(06/19/94) (11/06/07) (05/06/15)
Special consideration is required when transporting a person with a disability who is in a wheelchair. When disabled persons in wheelchairs are arrested, are taken to Detox, or require placement on a health and welfare hold at HCMC, such persons will be transported by squad car whenever possible. However, prior to transport officers shall ask the disabled person if there is any medical reason they cannot be removed from their wheelchair for transport by squad.
If the person says they cannot be removed from their wheelchair, then special transportation by lift-van shall be made. A vehicle with a hydraulic lift is available through the Traffic Control Office, weekdays before 1530 hours. Officers shall contact the Traffic Control Street Supervisor at (612)335-5932, who will transport the wheelchair/arrested person. The officer requesting the Traffic Control lift-van shall give the Traffic Control Supervisor their name, badge number, squad number, and address where the arrested person/wheelchair is to be taken. One officer is required to accompany the person in the lift-van if the person is under arrest. Officers are not required to accompany the transport of just the wheelchair. (11/06/07) (12/14/07)
After 1530 hours and on weekends officers may obtain use of the hydraulic lift vehicle through the 1st Precinct. The key for the vehicle along with specific instructions for locating the van and operating the hydraulic lift are available at the 1st Precinct. Questions should be directed to 1st Precinct personnel, who have been trained in the procedure for transporting wheelchairs. 1st Precinct personnel will provide assistance to officers regarding use of the equipment, but are not responsible for transporting the arrested persons for other precincts. (11/06/07) (12/14/07)
If the person says they can be removed from their wheelchair, Officers will assist the disabled person into the squad, using care and caution. (08/27/95) (11/06/07)
When officers have had recent contact with the disabled person to be transported and have knowledge that there is no medical reason the person is not able to be removed from their wheelchair, the person may be transported by squad.
All wheelchairs shall be taken to the transport location of the disabled person, with collapsible wheelchairs transported in the trunk of the squad. When a person with a motorized wheelchair is transported by squad, the lift-van shall be called and directed to transport the wheelchair to the disabled person's location.
Officers may contact MECC to make arrangements for the arrival of the disabled person at the appropriate detox or detention facility, or they may contact the facility on their own. (03/18/96) (11/06/07)
Transport of Arrestee - When transport is needed to the detention facility, officers should contact or request that MECC contact the Jail Intake Supervisor for arrangements to book the arrestee as soon as possible. The Jail Intake Supervisor can be contacted at (612)596-8010. (03/18/96) (11/06/07)
Transport to Detox - When transport is needed to a detox facility, officers should request that MECC contact a supervisor at 1010 Currie for admission of the person. 1010 Currie is the preferred location because it is more wheelchair accessible. If 1010 Currie cannot accept the person, their staff supervisor should be able to direct the transport to another appropriate shelter facility. Ideally these arrangements should be made prior to the arrival of the lift-van service. The lift-van driver can then be directed to the pre-arranged facility. The phone number for 1010 Currie is 379-3646. (03/18/96) (11/06/07)
Officers shall follow department searching and restraining procedures when dealing with disabled persons in wheelchairs. Extra care shall be exercised during these procedures due to the arrestee’s physical and/or medical conditions.