Chapter Four: Transportation

Transcription

1 Chapter Four: Transportation 4.01 Hazard Kits for Vehicles 4.02 Interstate Compact 4.03 Operation of DJJ Vehicles 4.04 Preventive Maintenance 4.05 Security During Medical Treatment or Hospital Stay 4.06 Transportation Procedures 4.07 Vehicle Credit Card Management 4.08 Youth Court Transportation 1 P a g e

2 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.01 Subject: HAZARD KITS FOR VEHICLES Purpose: To ensure that all necessary emergency equipment for safe vehicle operation is made available to staff All detention center vehicles are equipped with vehicle hazard kits. These items are located in the box in the van between the seats and shall include the following: Warning triangle; Jumper cables; One (1) can of tire inflator and a tire gauge; One (1) shop towel; One (1) knife for life/seatbelt cutter; One (1) fire extinguisher; One (1) biohazard bag; One (1) flashlight; and One (1) window punch. Whenever any expendable item is used, it must be indicated in the vehicle logbook. The hazard bags will be inventoried quarterly by the transportation coordinator. All discrepancies will be documented in the vehicle logbook. No items are to be removed from the hazard bag for any purpose other than department vehicle safety needs. Warning Triangle will be placed at the left rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is disabled. Jumper Cables will only be used after the operator has read both vehicle instruction manuals for proper use and is sure that no damage will occur to either vehicle. Tire Inflator will be used for temporary repair only when no other option is available (i.e. spare tire or local repair station). The repaired tire is not intended for distances of more than 25 miles. The operator will get the vehicle to a repair garage as soon as possible. Maintenance must be advised when the Tire Inflator is used and if repairs are completed. If repairs are needed, a work order shall be submitted on the Facility Management System (FMS). Tire Gauge shall be used if you believe a tire is low or in preparation for a trip. Shop Towel is for the operator s convenience. responsibility to get one from maintenance. If it is dirty or lost, it is the operator s If oil is needed, facility maintenance shall be notified as soon as possible. 2 P a g e

3 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.02 Subject: INTERSTATE COMPACT Purpose: To ensure that the Detention Superintendent cooperates with the Interstate Transportation Coordinator in the return of youth charged with youth offenses in another state to the requesting state, pursuant to the provision of the Interstate Compact on Youth. Interstate Compact will coordinate with the transportation coordinator at each center, providing all necessary information concerning flights, physical descriptions and other information necessary to ensure that the transport can be successfully completed. This information will be printed on the face of the Transportation Order and will be electronically mailed to the local transportation coordinator involved in the transport. Interstate Compact arrangements are to be made with the transportation coordinator at the detention facility prior to 2:00 p.m. for youth requiring transportation assistance the next day. The Transportation Coordinator Center shall register all transportation services for cases involving Interstate Compact and notify the appropriate detention center to execute the transport. Each detention center must have trained transportation staff for airport deliveries and pickups. A partnership between Interstate Compact and Detention Services allows certified detention officers to assist with out-of-state retrieval of youth court-ordered to be returned to Florida. Interstate Compact will cover all expenses for the youth and the detention officer (airfare, meals, overtime, etc.) Airport Procedures Each airport has its own protocols involving the transportation of interstate compact youth. Each facility transportation coordinator shall meet with their respective airport security to address the procedures for airport drop off, escort and pick up of interstate compact youth. 3 P a g e

