NCJ Number
189655
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 110,112-113,114
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article on inmate transportation discusses policies and procedures, communication, risk assessment and reduction, staff and equipment, emergency preparedness, and Federal and State regulations.
Abstract
Policies and procedures must be developed with and coordinated among all principals and agencies involved in the transportation. Lines of communication must be established and shared with all applicable agencies and individuals. Staff members from each organization exchanging information about all or specified aspects of the transport must know the game plan and work accordingly. The best opportunity for escape is when inmates are transported outside correctional facilities. Thus, the rule is simple: Know inmates' risk factors and plan accordingly. The goal is to retain custody and contain disruptive behavior. Staff assigned to transportation duties require specialized training, including the use of restraints and force, searches, universal precautions, offender rights, transportation of special management inmates, first aid/CPR, interpersonal communications, applicable weapons certification, self-defense, recordkeeping, map reading, emergency response, and applicable regulations. It is essential to have a backup plan coordinated with other agencies. Emergency preparedness is a must for staff training and retraining. The Interstate Transportation of Dangerous Criminals Act of 2000 was passed by the U.S. Congress in late December; it mandates the establishment of minimum standards for the transportation of violent inmates. This article concludes with an outline of these standards.