DELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief William E. Ridgway
Departmental Standards Directive
TITLE:
PRISONER / DETAINEE TRANSPORTING
CODIFIED:
CFA STD:
5.6
2.03M
29.02M,
29.05M,
29.07M,
29.01M,
29.04M,
29.06M,
29.08M,
DATE OF ISSUE:
11.30.10
EFFECTIVE DATE:
11.30.10
RESCINDS/
AMENDS:
04.28.08
PAGES:
9
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Directive is to provide Department personnel with guidelines for the transporting of prisoners/detainees in a safe and secure manner.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the DeLand Police Department to emphasize that an arrest is the act of depriving people of their freedom of movement in order to answer a criminal charge. No two individuals react the same when faced with the possibility of being incarcerated. All arrests, and subsequent transportation and booking, must be made with the knowledge that an element of danger exists.
5.6-1
PROCEDURES
GENERAL TRANSPORT PROCEDURES
5.6.1 The arresting/transporting officer shall:

Thoroughly search each prisoner for weapons and contraband prior to transport. This applies
to all transports, including transfers from other officers or agencies.

Accurately inventory personal property and evidence (money, jewelry, narcotics, etc.) in the
presence of another officer (when practical) and have both officers legibly sign the property
and/or evidence bag(s) across the flap when sealed, indicating agreement on the contents of
the bag(s).

Have the prisoner sign in the appropriate place on the property sheet their acknowledgement
of the property taken from them at the time of arrest. If the prisoner cannot sign or refuses to
sign the acknowledgement, then the arresting officer will have another officer witness the
property listed and sign the property slip indicating agreement with the arresting officer and
the subject’s refusal or inability to sign the slip.

In the event a complaint or dispute regarding prisoner property arises the officer shall notify
their supervisor as soon as practical.
5.6.2 If the arresting officer is turning a prisoner over to the prisoner transport wagon or other
unit, the officer shall ensure that all potential security and medical problems associated
with the arrestee are noted. Proper documentation shall accompany the arrestee at all
times. All prisoner property will be taken and recorded on the prisoner property sheet.
5.6.3 Only those personal items that can be accepted at the Branch Jail or Detention Center
should be transported with the prisoner. Other items are to be marked as personal property and put into evidence/property for later retrieval.
5.6.4 Arresting officers will request a teletype check by communications personnel for active
warrants and capiases on all arrested persons.
5.6.5 All arrest affidavits should be reviewed by a supervisor prior to transporting a prisoner to
the jail facility.
5.6.6 All prisoners/detainees shall be handled in the following manner:

When a person arrested for a felony or misdemeanor is transported in a vehicle other than a
transport wagon, the person shall be handcuffed behind the back, double locked and checked
for tightness. The vehicle locked keeping in mind the health and safety of the arrested person.
5.6-2

When an arrested person is transported in a transport wagon the person shall be handcuffed
behind the back, double locked and checked for tightness, unless for medical or exigent circumstances then the person may be handcuffed with their hands in front for safety purposes
with the use of supplemental restraints.

Prisoners shall not communicate with citizens, including attorneys, during the actual
transport from the place of arrest to the jail or other facility.

