KNOXVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

General Order No. 2.3

Subject: Effective Date: Revised Date:

Prisoner Restraint, Search and September 29, 1992 January 30, 2023
Transportation
Title: Pages: Distribution:
Prisoner Transportation 24 All Members
Cross Reference: Chief of Police Approval:
CALEA Standard – Chapters 70 & 71

Purpose

The purpose of this directive is to provide guidelines for all members while performing the
functions/activities of prisoner transportation.

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 Table of Contents

Use of Restraints ............................................................................................................................. 3

Special Considerations .................................................................................................................... 4
Searches .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Search of Prisoners of Opposite Sex ............................................................................................... 5
Strip Searches (TCA 40-7-119) ........................................................................................................ 6
Body Cavity Searches ...................................................................................................................... 7
Prisoner Transportation .................................................................................................................. 8
Medical Treatment of Prisoner ....................................................................................................... 9
Prisoner Transportation Vehicle (Wagon) .................................................................................... 11
Transport of Prisoners from Other Agencies ................................................................................ 12
Disturbance during Transportation .............................................................................................. 13
Juveniles ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Transportation in Vehicles without Prisoner Transportation Equipment .................................... 14
Transportation of Opposite Sex, Disabled, Mentally Disabled or Sick Prisoners ......................... 14
Use of Disposable Hood ................................................................................................................ 15
Long Distance Transports.............................................................................................................. 15
Prisoner Transported from one Facility to Another ..................................................................... 16
Communication by Prisoners with Third Parties .......................................................................... 16
Ability to Render Aid while Transporting Prisoner ....................................................................... 16
Transporting to the Intake Center ................................................................................................ 17
Escape of Prisoner......................................................................................................................... 18
Control and Security of Prisoners Inside Police Facilities ............................................................. 18

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Use of Restraints
1. The law imposes a duty of reasonable care to individuals over whom a police officer or
Transportation Officer exercises custodial control.

2. All prisoners taken into custody and transported by members of the Knoxville Police
Department shall be handcuffed unless a medical or physical condition of the arrestee
prohibits their use.

3. Handcuffing techniques shall follow all guidelines taught by the Knoxville Police
Department Training Academy.

4. Prisoners will be handcuffed behind their backs with palms facing out. Should a physical
or medical condition prohibit handcuffing behind the back, the prisoner may be
handcuffed in the front in conjunction with a waist chain.

5. Handcuffs and leg irons must be capable of being doubled locked, and will be double
locked when used.

6. Efforts shall be made to maximize prisoner security and minimize prisoner discomfort.

7. Prisoners should not be handcuffed using a wall or other similar object that may be used
to the prisoner’s advantage.

8. All prisoners in the same transportation compartment shall be handcuffed in the same
manner (cuffed in back or cuffed in front with waist chain)

9. Additional approved restraints such as flex cuffs, waist chains and leg irons may be used
when necessary or deemed appropriate to ensure maximum risk reduction to the
officer, the prisoner, and/or the general public.

10. Flex cuffs are a temporary alternative to handcuffs, designed to be applied quickly and
in situations where there are more detainees than handcuffs available. They can also be
utilized in a mass arrest situation or where contamination issues are a concern.

11. Flex cuffs shall not be cut off of a detainee by use of a knife. Instead, they will be
removed with a safety cutter or wire/cable type hand cutter for the safety of both the
detainee and transporting member.

12. Waist chains (or belly chains) may be utilized to provide for a more secure means of
cuffing a detainee in the front.

13. Waist chains (or belly chains) are used in conjunction with a set of handcuffs through a
retainer link that can be inserted through any link on the chain. Application
considerations for waist chains (belly chains) include:

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 a. The chain is applied around the detainee’s waist keeping the retainer link
directly in front of their waist so the handcuffs will be positioned near the
navel.
b. Secure the chain as snug as possible without hindering the diaphragm for
breathing.
c. Insert the retainer link through a chain link and apply handcuffs.
d. Secure the access chain
e. Waist chains may be utilized in conjunction with handcuffing a detainee
behind their back if they are uncooperative and unruly.

