NCJ Number
166166
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 11-21
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This survey of 40 U.S. corrections systems and eight Canadian systems provides information on inmate transportation.
Abstract
The survey, which was conducted between September 1995 and February 1996, sought information on the number of inmates transported, the cost of that transportation, the types of vehicles used, and security methods involved, as well as information on transport authority, classification, policy, and problems. Findings show that in a given month the Nation's corrections departments provide transportation for more than 282,000 inmates, almost one-fifth of all State and Federal inmates. This translates into more than 23,000 vehicle outings per month, or more than 278,000 per year. Predictably, the State with the highest inmate populations reported the highest numbers. Respondents were asked to provide the number of inmates being transported between institutions or programs, to work release, to court or other legal appointments, to medical appointments, and to other destinations. Most States reported a combination of auto, van, and bus use for inmate transportation, with vans and buses being used most often. Most U.S. respondents (88 percent) secure inmates for transport with handcuffs, leg chains, and waist chains. Staff-to-inmate ratios during transport varied considerably, although most systems average one to three officers per vehicle. The total annual cost of inmate transportation for all responding U.S. jurisdictions is $45,218,077. Because only 22 respondents answered the question with a dollar figure, and because several large jurisdictions did not supply a dollar figure, the actual cost could easily exceed twice this amount. A table provides the following information and data for each responding jurisdiction: the monthly average for the number of inmates transported and the number of trips, the annual cost, the destinations and number transported, vehicles and number transported, security methods, and staff/inmate ratio.