Prisoner Transport
Guideline
By Captain Chuck Mantkus
NRLO Director of Training

INDEX:
Introduction     Prisoner and Vehicle Inspection Guideline
            Rest Stop and Meal Guideline    Summary and Suggestions

INTRODUCTION

The transporting of subjects from one location to another throughout the country happens every day, and the process is similar throughout the world.  The main objective in transporting subjects is to reach a given destination safely without injury to yourself, to your prisoner, or to others.  In order to accomplish this successfully, the transporting Officer must know the fundamentals of "Custody Control," the proper application of "Restraints," and "Transporting Procedures."  Each individual Department has its own idiosyncrasies and training for preparing Officers for this task.  Though they follow basic transporting rules, Departments have different situations due to the nature of the charges which may call for more stringent methods of restraint applications, number of Officers involved, effective back-up, etc.

It is impossible to cover all situations that could be met in the field.  Make certain that all training is documented.  This article is designed to give a basic format in prisoner transport.  Your own specific situation may be upgraded to ensure a safe and effective completion of the task at hand.  I mentioned that the situation may be upgraded; but remember, it should never be downgraded.  Prisoner transporting is one of the most dangerous and life-threatening assignments you will ever receive. Be alert, follow your training guidelines, and remember, "resolve all doubts in your favor."

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Law Enforcement Officers have the legal responsibility to transport and deliver prisoners to varying destinations. Example: courts, other institutions, hospitals, barbers, funerals, etc.  Failure to properly restrain prisoners could amount to excessive force and injury to the prisoner, to Officers, and to others.

Prisoners who escape during transport are prone to violence in order to secure food, weapons, or vehicles to make their escape successful.  Harm to private citizens frequently occurs.  Officers are liable if their actions contribute to an escape during a transport.

Not enough emphasis can be placed on proper use of restraints and proper methods of transporting.  Remember, it is not only the prisoner's life that may be in jeopardy; it could be yours, your partner's or other's.

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Here are some guideline objectives for prisoner transport to keep in mind

1. Prior to leaving with your subject, check to determine prisoner classification and the amount of risk involved.  Inquire if any problems of any sort took place while the prisoner was in custody.  If so, what were the circumstances and the end result?  Also, ask for prior knowledge of any other instances, happenings, and/or opinions.
2. Treat the prisoner firmly but humanely.  During transport, answer the prisoner's questions with precise answers.  Should you feel that a question is inappropriate, say so.  DO NOT antagonize or cause a problem by answering unnecessary or baited questions.  Never talk to your partner transport Officer about departmental happenings, personal affairs, where you live, etc.  Common sense is the number one factor here.
3. Pre-search your transport vehicle yourself.  Know that the tires, radiator, lights, oil, brakes, gas, etc. are all functional.  Thoroughly search the vehicle for weapons, for contraband, and for any other item that could be used in formulating an escape, bodily harm, etc.
   
   VEHICLE INSPECTION GUIDELINE:  (a)  Unlock vehicle, check and write down odometer reading.  (b)  Release hood latch, lift hood, and check brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator and oil levels, windshield washer fluid, etc.  Start the engine, and check transmission fluid.  Add any necessary low showing fluids.  (c) Check all lights (brake, headlights, etc.).  (d)  Walk around vehicle to check tires; look under vehicle for anything extra, missing, or out of place.
   (e) Make a radio check and fill in check-out sheet.  (f) Clean windshield and windows as needed.  (g) Visually check vehicle from front to rear.  (h) Check under seats, section where seat meets seat back, ashtrays, and any other location where objects could be hidden.  (i) Check trunk area and spare tire.  (j) Make sure all personal luggage or belongings are placed in trunk or back of vehicle.  Make certain that they are out of prisoner's reach.  Call or check your destination point on what personal belongings or clothing items will be allowed.  If not, you may have to bring something back with you.  This will avoid problems at destination point and/or with your subject.
4. Always conduct body searches yourself.  No one else but you knows how to conduct a proper body search.  It is your safety/life on the line.  Be systematic, thorough, and objective.  If your partner has made the body search and you do not feel comfortable with it, then do it again yourself.  You are not reproaching his/her search in any way at all.  You are showing professionalism.  If you are a male and your prisoner is a female, have a female Officer or matron do the body search.  If none are available, follow departmental policy.
5. Apply restraints yourself, or check restraints carefully.  One Officer should apply the restraints while the other Officer observes.  Apply restraints from back of prisoner.  It is not that difficult to do, and this is a safety factor.  If the restraints seem improperly applied, then re-apply them.  Should you receive a prisoner that has already been restrained, simulate complete application before accepting the prisoner.  Always double lock cuffs and leg irons.  Use a waist chain at all times.  A lock box with padlock is important.  A lock box for restraints is a small metal black box that fastens on to the waist chain where the chain link is inserted through another link to insure a tight fit at the waist, and then that link protrudes through the box opening and a padlock is inserted through the link.  The only way that the waist chain could be removed is if the padlock is removed.
6. Never inform subject of day, time, or destination of transport.
7. Insist that your subject use the restroom prior to leaving.
8. When leaving on transport, be especially careful on how you radio your transport to the Dispatcher.  Many citizens have scanners, and they also know Law Enforcement radio codes.