14. Special attention should be given to how a handcuffed prisoner is positioned once
restrained. Improper positioning, such as placing a prisoner in a face down position or
any other position that hinders free movement of the chest and abdomen or restricts
the airway can interfere with a restrained prisoner’s breathing. Restrained prisoners,
when placed in a prone position, should be placed on their side.

Special Considerations
15. Officers should recognize the effects of seizures or other disabilities such as intellectual
disability, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, mental illness, or deafness in
determining whether an arrest should be made.

16. The utilization of restraints on disabled prisoners shall include the following
considerations:
a. Combativeness
b. Degree of mobility
c. Degree of disability
d. Discomfort of prisoner

17. The utilization of restraints on sick or injured prisoners shall include the following
considerations:
a. Combativeness
b. Severity of illness or injury
c. Possibility of aggravating illness or injury
d. Interference of restraints with medical treatment
e. Discomfort of prisoner

18. The utilization of restraints on mentally disabled prisoners/individuals shall be based on

the considerations for physically disabled prisoners/individuals and in addition the
following considerations:
a. Threat of violence
b. Possibility of restraints increasing or decreasing the likelihood of violence

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Searches
19. All prisoners shall be controlled and searched, in a thorough manner, by any officer
taking or receiving custody of the prisoner. The search shall be prior to any transport in
effort to protect the safety of others and provide for security of the prisoner.

20. The scope of the search shall include all property that is being transported with the
prisoner in effort to locate and confiscate all possible evidence, weapons and
contraband.

21. Personal items such as money, jewelry, wallets and other items that could not be used
as a possible weapon, contraband or evidence, shall be inspected by the searching
officer and then returned to the prisoner. If the suspect will be transported by the
Transportation Vehicle, a specially designed truck or van, then the officer will give the
prisoner's property to the Transportation Officer.

22. Search positions and techniques shall follow all guidelines taught by the Knoxville Police
Department Training Academy.

23. All prisoners will be checked with a handheld metal detector prior to being placed in the
Transportation Vehicle.

Search of Prisoners of Opposite Sex

24. The necessity of conducting a search on a prisoner of the opposite sex must be
considered. If a search is not conducted, the prisoner shall be cuffed and the next
person having custody shall be made aware of the need for prisoner search.

25. The scope of the search should be limited to what is necessary under the circumstances.

26. When practical and officer safety is not jeopardized, safeguards shall include the
following:
a. If an officer of the same sex is on the scene, or in close proximity, then the
same sex officer should conduct the search or
b. Request an officer be present to witness the search. The name of the
witnessing officer should be noted on the arrest report.

27. No officer is expected to jeopardize their safety by refraining from a thorough search of
a prisoner who is of the opposite sex. However, the potential for impropriety should be
considered and all searches shall be conducted in a professional manner.

28. Officers should utilize in-car cameras to capture prisoner searches when one is readily
available, time permits such recording, and officers can safely position themselves
within the camera’s field of view. Officers should also make every reasonable attempt
to record prisoner searches when forced to search a person of the opposite sex.

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Strip Searches (TCA 40-7-119)
29. Strip search is defined as the removing or arranging of some or all of a person's clothing
so as to permit a visual inspection of the genitals, buttocks, anus, female breasts, or
undergarments of such person.

30. No person arrested for a traffic, regulatory or misdemeanor offense, except in cases
involving weapons or a controlled substance, shall be strip searched unless there is a
reasonable belief that the individual is concealing a weapon, a controlled substance, or
other contraband.

31. Pursuant to TCA 55-10-403(j), no person arrested for driving under the influence of an
intoxicant shall be strip searched unless there is probable cause to indicate that the
individual is concealing a weapon and/or contraband (including illegal drugs) in such
arrested person's body cavity.