4 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.03 Subject: OPERATION OF DJJ VEHICLES Purpose: To establish guidelines for operation of Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) owned or leased vehicles. Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) vehicles are for official use only. Passengers are authorized by the Superintendent only when necessary for conducting official DJJ business. DJJ employees shall possess a valid Florida Driver s License prior to operating any vehicle owned or leased by the Department. All drivers and passengers are to be in the Class A Uniform when operating or traveling in vehicles. In situations where a uniform is not required or issued, all drivers and passengers are to be in professional attire. Officers will check out the vehicle keys and logbook from the control room. They will also sign for the credit card and check out a state issued cell phone, unless they already have one. The destination and the number of youth and staff must be documented in the van logbook. Prior to loading youth or leaving on a transport, the driver will check out the vehicle. Tires, gas, oil, etc. shall be checked. No food or drink is allowed to be consumed in the vehicle unless authorized by the Superintendent. The use of personal electronic devices is prohibited. Vehicle radios shall not be used Vehicles are to be operated in a safe and lawful manner. Seatbelt use is mandatory by all persons in the vehicle. Vehicles shall never transport more persons then there are seatbelts. No smoking is permitted in vehicles. Alcohol consumption is prohibited by any person operating a DJJ-owned or leased vehicle. 4 P a g e

5 Officers will never detour through a drive-thru or other stop while transporting youth. At the completion of a transport, officers will check the vehicle to ensure that no youth remain. No employee shall operate a vehicle while physically or mentally impaired. Use of DJJ vehicles for non-transport is authorized for staff going to training or meetings. Discretion should be used to ensure that the vehicle is not used in any manner that would reflect poorly on the Department. Abuse or misuse may result in disciplinary action. The interior and exterior of the vehicles are to be kept clean. All drivers are to immediately report to the Superintendent or designee any mechanical problems with the vehicle. Employees who operate DJJ-owned or leased vehicles are required to complete the vehicle record log prior to beginning a trip and upon its completion. All receipts for purchases must be signed and included in the logbook. If an employee receives a ticket while operating a DJJ vehicle, he/she is to report it to the Supervisor immediately upon return to the center or unit and to complete all required facility or unit documentation. If a DJJ vehicle or any vehicle transporting youth in the care/custody of a DJJ staff is involved in an accident, the following actions are to be taken: The appropriate law enforcement agency must be notified regardless of the severity of the accident and a report shall be obtained, if possible. Assess if any staff or youth requires emergency care and, if so, notify EMS. The superintendent and/or supervisor on duty must be notified and if necessary, a request be made for additional staff and vehicles. Have youth evaluated by medical staff upon return to the facility. The employee involved in the accident must complete the DJJ Automobile Accident Report as soon as they are physically able. All other appropriate individuals and parties, including the following must be notified in a timely manner as the situation allows: Detention Services Regional Office, Family Members of Staff, Guardians/Parents of youth and Central Communications Center. The driver is responsible for any fines incurred. All secure vehicles will remain locked at all times when not in use. Steering Wheel Locks, if available at your facility, are provided for vehicles. The locks will be utilized by all staff operating a facility vehicle upon completion of a trip. The steering wheel lock shall be set in place prior to exiting the vehicle.. 5 P a g e

6 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.04 Subject: PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Purpose: To ensure that any vehicle used by the center to transport youth is properly maintained and documentation is maintained on the use and maintenance of each vehicle. The individual assigned to oversee transportation shall ensure the vehicles used for transporting youth will undergo a maintenance check every three (5) months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Transportation Coordinator shall ensure preventive maintenance is scheduled and performed consistent with the preventive maintenance schedule for each vehicle. All vehicles shall undergo an annual vehicle inspection. A certified mechanic shall conduct an inspection on all vehicles used to transport youth to ensure the tires, lights and brakes are safe. The Supervisor shall ensure that all vehicles are inspected and the inspection documented in vehicle log each day and the master control log prior to each use. If, during vehicle safety and security inspection any item is found or suspected to be out of compliance, and no other vehicle is available, the officer must have the Transportation Coordinator or the Shift Supervisor s approval prior to transport. The officer shall check the vehicle for signs of maintenance problems such as: Presence of leaking or pooling of fluids; Under or over inflation of tires; Presence of any object hanging down from the under carriage; Vehicle s windshield or windows are broken, obscured or scored; Mirrors are broken or missing; A headlight, turn signal and/or taillight is broken or out; Belts are worn; Oil and/or steering fluids are low; Seatbelts are not working properly; Any unusual noises coming from the vehicle; The air conditioning is operable and cool; Any other item the officer believes shall be reported. 6 P a g e