During prisoner transports, the transporting officer will not respond to any calls unless directed by a supervisor.
5.6.7 The shift supervisors shall maintain additional restraints should these items be needed.
5.6.8 The arresting officer must verify that a check for warrants has been made on the prisoner.
5.6.9 Officers assigned to prisoner transport shall ensure the arrest paperwork is completed prior to taking custody of a prisoner from an arresting officer. Every effort shall be made to
ensure the completeness of all required paperwork before the arresting officer returns to
normal assignment.
5.6.10 In the event that a transporting officer locates contraband on a prisoner, and the arresting
officer is no longer on duty, the transporting officer shall confer with the shift supervisor
and initiate the appropriate charges relative to the contraband.
5.6.11 Whenever an officer transports a person of the opposite sex, the officer shall immediately
advise the dispatcher of the circumstances, the destination and vehicle mileage. Upon arrival at the destination, the officer shall again report the mileage.
5.6.12 Prisoners of the opposite sex arrested for unrelated crimes will not be transported together
unless the vehicle has been specifically modified to accommodate this type of transportation.
5.6.13 Once a prisoner is turned over to the branch jail, any inquires regarding the prisoner
should be referred to that agency.
5.6.14 If a transporting officer is transporting five or more prisoners, he/she shall alert the
Branch Jail officer by phone or request the communications center to relay the information.
5.6.15 Transporting officers should render assistance to the Branch Jail officers whenever possible in order to expeditiously process large numbers of arrestees.
PROCEDURES AT THE POLICE STATION
5.6.16 If prisoners are transported to the Police Station, they will not be left unattended in police
vehicles or any other location.
5.6-3
5.6.17 Unless exigent circumstances exist, there should be two officers present when bringing a
prisoner into the holding area.
5.6.18 Transporting officers will approach the Sally Port from the south (Howry Avenue) side.
5.6.19 Upon pulling up to the gates, the officer will use the remote control door opener to open
the appropriate gates.
5.6.20 When possible, the officer will pull into the Sally Port and park as far to the north side as
possible.
5.6.21 After the gates have closed and the officer has determined it is safe to exit the car, they
will secure their weapons either in the trunk of the car or the weapons locker area. NOTE:
The Sally Port doors shall be closed before a prisoner is removed from the vehicle.
As entry is made into the holding area, all doors entered will be closed and locked before the next area is entered.
5.6.22 The prisoner will be brought into the holding area hallway. No access can be gained to
the main holding area without the officer’s proximity card. The prisoner(s) will be
brought into the main holding cell area and the door secured.
5.6.23 Before a prisoner is placed into a holding cell, the officer will inspect the cell for contraband and once again search the prisoner.
5.6.24 The prisoner will step into the open doorway of the cell, at which point the handcuffs will
be removed. The prisoner will step inside and the door secured behind them.
5.6.25 Prisoner arrest paperwork will be completed in the holding cell work area.
5.6.26 The above procedures will be followed in the reverse order for removing a prisoner for
transport to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
5.6.27 Prisoners will not be taken from the holding area to any other part of the station without
approval of a supervisor.
5.6.28 If a person comes to the station voluntarily and is arrested there as a result of a criminal
investigation, they may be moved throughout the station with supervisor approval.
5.6.29 At no time will prisoners be escorted between vehicles and the holding cell area while
Sally Port gates are open.
PROCEDURES AT BRANCH JAIL AND JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER
5.6.30 At the jail, the police vehicle shall be parked in the Sally Port until the prisoner is removed from the vehicle and taken into the jail.
5.6-4
5.6.31 The officer shall secure their weapon before entering the processing area of the jail facility or the juvenile detention center. After the prisoner is secure in the jail/detention center,
the officer shall proceed to the next location or go back in service.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
5.6.32 Supervisors must monitor prisoner transports to prevent delays and prisoners spending
excessive amounts of time in transport wagons, especially during hot weather.
5.6.33 An on-duty supervisor must provide written authorization for any strip or body cavity
search of an arrested person, and will ensure that the search is conducted in accordance
with F.S.S. 901.211.
5.6.34 In the event a complaint or dispute regarding prisoner property arises the supervisor will
submit a report and take appropriate action.
TRANSPORT VEHICLES
5.6.35 At the beginning and end of each tour of duty, officers assigned to the prisoner transport
wagon or department vehicles which will be used as prisoner transport vehicles, shall carefully inspect the vehicle to ensure it is equipped with all emergency equipment and that the
vehicle is absent of weapons, contraband or other items which may have been left from the
previous occupant. The vehicle shall also be searched for contraband after any prisoners
or civilians are transported. Missing equipment will be duly noted and replaced. Found
items, such as weapons and controlled substances, shall be immediately reported to a supervisor.
DISABLED PRISONERS
5.6.36 Care should be taken when a prisoner with a physical or mental disability is to be transported. The officer should take into consideration the type of vehicle necessary to safely
transport such individuals without creating an undue hardship on the prisoner or an unsafe condition for the officer. Should a prisoner have need of medicines, medical supplies, walking aids, and/or prosthetic appliances, such items should be transported in such
a manner to preclude their use as a weapon by the prisoner. Any such item or device
transported with a prisoner will be turned over to the booking officer and noted on the
property sheet.
5.6.37 Officers will use handcuffs and restraints on disabled prisoners, except when the nature of
the disability makes the use of a standard restraint impossible or impractical. In such cases, the transporting officer will use appropriate restraints necessary to ensure the security,
safety, and dignity of all persons.
5.6-5
SICK OR INJURED PRISONERS
5.6.38 If the prisoner claims illness or injury, the officer shall notify their immediate supervisor
and request fire/rescue either at the scene or at the station.
5.6.39 If the prisoner appears to be more seriously ill or injured, the officer shall notify their
immediate supervisor and request fire/rescue to the location for treatment.