32. Members of the Knoxville Police Department are authorized to conduct strip searches
only when the criteria listed by state law have been met or exceeded and approved by
the supervisor.

33. Strip searches may be conducted either with or without a search warrant. In the event
the search is conducted without a search warrant, the member must be able to clearly
articulate the facts which establish the reasonable suspicion that the person is
concealing a weapon, a controlled substance or other contraband in the area of the
genitals, buttocks, anus, female breasts or undergarments of such person.

34. Strip searches shall be performed only by member of the same sex as the person being
searched except in situations involving exigent circumstances where the immediate
safety of members or the general public is concerned.

35. In situations where a strip search is to be performed on an individual identifying as a

transgender person or a person with gender dysphoria and exigent circumstances do
not apply, the person being searched will be allowed to indicate which gender they feel
most comfortable being searched by. Members will make a reasonable effort to have
the requested gender available for the search.

36. Strip searches shall be performed in an area affording as much privacy as possible based
on the situation. Every effort shall be made to prevent any aspect of the search from
being viewed by any person other than the person being searched and members of the
same sex as the person being searched.

37. Strip searches will be thoroughly documented in an arrest report or in Watson as a

Memo – Field Interview report by the officer conducting the search. Part of the

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 documentation will be the listing of the facts which establish reasonable suspicion
justifying the search. The approving supervisor should be listed.

38. The reviewing supervisor will forward a copy of the arrest report or Field Interview to
the Internal Affairs Unit.

Body Cavity Searches

39. Body cavity search is defined as an inspection, probing, or examination of the inside of a
person’s anus, vagina, or genitals for the purpose of determining whether such person is
concealing evidence of a criminal offense, a weapon, a controlled substance, or other
contraband. Searching of the mouth, nasal or ear cavities will not be considered body
cavity searches for purposes of this policy.

40. Pursuant to TCA 40-7-121 no person shall be subjected to a body cavity search by
members of the Knoxville Police Department or by another person acting under the
direction, supervision, or authority of a member of the Knoxville Police Department
unless such search is conducted pursuant to a validly issued search warrant or a written
Consent to Search Body Cavities form is signed by the person submitting to the search.

41. Pursuant to TCA 40-7-121, a consent to a body cavity search shall not be considered
valid or relevant to the issue of consent unless the consent is in writing on a preprinted
form containing the following language:

Waiver of Warrant Requirement and Consent to Search Body Cavities

I knowingly and voluntarily consent to have my body cavities searched

immediately by law enforcement personnel in the manner provided by the
laws of Tennessee. By signing this consent form, I knowingly and
voluntarily waive my right to require that a warrant be obtained from an
appropriate judge or magistrate before my body cavities are searched.

I understand that a body cavity search may involve both visual and
physical probing into my genitals and anus.

I understand that I would not be prejudiced or penalized by declining to

give my consent to be searched in this manner.

42. Members of the Knoxville Police Department are authorized to cause a body cavity
search to be conducted only when the criteria set out by state law and this policy are
met or exceeded. Supervisory approval is required.

43. Body cavity searches will be conducted only by a licensed physician or licensed nurse
(RN, LPN), as directed by a physician, in the presence of a member of the department of

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 the same sex as the person being searched who is designated to retrieve any evidence
discovered during the search.

44. In situations where a body cavity search is to be performed on an individual identifying

as a transgender person or a person with gender dysphoria, the person being searched
will be allowed to indicate which gender they feel most comfortable being a witnessing
officer. Members will make a reasonable effort to have the requested gender available
to witness the search.

45. Body cavity searches shall be performed in an area affording total privacy. Every effort
shall be made to prevent any aspect of the search from being viewed by any person
other than the person being searched, the licensed physician or licensed nurse
conducting the search and the designated department member of the same sex as the
person being searched.

46. Body cavity searches will be thoroughly documented in Watson as a Memo – Field
Interview by the officer initiating the search. The Field Interview will list the facts which
establish probable cause for the search.

