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Custody Operations Informational Bulletins / 2022 Informational Bulletins

2022-04 Security of Inmates During Transportation


2022-03 Housing Multiple Arrestees in Station Jail Cells
2022-05 Documenting the Use of the WRAP Restraint in CARTS

SECURITY OF INMATES DURING TRANSPORTATION

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this informational bulletin is to familiarize personnel with procedures and considerations related to the security of inmates during transportation to County or private hospitals, between County facilities, or other locations.

PROCEDURES

Custody personnel shall provide security when transporting inmates to County or private hospitals, between County facilities, or to other locations outside Custody Services Division facilities. The security of the inmate and safety of personnel shall be considered in determining the most appropriate restraint method of securing the inmate being transported.

Searches of inmates who are being transported to another facility shall be conducted prior to the transport, if feasible. [REDACTED TEXT] shall be assigned as security for inmate transportations and at least [REDACTED TEXT] shall be present with the inmate at all times. At no time during the inmate transportation shall one deputy distance themselves from the other to the degree that they would be unable to immediately respond to the deputy remaining with the inmate and render assistance if needed.

The inmate should be placed in the best possible position during transportation to maintain observation (e.g., rear passenger’s side of vehicle during a [REDACTED TEXT] transportation or rear driver’s side during a [REDACTED TEXT] transportation). During the transportation of an inmate in an ambulance, custody personnel should place themselves in the best possible position to maintain the security of the inmate without interfering with medical treatment (e.g., between the inmate and exit door of the ambulance, if possible).

All deputy personnel assigned to transportation security shall be equipped with the following prior to leaving the facility:

  • full gun belt, including all required safety equipment;
  • duty weapon;
  • leg restraint chains (if available);
  • two fully charged radio batteries; and
  • personnel should confirm all required equipment is operational.

When a female inmate is being transported, the following shall also apply:

  • [REDACTED TEXT] (with at least [REDACTED TEXT]) shall transport the female inmate;
  • in exigent circumstances, and if no female deputies are available to transport the inmate, [REDACTED TEXT] may transport the female with the approval of the watch commander;
  • transporting deputies shall advise their facility control and the Sheriff’s Communication Center via radio of their starting and ending location, starting and ending mileage, and their destination.

Refer to Custody Division Manual (CDM) section 5-03/100.00, “Inmate Detention at Hospitals” for further information.

RESTRAINTS DURING TRANSPORTATION

Appropriate restraint methods for inmates being transported shall be in compliance with the Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) section 3-01/110.23, “Handcuffing Prisoners,” MPP section 5-09/000.10, “Persons in Custody,” and CDM section 7-03/000.00, “General Principles of Security Restraints and Handcuffing Inmates.” 

All inmates who are being transported shall be handcuffed. Handcuffs may be placed on the prisoner with their hands in front of their body to allow placement on a stretcher, gurney, or wheelchair. Personnel should consider the need to handcuff the inmate to the gurney or stretcher. Leg restraint chains should also be considered during transportation.

Handcuffs may be considered unnecessary if the use of handcuffs are not possible due to the inmate’s injuries or physical condition, or if the handcuffs interfere with medical treatment.

Refer to CDM section 7-02/010.00, “Pregnant Inmates” for procedures related to restraining pregnant inmates.

ESCAPE ATTEMPTS  

In the event an inmate attempts to escape during transportation, deputies shall take immediate action to recapture the inmate. All Departmental policies and procedures governing foot pursuits and the use of force, including the use of deadly force, shall apply. Deputies shall ensure an emergency broadcast is initiated and that their facility is notified by the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC). The facility watch commander shall contact the nearest Sheriff's station to have a supervisor respond to the location immediately and ensure a facility supervisor responds to the location.

If the inmate is able to successfully escape from the custody of the assigned deputies, the deputies shall immediately make contact with the first arriving agency police officer, supervisor, or Sheriff's Department responding personnel and provide them with the inmate’s information packet, if applicable (required for hospital transports).

The overall responsibility for apprehending the escaped inmate shall be with the local law enforcement agency. Department personnel and/or the sergeant at the scene within another jurisdiction shall establish a Department command post with the jurisdiction incident commander and assist the field units as directed by the incident commander. All Departmental escape notifications and procedures shall apply.

Any questions concerning this bulletin can be directed to the Custody Support Services Bureau, at [REDACTED TEXT].