7 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.05 Subject: TRANSPORTATION AND SECURITY DURING HOSPITAL STAY OR MEDICAL TREATMENT Purpose: To ensure the safety of the youth, general public and the detention officer when youth that are in custody are at off-site facilities for medical care. It is the policy of the Department that when a youth is transported to a hospital, off-site medical facility or crisis center, the child s parent or legal guardian shall be notified. If the treatment is not an emergency, notification shall be made as soon as possible. If the treatment is an emergency, the parent or guardian shall be notified within one (1) hour of the youth being transported. Documentation shall be maintained by the facility concerning notifications made by staff, as well as any unsuccessful attempts or justified delays in contacting the parent or guardian. If transportation is being provided to a health care facility for the purpose of keeping a prescheduled appointment, emergency outpatient care, etc., the transporting officers shall be assigned no more than two (2) youth. When a high risk youth is being transported, additional staff/officers (where possible) will be assigned. If a youth is transported via contracted ambulance service, one (1) staff/officer must escort the youth in the back of the ambulance, the other following in a DJJ van, with both officers arriving simultaneously. Transporting officers and staff supervising youth shall have a facility cell phone when the youth is admitted to the hospital. The cell phone is a means of keeping in touch with the facility for notification of any problems or emergencies encountered. When youth are admitted to the hospital and/or other outside appointments, the officers shall notify the facility/master control via the cell phone indicating the youth s status, count and any other changes that could affect accountability, every hour. The youth s room number, floor number and the nurse s desk number shall also be relayed to the facility/master control. There shall be at least one (1) officer physically accountable at all times with the youth. Officers will not let youth, regardless of the youth s custody, out of sight unless medically necessary. If it is necessary to allow the youth out of the officer s sight, officers must position themselves in such a way as to not allow the youth to have access to an exit and be able to resume secure custody. Only authorized medical staff and DJJ employees are allowed to enter the youth s room, the officer will accompany them and assume a position away from both medical staff and the youth, where both can be observed. 7 P a g e

8 Youth in hospitals are only allowed phone calls if authorized by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Visitation of youth in hospitals shall be in accordance with the hospital policy and preapproved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. If medical staff requires the removal of handcuffs or leg irons during medical trips, staff must first obtain approval from the Superintendent or his/her designee who will determine if additional staff is needed to assist with the supervision of the youth. (Medical emergencies do not require approval) If any restraint is removed for treatment or examination, only the restraint necessary for that treatment is to be removed, and there must be at least two (2) staff present. Unless there is a medical reason to the contrary, and regardless of custody, youth are always to remain in leg irons while in the hospital. Youth must never be cuffed to furniture, including the hospital bed. When medical staff enter the room, the staff accompanies them and assumes a position away from both medical staff and the youth, where both can be observed. If one staff member is not the same sex as youth, he/she shall stand outside of the examining room when the youth is examined. However, the staff member of the same sex must remain in the room with the youth. The staff accompanying youth to the hospital will take the Medical Transport Logbook from the control room. Any instructions and/or pertinent information shall be documented in the logbook. The logbook will remain at the hospital for the youth s length of stay. The youth s room will be searched at the beginning, during and at the end of each shift to ensure no contraband is introduced. The youth will only be allowed one (1) plastic spork for dining. Food trays will be inventoried prior to and after the youth dines to ensure nothing is added or removed except food. No food other than what the hospital provides will be allowed. Parents will be allowed unless they cause a security concern. The youth will not be allowed access to cell phones or any other electronic device while in the hospital. 8 P a g e