5.6.40 If necessary, the prisoner may be transported to the hospital, via ambulance, or by the officer, depending upon the seriousness of the illness/injury.
5.6.41 Whenever a prisoner is transported by ambulance or police vehicle, the officer will use
reasonable restraints to accomplish their objective with the consideration for human dignity, safety and security of the prisoner/subject.
5.6.42 If a person to be arrested for a minor offense is obviously sick/injured, the officer will
consult with a superior officer concerning the necessity or advisability of an arrest prior to
placing the person under arrest.
5.6.43 An officer shall accompany and remain with all ambulatory prisoners while being treated
at the hospital.
5.6.44 Officers shall notify their immediate supervisor when ambulatory prisoners are admitted
to the hospital. The supervisor has the responsibility to notify the Clerk of the Court or
designee, who will then make arrangements for first appearance proceedings.
5.6.45 In all cases, the prisoner paperwork will remain with the guarding officer at the hospital
unless the judge requests that it be brought elsewhere. After first appearance has been
held, the supervisor will ensure that the Volusia County Branch Jail shift supervisor is notified so that they can take over guarding the prisoner.
5.6.46 Information and documentation pertaining to any treatment should be contained or attached to the arrest affidavit and/or incident report.
VIOLENT PRISONERS
5.6.47 When a prisoner displays the potential for extreme violence at the time of arrest, the arresting officer may take the subject directly to the Branch Jail.
5.6.48 If necessary, the officer may park in the Sally Port, without removing the prisoner, in order to complete paperwork or retrieve teletypes.
5.6.49 If a prisoner becomes violent after being brought into the holding area, extra restraints
may be used to prevent the subject from causing harm to self or others.
5.6-6
5.6.50 In the event that a prisoner has been, begins or attempts to kick Officers or other Emergency Personnel, the use of a Department approved “Hobble Leg Restraint Device” may
be used to secure the prisoner’s legs as to prevent the subject from causing harm to self or
others. This device may also be utilized to restrain a prisoner’s legs if an attempt has been
made by the prisoner to kick out the windows or doors of a police vehicle.
5.6.51 The use of the “Hobble Leg Restraint Device” may only be applied by an Officer who has
received Departmental training in the proper use of the device.
5.6.52 The use of the “Hobble Leg Restraint Device” must be approved by the on duty Supervisor unless extenuating circumstances dictate an immediate response by the Officer. If an
immediate response is made by the Officer, the Officer shall report the usage of the device to the on duty Supervisor immediately following the incident. Documentation of
their usage shall be made on charging affidavits and/or computer reports.
5.6.53 In the event that a violent prisoner threatens to or begins to spit or attempts to bite an Officer or other Emergency Personnel, the use of Department approved protective shields
(Mesh Cloth Transport Hoods / Plastic Bite Prevention Face Shields) may be utilized on
the prisoner.
5.6.54 The use of these devices must be approved by the on duty Supervisor unless extenuating
circumstances dictate an immediate response by the Officer. If an immediate response is
made by the Officer, the Officer shall report the usage of the device to the on duty Supervisor immediately following the incident. Documentation of their usage shall be made on
charging affidavits and/or computer reports.
5.6.55 The Mesh Cloth Transport Hood is to be used to assist in the prevention of Officer and
prisoner injury. The Mesh Cloth Transport Hood is intended to assist in the prevention of
the spread of infectious disease and is never to be used as a form of punishment. The
Mesh Cloth Transport Hood is authorized when:
 The prisoner is under control and restrained.
 The prisoner has or has made a credible threat to spit on Officers or Emergency Personnel.
 The prisoner is not vomiting or bleeding profusely from the mouth or nose.
 The prisoner is under continuous visual observation.
5.6.56 The Plastic Bite Prevention Face Shield is to be used to assist in the prevention of Officer
and prisoner injury. The Plastic Bite Prevention Face Shield is intended to assist in the
prevention of the spread of infectious disease and is never to be used as a form of punishment. The Plastic Bite Prevention Face Shield is authorized when:
5.6-7
 The prisoner is under control and restrained.
 The prisoner has made a credible threat, attempt or has bitten Officers or Emergency Personnel.
 The prisoner is not vomiting or bleeding profusely from the mouth or nose.
 The prisoner is under constant and continuous visual observation.
JUVENILE TRANSPORT
5.6.57 A juvenile and an adult defendant shall not be transported together unless the juvenile and
adult are alleged to have jointly participated in the same offense or transaction.
ESCAPED PRISONERS
5.6.58 In the event a prisoner escapes from an officer’s custody, that officer will immediately
notify their supervisor and make every effort to locate the escapee. The nearest field supervisor will respond to the scene, evaluate the situation, and coordinate the search.
5.6.59 The communications section shall notify all other units and surrounding law enforcement
agencies (when applicable) of the prisoner’s escape and any other pertinent information.
5.6.60 If the escapee cannot be located, the field supervisor may call for additional assistance or
terminate the search.
5.6.61 The officer from whom the prisoner escaped shall complete a detailed report of the events
leading up to the escape, prior to the end of their tour of duty.
NOTE: If a prisoner escapes while other prisoners are in custody, the transporting officer
shall ensure that the remaining prisoners are secure and remain with the other prisoners.
The transporting officer will provide as much information as possible in reference to the
escaped prisoner’s description, direction of travel etc. to the communications personnel.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AN OFFICER LEAVE OTHER PRISONERS
ALONE TO GIVE CHASE TO AN ESCAPED PRISONER.
INGESTION OF NARCOTICS
5.6.62 In the event a subject is taken into custody and during the course of the arrest the subject ingests, or is suspected of ingesting some type of narcotic the suspect shall be treated as an injured prisoner.
5.6.63 The arresting officer shall notify their supervisor of the circumstances surrounding the belief
that narcotics were ingested.
5.6-8
5.6.64 Upon supervisor approval, the prisoner shall be transported to the emergency department at
Florida Hospital—DeLand for evaluation and treatment, if necessary.
DRAFTED: PCG - 6/2003
REVISED: GRB – 06/2005
REVISED: GRB - 11/2006
REVISED: JFA - 01/2008
REVISED: JFA - 04/2008
REVISED: JFA – 11/2010
5.6-9