9-110 - Prisoner Control, Safety and Transportation

(A-B)

1. When feasible, a two-officer squad shall be used to transport a felony prisoner.
2. One-officer squads may transport misdemeanor prisoners.
3. When feasible, a two-officer squad shall transport an arrestee of the opposite sex.

1. Officers transporting an arrestee of the opposite sex shall give MECC their destination and odometer reading.

1. Officers shall immediately notify MECC of any delay.
2. Upon arrival at their destination, officers shall notify MECC.

4. All prisoners shall remain within sight of the transporting officers at all times until the custody of the prisoner is transferred to a responsible authority, except in emergency situations.
5. Transporting officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their prisoners.

1. Prisoners shall be secured with fastened seatbelts during transport in any vehicle equipped with seat belts.

1. If the vehicle is not equipped with seat belts in the transportation area, officers shall document in their report the lack of seat belts and the reason(s) that particular vehicle was used for the transport.
2. If circumstances prevent officers from safely securing the prisoner, the prisoner will be transported unsecured. The officers must document the specific reason(s) for the unsecured transport in their report.

2. Transporting officers shall not stop or interrupt prisoner transport responsibilities unless exigent circumstances exist and the risk to the prisoner is minimal.
3. Under no circumstances shall a prisoner be transported in the prone position. (06/13/14)

6. When transporting prisoners to a detention facility, officers shall comply with MPD rules, regulations and requirements until the prisoner is secure within the destination facility. Officers will then comply with the rules, regulations and procedures of the receiving facility.  (06/13/14)
7. Once the subject is secured, an officer shall watch for any of the following signs: (06/13/14)

• Significant change in behavior or level consciousness;
• Shortness of breath or irregular breathing;
• Seizures or convulsions;
• Complaints of serious pain or injury; and/or
• Any other serious medical problem.

8. If officers observe any serious medical issue, they shall immediately contact EMS or transport directly to a local hospital.  Officers shall also notify a supervisor. (06/13/14)
9. In the event of a prisoner escape during transport, the transporting officers shall immediately do the following:

1. Notify the dispatcher of the event and location.
2. Attempt pursuit if possible.
3. Notify a supervisor or proper jurisdictional authority of the escape.
4. Complete the original arrest report, noting the escape from custody.

Definitions

Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.