   During transport when you are out of local radio range, switch your radio frequency to nearest Law Enforcement agencies car to car, should you need to make a contact.
9. If a strange vehicle follows you when you leave, immediately call for backup and interception.  If followed at any time during the transport, radio the nearest Law Enforcement agency and explain the situation.  Should a stranded motorist ask for help, radio the nearest agency to send assistance, and advise the motorist of same.  Never leave the transport vehicle to inform anyone about anything.
10. Should a rest stop be necessary during transport, keep the following in mind:  Before letting a prisoner out of the transport vehicle, have them raise their arms and then their legs to make certain restraints are still properly in place.

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REST STOP AND MEAL GUIDELEINES:  (a) Never remove restraints even if bathroom facilities are required.  (b) Prior to letting a subject use a restroom, make sure no one else is in the facility.  If there is, wait until they exit, then you and your prisoner may enter at that time.  Your partner Officer is to watch the entrance door and let no one in until after you and your prisoner leave.  Always observe your surroundings and vehicles before, during,and after your stop.  Do not let anyone converse with your prisoner.  (c) Upon returning to transport vehicle, observe whether vehicle is in the same condition as when you left it.  If in doubt, search it again.  (d) Returning prisoner to vehicle, re-fasten seat belt on subject.  Make sure your gun side is away from prisoner at all times.  (e) If a meal is to be furnished, try to get a box lunch type meal from your facility prior to leaving.  If this is not possible, do not go to a sit-down restaurant; use a fast food drive-through or similar.  Bring the food to the vehicle.  Do not remove restraints nor let your prisoner leave the vehicle.  Never leave a prisoner unattended while securing food.  (f) Remember to get a receipt for the meal.  Sign the receipt, date it, and put the time and location of stop (should be included on trip sheet and daily report).

1. Always keep your prisoner in sight.  If the vehicle has a screen and both Officers are in the front seat, a right-hand visor mirror is suggested where partner Officer can keep prisoner in sight at all times. In the use of a transport vehicle without screens, the prisoner shall be placed in the rear seat behind the passenger's position and the second Officer behind the driver.  A second prisoner would be placed in the front seat.
2. Increase attention when approaching the destination as your prisoner has had time to contemplate future happenings and may decide to make a decisive move at that time.  Remember too that a prisoner sitting in a cell day after day has nothing to do but to try and figure out a way to take advantage of the transport in one way or another - even in planning an escape.
3. Upon arrival at the destination and after you have been relieved of your prisoner, get a receipt from the accepting authorities, call your Department to let them know you have arrived safely, delivered your cargo, and ask for further instructions and status.

Using these basic ideas should keep you on the straight and narrow and get you and your prisoner(s) there and you back safely without incident.  As mentioned earlier, each Department has its own way of conducting prisoner transport.  Make sure all loopholes are covered.  Make certain your training has been documented.  Never make a transport alone.  Never lose contact, nor be out of range of help, if and when needed.  "Resolve all doubts in your favor."

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A SUMMARY & ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