47. Copies of documentation associated with a body cavity search shall be forwarded to the
Internal Affairs Unit by the reviewing supervisor.

48. If a member has reason to suspect that a subject has swallowed drugs, the member shall
follow medical guidelines set forth in Section III, Paragraph D of this order.

Prisoner Transportation
49. When transporting prisoners, the officer shall advise Dispatch of the following
information:
a. Intent to transport
b. Location
c. Beginning mileage
d. Arrival at destination
e. Ending mileage

50. Dispatch shall provide the officer with the beginning and ending time of the trip.

51. Personnel involved in prisoner transport will follow all guidelines for dealing with blood
borne pathogens or other agents of disease, and if there is an exposure, a supervisor
shall be notified. Guidelines set forth in General Order 1.30, “Establishment of
Guidelines for the Handling of Blood borne Pathogens” will be followed.

52. All vehicles utilized for prisoner transportation shall be equipped with the following
features:

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 a. Protective divider separating the driver from the prisoner.
b. All doors and windows accessible to prisoners shall be made inoperable from
the prisoner compartment of the vehicle.

53. All prisoners shall be seated behind the protective divider.

54. When a seatbelt is available in the transporting vehicle, all prisoners shall be seat belted
unless extenuating circumstance are present, such as an actively resistant prisoner who
poses a danger to officer while trying to fasten the seat belt. In these circumstances, a
transportation wagon shall be utilized, if one is available.

55. A prisoner shall be positioned in a manner that affords the driver the best visibility of
the prisoner. The chosen position is at the discretion of the driver.

56. Transporting officers shall be seated in front of the protective divider and separate from
the prisoner, except for situations described in Special Transport Situations section of
this General Order.

57. All vehicles utilized for prisoner transportation shall be inspected prior to the beginning
of each shift, and before and after each prisoner is transported for the presence of
weapons, contraband, evidence, or lost property.

58. Prior to the beginning of each shift, the operator of any vehicle utilized for prisoner
transportation shall inspect their vehicle to ensure the vehicle is free of damage or
defect, and is prepared for overall safe operation.

59. Weekly inspections shall be conducted by patrol supervisors or designee on all vehicles
utilized for prisoner transportation.

Medical Treatment of Prisoner

60. If a prisoner who is in the custody of the Knoxville Police Department becomes ill or
injured, it shall be the responsibility of the officer(s) to ensure medical assistance is
provided.

61. The officer shall determine the need for summoning an ambulance to the scene or
transporting the prisoner to the appropriate medical facility.

62. In the event a prisoner is refused by intake for medical reasons, the transporting officer
should first consult with intake medical staff as to whether the prisoner can be
transported to the nearest medical facility by the transporting officer or if an ambulance
should respond for transport.

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63. In either event, the transporting officer will contact the arresting officer and the
arresting officer's supervisor to inform them of the situation along with the new
destination and the mode of prisoner transportation.

64. KPD Transportation Officers will not ride in an ambulance for purpose of guarding a
prisoner. If this is required, a sworn officer must be summoned to ride with the
ambulance crew.

65. Upon arrival at the medical facility, the decision to stand guard with the prisoner shall
include the following considerations:
a. Threat of escape
b. Seriousness of medical condition
c. Seriousness of offense
d. Threat to others
e. Availability of medical facility security
NOTE: Any time an officer transports a prisoner to a medical facility, the security and
control of the prisoner is still the responsibility of the transporting officer until relieved.

66. If a prisoner is admitted to the hospital, the necessity of placing an officer to guard the
prisoner shall be made by the member's immediate supervisor after considering the
following:
a. Type and period of treatment based on the seriousness of the injury or
illness.
b. Degree of risk to the prisoner, staff and society.
c. Isolation of the prisoner in a private room or area.
d. Determination of whether 24-hour coverage is needed and how it will be
provided (regular patrol, supplemental patrol or overtime).
e. Continued use of restraints depending on consciousness, level of
cooperation, and medical condition.
f. Meals will be supervised and plastic utensils will be used and the guard will
account for the utensils upon completion of the meal.
g. No contacts will be made with the prisoner by visitors in person or by
telephone unless approval is given by supervisor.