9 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.06 Subject: TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe and secure transport of youth. Transportation outside of the facility provides an opportunity for youth to attempt escape. Therefore, all officers must be diligent and follow proper transporting procedures to prevent and deter all escape attempts, while ensuring that youth are transported in a safe and secure manner. Transporting Officers Only certified officers will transport youth. Certified officers or the Facility Training Coordinator will provide on-the-job training to all transport staff on all transportation procedures. No officers will transport youth to a destination that staff have not been to previously without accompaniment of an experienced transporter, unless approved by the Superintendent or designee. Transportation Coordinator The Transportation Coordinator coordinates transportation at the local level and registers youth in the Statewide Transportation And Relocation System (STAR). The Transportation Coordinator shall: Oversee all transportation to facilities and appointments within the defined area. Ensure each transport request originating with them is registered through STAR daily. Enter the transport requests from the court docket for youth scheduled to go to court. Schedule any transports for youth with the facility catchment area (i.e. medical appointments, movement between detention centers, etc.). Retrieve the daily schedule for the next day to ensure all transports are met. Notify the Headquarter s Transportation Coordinator of any problems involving a transport. Notify the Shift Supervisor to ensure youth are ready for transport when the transportation arrives. Ensure the contents of youth s transport package are sealed in a manila envelope and labeled with his or her name. The transport package includes the Individual Healthcare Record, commitment package and property list. Ensure that procedures are in place and followed regarding storing youth commitment 9 P a g e

10 packages, clothing, personal belongings, and medication whenever a stop or holdover is required during a transport and returned to the transporting officers upon continuation of the transport. Prepare and submit monthly vehicle reports. Follow statewide policy. Restraint Equipment The application of all restraint equipment will be in compliance with 63H and the Protective Action Response (PAR) rule. Youth shall not be handcuffed or shackled to stationary objects. During transport/export, each youth is restrained prior to leaving the facility by either: Option #1: - Waist restraint, handcuffs and leg irons; or Option #2: - Handcuffs and leg irons. If handcuffs are used on pregnant youth, they shall be cuffed in front. Leg restraints, waist chains, soft restraints, and the restraint belt shall not be used on pregnant youth. Restraints may not be used on a youth who is known to be pregnant during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Once restraints are applied, they are not to be removed until youth is securely inside the facility. The only exceptions are if youth is to appear in court (staff will follow court directives concerning physical restraints) or if medical staff requires the removal of handcuffs or leg irons during medical trips or by court order. Flex cuffs may be used if needed. In the case of medical removal, staff must first obtain approval from an Administrator (Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent or designee) who will determine if additional staff is needed to assist with the supervision of the youth. NOTE: Medical emergencies do not require approval. Supervision Officers assigned to transport youth must remember that they are completely responsible for the youth in their care and custody. Decisions shall be made that take the youth s safety, custody and security into consideration. Officers transporting securely detained youth must always retain active control of the youth in their custody. Active control includes visual contact and close physical contact at all times, except in cases of a medical emergency. Transporting officers shall never allow youth to go into an area where they will be unsupervised. When transporting youth, there must be a minimum of two (2) certified transport officers. When there is more than one youth being transported, one officer will ride in the back of the vehicle. Officers must remain with the youth they are transporting. Officers are not authorized to separate for multiple locations during a transport. Officers and youth will move as a group between locations. Although staff shall be aware of profiles of youth that they have control of (i.e. sentence, type of crime, etc.), access to this information is restricted to Department employees only. 10 P a g e

