RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

10.1.1 – Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish standardized procedures for the safe, secure, and humane transport of detainees outside the Randolph County Detention Center. This policy is designed to minimize risk to staff, detainees, and the public while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.

10.1.2 – Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that all detainees transported outside the secure confines of the facility shall be transported in a manner that ensures safety, security, and accountability.

All detainees shall be properly restrained using approved restraint devices unless otherwise authorized by a supervisor, required by court order, or dictated by documented medical necessity.

Detainees assigned Detainee Worker (Trustee) status may be transported without restraints when approved by the Chief Jail Administrator.

10.1.3 – Definitions

Detainee: Any individual lawfully held in custody.

Restraint Devices: Department-approved equipment used to restrict movement, including handcuffs, belly chains (waist restraints), and ankle irons (leg restraints).

Transport Officer: Any sworn or authorized personnel responsible for escorting detainees outside the facility.

10.1.4 – General Transport Requirements

A. All transports shall be approved by a supervisor or conducted pursuant to court order, medical necessity, or official duty.

B. A minimum of one (1) officer shall be assigned for single detainee transport; additional officers shall be assigned based on risk assessment.

C. Officers shall conduct and document a thorough pre-transport search of each detainee to ensure no contraband or weapons are present.

D. Transport vehicles shall be inspected prior to and after each transport to ensure they are free of contraband and in safe operating condition.

E. Officers shall ensure proper documentation is completed prior to departure.

10.1.5 – Restraint Requirements

A. Mandatory Restraints
 

All detainees transported outside the facility shall be restrained using:

1. Handcuffs (double-locked), and

2. Additional restraints as required by classification or risk level.

B. Standard Restraint Configuration
 

Unless otherwise authorized, detainees shall be restrained using:

1. Handcuffs secured in front,

2. Belly chain securing the handcuffs, and

3. Ankle irons.

C. Exceptions to Standard Restraints
 

Modifications may be authorized under the following conditions:

1. Documented medical conditions (e.g., injury, pregnancy),

2. Court orders prohibiting certain restraints,

3. Juveniles, in accordance with applicable laws and policy,

4. Approved Detainee Workers (Trustees).

D. High-Risk Detainees
 

Detainees identified as violent, escape risks, or high-profile shall be restrained with all available restraint devices, including:

1. Handcuffs (double-locked),

2. Belly chain,

3. Ankle irons,

4. Additional authorized restraints (e.g., transport belt or security box).

E. Front Handcuffing
 

Front handcuffing is prohibited unless:

1. Approved by a supervisor, or

2. Required due to documented medical necessity or operational need.

10.1.6 – Application of Restraints

A. All restraints shall be applied in a secure manner that does not cause unnecessary pain or injury.

B. Handcuffs shall be double-locked and checked for proper fit.

C. Officers shall continuously monitor detainees for signs of distress or circulatory issues.

D. Detainees shall not be secured to fixed objects inside transport vehicles using restraint devices.

10.1.7 – Transport Procedures

A. Detainees shall be placed in the rear compartment of approved transport vehicles whenever possible.

B. Seatbelts shall be utilized when feasible and when doing so does not compromise officer safety.

C. Officers shall maintain constant observation of detainees during transport.

D. No unauthorized stops shall be made unless required by emergency circumstances.

E. Officers shall ensure the safety and security of detainees, staff, and the public throughout transport operations.

10.1.8 – Special Circumstances

A. Medical Transports

1. Restraints shall be used unless prohibited by medical personnel or conditions.

2. Officers shall remain present and maintain custody at all times.

B. Court Transports

1. Officers shall comply with all court security protocols.

2. Restraints may be adjusted in accordance with judicial directives.

C. Multiple Detainees

1. Detainees shall be separated when feasible based on classification, gender, co-defendant status, or known conflicts.

10.1.9 – Searches

A. All detainees shall be searched prior to transport and upon return to the facility.

B. The Chief Jail Administrator or designee may authorize a strip search of any detainee returning to the facility, including Detainee Workers or Work Release participants, when deemed necessary.

10.1.10 – Documentation

A. All transports shall be documented and include:

1. Names of transporting officers,

2. Detainee identification,

3. Purpose of transport,

4. Time of departure and return,

5. Any incidents or deviations from standard procedures.

B. Any modification of restraints shall be documented, including justification and supervisory approval.

10.1.11 – Prohibited Practices

A. The use of restraints as punishment is strictly prohibited.

B. Detainees shall not be transported without appropriate restraints unless authorized.

C. Hog-tying or any restraint method that restricts breathing is strictly prohibited.

10.1.12 – Responsibility

All personnel involved in detainee transport are responsible for adhering to this policy. Supervisors shall ensure compliance and address violations through appropriate corrective action.

10.1.13 – Review and Compliance

This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to remain consistent with current legal standards, accreditation requirements, and best practices in detention operations.