67. The supervisor will coordinate guard activities and coverage assuring the following:
a. Guard duty is to be noted on the daily worksheet as an out of service activity.
b. Guards are to be rotated as often as possible to avoid long shifts.
c. Guards are to be provided relief as necessary.
d. Guards are directed not to fraternize with the prisoner or visitors of the
prisoner or medical staff.
e. All instructions concerning guard duties will be documented and reviewed by
members and supervisors that will be responsible for the guard activities.
f. The supervisor will make periodic checks to assure that the members are
conducting guard activities as directed.

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 68. Upon release of the prisoner the following shall be completed:
a. Record the prisoner's condition.
b. Any future treatment, care and medication is documented and signed by the
attending physician.
c. A written medical release will be obtained.
d. The prisoner will be searched and restrained prior to transport.
e. The members will notify the supervisor when the prisoner is released and
guard services are no longer required.
f. The supervisor will notify the member of what to do with the prisoner and if
he is to be taken to the Knox County Detention Center for formal charging
(i.e., booking and processing).

69. When a prisoner is being released from a medical facility and the Transportation Vehicle
is requested to pick up the prisoner, the Transportation Officer will request dispatch
telephone the intake center to determine if an arrest report is on file. If there is not, an
officer will respond to the medical facility along with the Transportation Vehicle in order
to complete the arrest report prior to transport.

Prisoner Transportation Vehicle (Wagon)

70. When available, a Transportation Vehicle shall be used for transporting prisoners from
the field to the Knox County Intake Center or appropriate facility. This allows for field
officers’ expedient return to service.

71. Upon transfer of any prisoner from one officer to another, the receiving officer shall
conduct an additional thorough search of the prisoner.

72. Each Transportation Vehicle maintains a transportation log. The arresting officer will
complete the transportation log on any prisoner transported by the Transportation
Vehicle providing information about the prisoner including a list of their charges.

73. Any time that a prisoner changes custody (between arresting officer, transporting
officer, intake center, medical personnel, etc) a verbal report shall be given regarding
the prisoner's history, demeanor, injuries, threat of suicide, flight risk, level of
cooperation, violence, and any other pertinent information.

74. Property belonging to the prisoner which has been taken by arresting officer shall be
turned over to the Transportation Officer or officer responsible for transport. If the
arresting officer retains any prisoner property after transport, the property must be
confiscated by the arresting officer.

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 75. Any evidence, contraband, or weapons that have resulted in criminal charges shall
remain with the arresting officer to be confiscated and processed for court
presentation.

76. The utilization of the Transportation Vehicle shall include the following considerations:
a. Threat of violence or escape upon transfer from patrol vehicle to the
Transportation Vehicle.
b. Time required for Transportation Vehicle arrival or availability.
c. Combativeness of prisoner - a combative prisoner should not be placed into a
Transportation Vehicle with other prisoners.
d. Physical condition of prisoner i.e. disabled.
e. Discomfort caused to prisoner upon transfer, i.e. injured prisoner.
f. Utilization of the Transportation Vehicle for minor offenses such as traffic
violations shall be based upon officer's judgment and appropriateness of
each particular situation.

77. No more than ten (10) prisoners shall be transported in the Transportation Vehicle at
one time. In emergency situations a supervisor may authorize an increase in the total
number of prisoners transported at one time.

78. An unrestrained prisoner shall not be transported with a restrained prisoner.

79. No officer is allowed to ride in the prisoner compartment of a vehicle equipped to

transport prisoners.

80. Violent prisoners will take priority for transport during periods of high activity, and at
any time a supervisor may redirect Transportation Vehicles as needed to meet patrol
demands.