11 Security Youth must be positively identified prior to departure. Only secure vehicles will be used to transport youth. Secure vehicles will have security screens and working communication equipment. Male officers will transport male youth and female officers will transport female youth. ALL vans will have a logbook assigned to each vehicle that staff will use during transports. The name of the officer who is riding in the back will be noted for each trip. Additionally, supervisors will verify appropriate documentation in the logbook and initial their review of the logbook. Stops to allow youth or staff to shop or make telephone calls or eat are prohibited. Youth (and their families) will not be provided advance knowledge of the date, time, route or destination of scheduled transports. Youth shall not be allowed to make telephone calls before or during a transport. Vehicle Readiness and Security Checks All vehicle checks shall be completed prior to loading any youth. After the transport vehicle is searched, it shall be observed or locked to prevent the introduction of contraband prior to being loaded. Transporting officers shall: Inspect the vehicle for contraband, making sure that the cage area of the vehicle is physically checked for objects and/or contraband. Ensure the vehicle has sufficient gasoline/oil to reach the destination. Maintain a copy of the current transportation procedures in each vehicle. Conduct a visual check of the: lights, windshield wipers, directional signals, tire pressure (including spare tire), oil and fuel levels (gas at least ½ tank), first aid kits, jacks, flares (if provided), flashlight, fire extinguisher, maps and other emergency equipment. Verify that seatbelts are securely anchored. Test that the security screen is secure. Confirm that the vehicle folder contains the vehicle logs, vehicle and mechanical restraint keys, gas credit card and vehicle registration. Ensure that a cell phone is assigned to the vehicle and that it is charged and turned on prior to departure. All youth are searched prior to being placed in a vehicle. When a vehicle is unattended, the following precautions must be taken: Keys will not be left in any vehicle. Keys will not be given to any youth in custody. Vehicle phones will be turned off. Vehicles will be kept locked when not in use, and keys will be kept in a secure area. Positioning of the Youth in Transport Vehicle The transporting officer shall always place youth in the rear seat of the vehicle while transporting. The shield shall be in place so that the driver is afforded the protection that the shield is designed to provide. If a youth is on Precautionary Observation, One-on-One, or Close watch status immediately prior to transport, the youth shall be seated in the front of the secure vehicle area. All other youth shall be placed in the rear seats. 11 P a g e

12 Male and female youth are to be separated by row from each other. Long Distance Transport Transportation will be conducted on pre-determined routes. The route shall only be deviated from if emergency conditions exist and/or a change order is received during transport. Detention centers are required to provide a substantial snack or meal to all youth in transportation status when the youth are in their facility during meals or snack time. If a meal has been missed because the youth was in transport, the receiving facility will provide an appropriate meal upon arrival. Youth must be afforded the opportunity for a restroom break at the various detention centers in route. Medicines are to be administered as appropriate at the nearest detention center in route. Transporting officers will contact the local detention center thirty (30) minutes prior to the arrival at that detention center so that any youth who are to be picked up will be ready for transport. High-Risk Youth Transport The Superintendent or designee will assign additional staff when transporting high-risk youth. All high-risk youth will be transported in full restraints, including a waist restraint. This includes any youth who were in confinement immediately prior to their transport. All high-risk youth will be searched prior to being placed in the vehicle and at each destination. All other youth in the vehicle will be searched as well. Pregnant youth shall not be shackled. Public Conveyance The Transportation Coordinator or designee will ensure the existence of an order, signed by a judge, before dispatching officers to airports or bus terminals to pick up a youth. Prior to leaving the facility, the transporting officer(s) must have the following information: name of youth, age, physical description, photograph (if available), clothing description, attitude, violent/aggressive tendencies and flight (escape) risk. Youth Clothing, Medication and Personal Property Officers assigned to transport youth to court are responsible for personal clothing items. This includes transportation to and from court, as well as any clothing and/or personal property for incoming youth. Property and medications shall be placed in the trunk of the vehicle or in the front with the driver. Youth are not permitted to have any items in the caged areas. Youth Transports to Court Transporters shall always enter and exit via the most secure means. At no time shall the transporter leave a youth unsupervised or unattended for any period of time and shall be strategically placed to foil escape attempts. Transporters shall not turn over custody or supervision of youth to any person other than a Juvenile Justice Detention Officer, unless instructed to do so by the judge and/or 12 P a g e

