, officers should call bor backup assistance and may remain on-hand until such assistance has arrived. 405.6 NOTIFYING COMMUNICATIONS OF TRANSPORT Prior to initiating the transport, the officer will provide the Emergency Communications Center with the following information: Arrest location and destination of transport. Time and mileage readings at the start and end of the transport, as well as the reason for any delay during the transport (trains, etc.). of 405.7 TRANSPORTING CITIZENS Citizens will be transported in departmental vehicles only when necessary to accomplish a police purpose. Such transportation will be done in conformance with departmental policy or at the direction of a supervisor. Prior to initiating transport, the officer will provide the Emergency Communications Center with the following information: Current location and destination of transport. Time and mileage readings at the start and end of the transport, as well as the reason for any delay during the transport (trains, etc.). Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Transportation of Prisoners/ Citizens - 2