What are proper procedures for transporting an inmate within a courthouse?

• A. Maintain restraints, secure escort, private uninterrupted route, continuous supervision, verify identity, document the transport, and log times.
• B. Escort the inmate openly in hallways with unrelated passengers.
• C. Discontinue the transport once outside the courtroom.
• D. Share the transport route with the public.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining custody and security throughout the entire movement is the key idea. When transporting an inmate within a courthouse, restraints should stay in place as required by policy, and the escort should be tightly controlled with a private, uninterrupted route to the destination. Continuous supervision means the officer or officers overseeing the transport keep sight and control of the inmate at all times, with no gaps in custody. Verifying the inmate’s identity before and during the move helps ensure you’re handling the correct person and taking them to the right location. Documenting the transport and logging the times creates an accountable record of the movement, routes used, and any notable events, which is essential for transparency and safety.

Choosing not to use a private route, or allowing unrelated people to accompany or observe the transport, creates opportunities for interference or distraction and breaks the security posture. Ending the transport once the inmate is outside the courtroom would abandon custody midway, and sharing the route with the public undermines security and could expose the operation to risk.