13 a written court order. Transporters shall limit contact and communication with youth to only those authorized by the judge and/or a written court order. At no time are transporters authorized to place detained youth in confined areas with adult offender(s). Emergency Situations While En Route Escapes/Attempted Escapes When a transporting officer experiences an escape during a transport, they shall seek to contain the remaining youth if transporting more than one youth and notify the detention center and local law enforcement of the youth(s) escape. If transporting only one youth, the transporting officer will attempt to apprehend the youth. If successful in apprehending the youth the officer shall proceed to their destination if in their judgment it is safe, or return to the detention facility. The transporting officer shall dial or *FHP. The transporting officer will identify him or herself and call for any state law enforcement officer in the vicinity. Once contact with law enforcement is made the transport will convey all pertinent information to the state law enforcement office. This includes: Physical description of youth; Description of clothing; If youth is handcuffed or not; The location and the direction the youth took when he escaped; Any other descriptive information; Any other persons involved in the escape; Participating vehicles; License identification; Auto identification; and If the youth or transporting officer is injured during the escape, a request for medical assistance. Once police notification is completed the transporting officer will notify the detention facility by use of cell phone or two-way communications. Upon return to the detention center the transporting officer will write a detailed report of the incident and notify the CCC. At no time are staff allowed to relax their supervision of other youth in order to pursue an escaping youth. All staff are to be informed as to when to break-off pursuit of an escapee. If hostages are involved in an escape attempt, staff is instructed to do nothing that will endanger the safety of the hostages. Staff is to maintain as close surveillance as possible and notify the detention center immediately. Disruptive Behavior Should the youth become disruptive and the transporting officer determines that assistance is needed; the transporting officer will call to advise law enforcement of the problem and location and will then contact the facility and advise the shift Supervisor. 13 P a g e

14 Medical Emergencies Shall a medical emergency occur, officers would immediately call and request assistance as soon as possible. Officers must then notify the facility regarding the emergency and all actions taken. Vehicle Failure Shall the transporter encounter mechanical failure of a vehicle while on the road and he/she is unable to repair or get the vehicle started, he/she will make attempts to obtain roadside assistance. In addition, the transporter shall notify the Highway Patrol of the need for assistance when there are youth on board, as well as Master Control and/or the nearest Department of Juvenile Justice facility. If the Master Control Officer has not heard from the transporters by the estimated time of arrival to their destination, the officer shall attempt to contact the transporting officers by telephone and/or the designated facility and inquire as to the whereabouts of the officers, youth and vehicle. The Master Control Officers shall give the receiving facility the designated route that the driver would have taken and ask for assistance in locating the vehicle. The Master Control Officers shall also notify all appropriate law enforcement agencies and request their assistance in searching for the vehicle and its occupants. The Master Control Officers shall make telephone contact every thirty (30) minutes with the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies and the designated receiving facility until the vehicle and its occupants have been found. At the beginning of such a search, the Superintendent shall be immediately notified of the incident. Once the vehicle and its occupants have been located, the Master Control Officer(s) shall begin to notify all appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies and the designated receiving facility, thereby terminating the search. The CCC will also be notified. 14 P a g e

15 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.07 Subject: VEHICLE CREDIT CARD MANAGEMENT Purpose: To monitor travel expenditures charged to the credit cards, and to reinforce existing policy, in reference to use of state vehicles. The Superintendent or designee shall verify at least monthly all credit cards assigned to his/her center is accounted for and assigned to the appropriate vehicle. Any lost or stolen card shall be immediately reported to the appropriate credit card company, the General Services Liaison and the CCC. FDJJ Policy 1306, Vehicle Operations shall be reviewed with all Detention Services staff as a part of their training. When not in use, all credit cards shall be stored in a secure area in the vehicles logbook allowing access only by designated staff: Credit cards are assigned to a specific vehicle. Cards assigned to one vehicle shall not be used for services for any other vehicle. When staff takes possession of a logbook and credit card, he/she must sign a log indicating the card number, date and time the credit card was issued. Staff who issued the logbook and credit card must initial the log verifying his/her action of giving the credit card to another staff. Both parties are responsible for ensuring the credit card being issued and returned is the credit card assigned to the vehicle being used. When the staff to whom the credit card was issued, returns the credit card to the staff designated to issue the card, he/she will sign the log indicating the date and time the credit card was returned. A copy of the log is to be provided to the General Services Liaison with the vehicle logs. Upon using the credit card to make a purchase, staff to whom the card was issued shall: Review the receipt to verify all items on the receipt were purchased and are appropriate for purchase using the credit card. Sign and date the receipt, including receipts generated at the pump and return all receipts with the credit card to staff designated to issue credit cards. Staff shall enter all required information on the vehicle log, including all purchases. The Superintendent or designee shall review and submit the monthly vehicle logs to the General Services Liaison. The Regional General Services Liaison shall coordinate and submit EMIS information and audit use of fuel cards. 15 P a g e