• It should be policy that the transporting of prisoners will be performed with the safety of the Officer, of the prisoner, and of the general public being of primary importance at all times.
• Officers will carefully search prisoners and take possession of all articles that may cause injury or possible harm to Officers or to others prior to placing prisoner into vehicle.  When practical, prisoner will be searched by Officer of the same sex.
• Officers will search prisoner before and after each move or transport.   Prisoner will be searched before and after stops in transporting and when the prisoner is removed from the vehicle for any reason.
• In the use of transport vehicle without screens, the prisoner shall be placed in the rear seat behind the passenger's position and the second Officer behind the driver.  A second prisoner would be placed in the front seat.  Two Reserves/Auxiliary Officers should be the criteria for transporting prisoners.  More than two prisoners should not be transported without supervisory approval.  In the main section of "Prisoner Transport" it was stated that both Officers should be in the front seat of the vehicle.  Seating arrangements may differ due to the policy of the individual Department.  Regardless, all safety precautions should be observed.
• In the use of a transport vehicle with screens, the spring-loaded barrier must be locked in the upright position.  Raising the barrier with a prisoner seated could cause injury as the barrier springs up.  Prisoner screens are not bullet resistant and are not intended to replace good safety practices such as thorough searches of prisoner and of vehicle interiors, proper restraining, and monitoring prisoner's activities.
• When transporting two prisoners in a vehicle with a screen, up to two prisoners of the same or opposite sex may be transported in the rear seat.  The second Officer seated in the front passenger seat will monitor prisoner activities.
• Should prisoners become combative during transport, Officers at their discretion may hobble the prisoners or transport them separately.
• Should it become necessary for a prisoner to be held in a parked vehicle for any period of time, the safety barrier may be lowered and the front windows of the unit opened slightly for air circulation.  Never leave a prisoner alone in a vehicle unless he/she is under close observation by an Officer.
• In the event of a prisoner escape, the transporting Officer will notify Communications if possible and notify the agency in whose jurisdiction you are in.  The Officer reporting the escape should ask for additional units to establish a perimeter and/or conduct a search.  Consideration should follow the original charge for which the prisoner was in custody and the level of threat involved.  A full Officers' report is mandatory.
• When the destination is reached, Officers will secure weapons in the lock boxes provided.  Restraints will not be removed until the prisoner is placed in a holding cell or in the custody of the receiving Officer.  A signature of receipt from the receiving Officer is also mandatory.  When taking prisoners to hospitals or medical facilities for admittance or examination, the prisoner will be kept under close security at all times.  Never leave your prisoner in a room alone with a doctor, nurse, attendant or others.  You are to accompany your prisoner to restrooms, etc. without hesitation.
• When transporting a prisoner of the opposite sex, the start/stop mileage (including tenths of a mile) will be entered on the trip sheet, on the daily report, and also reported to the Dispatcher.  This is authorized when transporting prisoners of the opposite sex as long as the ability to restrict contact exists.
• When transporting prisoners with handicaps, sickness, injuries, or mental illness, they will be restrained in the same manner as other prisoners.  In emergency situations when an ambulance service is required, it is advisable to have an Officer accompany the emergency vehicle during its transport.  In all other situations, Departmental policy should be followed.
• Except under extraordinary situations approved by a superior, no prisoner will be allowed to enter a Department vehicle without restraints.  It is wise to use handcuffs, belly chains and/or leg irons while transporting a prisoner.
• Combative prisoners should be restrained with soft leg restraints (hobbles).  They may be flexible or commercial restraint devices.  All Officers using leg restraints must receive defensive tactics training in proper leg restraining procedures before hobbling prisoners.
• When a prisoner's legs are hobbled, the trailing end of the restraint will be anchored out the passenger door of the vehicle so as not to catch on anything while the vehicle is in motion. DO NOT restrain a prisoner without the assistance of another Officer.
• Hobbles or flexible handcuffs will not be used to secure a prisoner's legs to a fixed position inside a vehicle.  This could result in serious injury in the advent of an accident.  Do not affix restraining devices to the prisoner's handcuffs.  Do not transport prisoners face down with their hands behind their backs and their legs restrained.  Transporting on a medical gurney is permissible when attending medical personnel determine that it will not be harmful to the prisoner.
• Unless physically impossible because of size, handicap, etc., all prisoners transported will be secured by seat belts while transporting.
• Prior to closing the rear door of the transport vehicle, Officers will engage the child-proof locking mechanism to prevent doors from being opened from the inside.
• After all of these procedures have been followed to the letter, are you transporting the right person?  Any prisoner transported from one place to another must be positively identified as the person described in the record book prior to transport.  Do not forget to take all documentation, including prisoner name, facility prisoner number, destination, and any other pertinent information.  Remember that prisoners for interstate transport must have a properly executed governor's warrant or properly executed waiver.
• Transport Officers should be made aware of any potential security problems or illness.  Judges should be made aware of any potential court security problems so that that proper safeguards such as restraints and additional security may be provided.

RESOLVE ALL DOUBT IN YOUR FAVOR.
Chuck Mantkus, NRLO Director of Training

One way to help resolve all doubt is to check out a new seatbelt device created by Trooper Alan Beaty working in Oklahoma.
See information on the TROOPER TRAP

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