Escort and Transport Procedure

Purpose. This procedure covers the planning, staffing, conduct and recording of every escort of a person in custody outside the secure perimeter.

1.Planning

Every escort must be planned by the Reception and Escorts Coordinator and entered in the Escort and Movement Log at least 24 hours before departure, except for medical emergencies. Planning must consider the person's classification, escape history, medical needs, known associates, the destination and the route.

2.Risk assessment

An escort risk assessment must be completed and signed before departure. The assessment sets the number of officers, the restraint level, the vehicle type and whether a second vehicle is required. High risk escorts must be approved by the Security and Intelligence Manager.

• Classification and escape risk
• Violence and self-harm history
• Medical and mobility needs
• Destination security
• Route and timing

3.Staffing and equipment

Only officers holding current escort accreditation will conduct escorts. The escort leader must check restraints, radios, documentation, first aid kit and vehicle before departure and record the check in the log. Officers must carry the movement authority and the person's medication where prescribed.

4.During the escort

The person must remain under continuous observation. Restraints must not be removed unless directed by a court, required for medical treatment or authorised by the escort leader after a risk assessment. The escort leader must report departure, arrival at destination, departure from destination and return to the central monitoring station.

5.Court attendance

At court the escort team will liaise with court security, hold the person in the cells and present the person as directed by the court. Officers must record any court order that changes custody status and deliver the paperwork to reception on return.

6.Incidents and return

Any incident during an escort must be reported by radio immediately and recorded on return using the Incident Report Form. On return the person must be searched, property checked against the register and the escort closed in the Escort and Movement Log with times and any remarks.