16 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Regional Juvenile Detention Center Facility Operating Procedures Detention Center Superintendent: Review Date: Section: 4.08 Subject: YOUTH COURT TRANSPORTATION Purpose: To ensure that transport officers are adequately trained and aware of security procedures before being assigned transportation or movement of youth outside any secure area. The transportation coordinator will review the docket for each court, check the number and identity of the youth and determine the number of staff that needs to be sent on the transport. If the transportation coordinator is not available, the shift Supervisor will review the docket. Some courts require more staff due to logistics, possible non-secure parking and any construction that may be taking place. Each transport will have a lead officer. This officer is responsible for ensuring policy is followed. Officers will conduct themselves professionally while at court. Officers will not chew gum, carry drinks or lean on the walls. Officers will remain alert at all times. Detention staff will check youth restraints prior to departure from each location. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court ruling on restraints, all restraints will be removed prior to youth going into the actual courtroom. The restraints will be applied when the youth leaves the courtroom. Detention staff will remain standing at all times while in the courtroom. If two officers are in the courtroom at the same time, one officer will stand next to youth and a second staff shall stand between youth and swinging gate that leads to area where public is seated. The detention officer will maintain strategic positioning around youth so as to foil any escape attempts. Detention staff will continue to remain standing while monitoring youth in holding cells. Proper positioning shall be used to ensure constant sight and sound supervision of all youth. Prior to leaving a holding cell, staff will ensure the area is free and clean of any debris. If anything occurs in any location that differs from this policy, detention staff will note this in the logbook and complete an incident report upon return to the facility. If any security concern arises, staff will call the Superintendent or designee immediately. Transporting officers shall use the following procedures when transporting youth to court: Transporting officers are in charge of and responsible for youth in their custody. All youth that leave the detention center will be shackled and handcuffed as identified in the Protective Action Response rule. There will be no exceptions to this procedure unless authorized by Superintendent or designee. Youth being transported to and from a non-secure facility, shall be transported in s 16 P a g e

17 Shackles and handcuffs. The transporting officer shall always maintain active control of youth in our custody. Active physical control including maintaining visual contact and a close physical presence at all time. The transporting officers must remember that they are in charge of all youth in their custody, and they shall make all the appropriate decisions regarding the youth s safety, custody and security. Except in the case of medical emergency, no transporting officers shall ever relinquish active control of youth in custody for any reason. When transporting youth to court, transporting officers shall coordinate with court and law enforcement officials to maintain the secure custody status of youth while they await hearings. Transporting officers shall immediately place youth in the holding areas provided by the court upon arriving at the court. Transporting officers shall report to the bailiff with the proper identification and all necessary paperwork. Transporting officers are responsible for supervising all youth in the court and holding area. Transporting officers shall remain available to transport the youth back to the detention center or appropriate place designated by the court. Transporting officers shall always be alert to potential escape routes. All youth shall remain in shackles during court unless ordered otherwise by the court. Transporting officers shall not allow youth to go unsupervised into areas from which they can escape. If a transporting officer is asked to relinquish active control of youth in his/her custody, he/she shall: deny the request; contact the Superintendent for additional instructions or return the youth to the detention center. 17 P a g e