Sec. 12.12.11.07. Inmate Transportation and Escort Procedures

A. When a group of inmates is being transported, and one or more of the inmates in the group is not on conditional release status, the Warden shall ensure that the shift commander:

(1) Transports the inmates in a secured vehicle;

(2) Determines the number of correctional officers assigned to escort duty and authorizes the appropriate weapons to be carried;

(3) Restrains the inmates in accordance with Institution directives; and

(4) Assigns to escort duty at least one correctional officer of the same sex as the inmates being transported.

B. When transporting a group of inmates that includes only inmates on conditional release status, the shift commander may transport the inmates without restraints, using on-duty staff other than correctional officers.

C. The Warden shall ensure that a correctional officer assigned to escort duty:

(1) Is qualified in the use of firearms, trained and experienced in transporting inmates, familiar with good security practices, and possesses an appropriate vehicle operator's permit;

(2) Provides supervision to a probationary correctional officer who is assigned to escort duty;

(3) Obtains from the Institution control center an escort identification card for an inmate to be transported, and returns the card to the Institution control center when the inmate is returned to the Institution;

(4) Ensures that restraint devices remain on an inmate while in a courtroom unless the presiding judge or magistrate orders otherwise;

(5) Obtains a written receipt for an inmate who is left in the custody of a law enforcement or other authorized agency; and

(6) While escorting an inmate being treated at or admitted to an outside medical facility:

(a) Notifies medical facility security personnel when an inmate arrives at a medical facility,

(b) Ensures that restraint devices remain on an inmate while in a medical facility, unless a health care provider, due to medical circumstances, directs otherwise,

(c) Maintains an inmate in view at all times, unless an inmate's medical treatment makes this impossible, in which case the officer shall assume a position as close to the inmate as possible,

(d) Ensures that an inmate only receives items which have been approved by the Institution or medical facility staff,

(e) Ensures that an inmate is allowed to make a telephone call only when the Warden or designee has granted specific written permission,

(f) Ensures that a visit an inmate receives is in accordance with COMAR 12.12.18, Institution directives, and medical facility policies concerning clinical and security issues, and

(g) Ensures that an inmate is allowed only in an authorized area of a medical facility.