07-042/00 Non-Emergent Transportation of Inmates

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

PURPOSE OF ORDER:    

The purpose of this unit order is to establish procedures regarding the transport of

inmates out of the North County Correctional Facility (NCCF) via radio car or van.

SCOPE OF ORDER:         

This order applies to all personnel assigned to and/or working at the NCCF.

ORDER:

All inmates being transported from NCCF via radio car or van shall be escorted by two (2) deputies as indicated below.

If an inmate needs to be transported via ambulance, at least one (1) deputy shall accompany the inmate in the ambulance and a second deputy shall follow the ambulance by radio car or van.

Inmates being transported to any outside medical facility, or any other unsecured non-custodial environment shall be placed in leg chains throughout the transport until returned to a secured custody environment.

Restrictive housing inmates [REDACTED TEXT] shall be escorted by no less than two (2) deputies. The watch commander may mandate additional personnel as needed. Deputy personnel shall maintain appropriate security of the inmate. Under no circumstances shall deputy personnel leave their assigned post without appropriate relief.

Deputy personnel shall wear a “Class A” or “B” uniform only, with full Sam or Sally Browne gun belt. Deputies shall carry a portable handheld radio with the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) frequency selected for emergency purposes. Polo shirts, T-shirts, or other alternative uniforms are not authorized for transportation or hospital security assignments.

Behavioral Observation and Mental Health Referral (BOMHR) Inmates

All Inmates requiring a BOMHR outside of the normal working hours of the Jail Mental Evaluation Team (JMET), shall utilize the Inmate Video Visitation System (IVVS) to conduct a mental health evaluation with IRC mental health personnel.

NCCF infirmary custody personnel shall call the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) Lead Deputy Station @ [REDACTED TEXT] and notify them of the BOMHR. IRC personnel shall then advise mental health staff (Room A) that they have a BOMHR waiting to be interviewed via video within the NCCF infirmary.

Once the inmate is in the NCCF clinic room number “[REDACTED TEXT],” the clinician will call into the video monitor. The monitor is set to auto connect/answer. If no on-site mental health clinician is available and the IVVS system cannot be utilized, CHS personnel may (in conjunction with the watch commander) arrange the inmate's transfer to IRC for a mental health evaluation within four (4) hours of the BOMHR being initiated.

The watch commander may authorize a radio car transport if medical personnel determine an inmate’s mental health condition warrants immediate transport to IRC.

The watch commander may authorize immediate transport of a JMET referred mental observation inmate if it is determined a medical evaluation by Correctional Health Services (CHS) will cause an unnecessary delay. Refer to Custody Division Manual (CDM) sections 4-05/000.00, “Behavioral Observation and Mental Health Referral Reports,” 4-05/005.00, “Electronic Behavioral Observation and Mental Health Referral Report (e-BOMHR),” and 7-02/030.00, “Jail Mental Health Evaluation Team” for mandated notations on the BOMHR form in these cases.

The watch commander shall:

• Ensure a separate transmittal is used for mental observation inmate(s).
• Ensure the BOMHR (sections 1-5), or equivalent fields in the e-BOMHR, and the Special Handling Request (SH-J-181), if required, are completed and accompany the inmate during transport to the intended destination.
• Review and ensure section 6, “Originating Agency Sworn Supervisor Review” has been signed/completed.

The infirmary deputy shall:

• Ensure a printed copy of the completed e-BOMHR accompanies the inmate.  
• Prepare a packet containing the listed printouts and documents:
  • AJIS:  SI01, IC01, IC10, IC12 screens
  • LA Photo Manager:  Los Angeles County Regional Identification System (LACRIS) photo

All behavioral observation inmates being transported shall be escorted by two (2) fully armed deputy personnel. Under no circumstances shall a deputy transport a mental observation inmate alone, regardless of training and/or experience. Behavioral observation inmates may only be transported with additional inmates with the approval of the on-duty watch commander.

Transportation shall be by means of a marked, black and white, Sheriff’s Department vehicle, equipped with a security cage. Transporting personnel shall not conduct any errands while transporting an inmate and the inmate shall be taken directly to their destination.

The watch sergeant shall ensure the radio car transport is entered into the Custody Automated Reports Tracking System (CARTS) for tracking purposes.

Using the Ripp Hobble Restraint During Transport

When an inmate who is pending transport via radio car or van presents any of the below criteria, they shall be hobbled:

• Under the influence of alcohol or other substance
• Recalcitrant
• Combative
• Suicidal
• Escape Risk

The inmate shall be seated upright in the rear seat of the radio car and secured by a seat belt. The long lead of the Ripp Hobble shall be placed outside of the rear door.  The rear door shall be closed, the long lead will then be placed in the adjacent front door of the radio car, leaving the lead’s clip end on the front floorboard. The front door can then be closed, thus preventing the long lead from becoming entangled in the rear tire of the radio car.