5-03/165.04 - Transporting Prisoners in Vehicles Without Security Screens

Prisoners shall not be transported in vehicles without security screens except in the case of exigent circumstances or where a secure Sheriff’s Department vehicle is not available.

When it is necessary to transport a prisoner absent exigent circumstances in a vehicle without a security screen, the following provisions shall apply:

• Two Deputies must be present in the vehicle at all times,
• The vehicle’s rear passenger doors shall be locked/secured,
• All occupants of the vehicle shall be secured with a seat belt,
• Two Deputies shall not transport multiple prisoners.

The recommended seating configuration for occupants in Department vehicles without a security screen is to place the prisoner in the right, rear passenger seat with a Deputy in the left, rear passenger seat directly behind the driver.

When, in the judgment of both Deputies, officer safety would be compromised or a safety hazard would be created by this seating configuration, the configuration may be changed to afford the Deputies a greater margin of safety.  Absent exigent circumstances, Deputies shall obtain authorization from a supervisor prior to transporting a suspect unaccompanied in the rear passenger seat.

The passenger deputy may safely secure his firearm in the vehicle’s trunk or retain his weapon holstered during transportation.  Deputies retaining their firearm shall remain cognizant of weapon retention and officer safety principles.