81. Prisoners should not be held in the Transportation Vehicle for a period of time longer
than two (2) hours before arriving at the Intake Center. The need to extend a trip for a
longer period must be approved by a supervisor.

Transport of Prisoners from Other Agencies

82. All prisoners transported for other agencies will be done in accordance with KPD policies
and procedures.

83. Prisoners of other entities shall be transported with the approval of an on duty
supervisor based on KPD transportation vehicle call volume and circumstances of the
request.

84. When accepting prisoner(s) from other agencies, ensure that a completed arrest report
accompanies the prisoner along with accurate contact information for the arresting

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 officer (arresting officer name, unit ID, agency, dispatch number, cell number, etc.) in
the event the prisoner(s) are refused at intake.

85. The arresting officer, or other member of that agency if the affiant is unavailable, is
responsible for reassuming custody and control of the prisoner in the event they are
refused at intake.

86. When transporting Federal arrestees, the custody document may be a United States
Marshal Service, USM Form 41. This form will authorize the Knox County Intake Center
to assume custody of the prisoner. A Knox County Arrest Report also will be submitted
for the prisoner.

Disturbance during Transportation

87. If an assault or altercation occurs in the Transportation Vehicle during transport, the
officer shall notify communications and request assistance.

88. The decision to intervene alone or wait until the arrival of assistance shall include the
following guidelines:
a. Degree of danger to the transporting officer to intervene
b. Degree of danger to the prisoners involved in the altercation, as well as the
others in the compartment if the situation is allowed to continue
c. Availability of assistance and estimated time of arrival
d. Possibility of escape by a prisoner
e. Seriousness of criminal charges and history of a prisoner
f. Overall assessment of the risk of intervening alone, in comparison to the
benefit of waiting for assistance

89. After resolution, the officer shall ensure a supervisor has been made aware of the
incident, and assist in making any required report.

Juveniles
90. Officers shall normally transport juveniles in patrol vehicles; however, combative
juveniles may be transported by Transportation Vehicle with the approval of a
supervisor.

91. No juvenile prisoner shall be transported with an adult prisoner.

92. Officers shall follow same radio procedure as above for notifying Communications of the
transport.

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Transportation in Vehicles without Prisoner Transportation Equipment
93. Vehicles not equipped to transport prisoners should not be utilized for this purpose,
unless there are exigent circumstances.

94. In situations in which the prisoner or officer(s) safety is in jeopardy, due to large crowds,
etc., a prisoner may be transported to a safe location in a vehicle not equipped for
prisoner transportation.

95. Specialized units such as Organized Crime, Investigators and officers on special
assignments may transport a prisoner in a vehicle not equipped for prisoner
transportation in some situations. Transporting should include the following
considerations:
a. Desirability of keeping prisoner's arrest confidential
b. Availability of Transportation Vehicle or other transporting unit
c. Need to keep multiple prisoners separated until questioned
In these situations, additional safeguards such as use of restraints, safety belts and
utilizing a second officer to ride in back seat with prisoner should be followed to
maximize officer safety. The second officer will occupy the back seat directly behind the
driver with the prisoner occupying the right side back seat. Two prisoners will not be
transported at the same time in a vehicle not equipped for prisoner transport except in
dire emergencies.

Transportation of Opposite Sex, Disabled, Mentally Disabled or Sick Prisoners

96. Transportation of males and females together shall only be done under the following
situations:
a. Parties are married or
b. Parties are known to each other and were arrested in the same incident.
c. Officers shall follow same radio procedure as above for notifying
Communications of the transport.

97. Disabled prisoners shall be transported in the manner most practical in light of the
prisoners’ limitations. Aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, etc. should be handled as
prisoner's personal property. However, officers are cautioned concerning the possible
use of some aids as a weapon.

98. Sick or injured prisoners shall be transported in the manner most practical in light of
prisoner's illness or injury. The discomfort of the prisoner and the likelihood of
aggravating an illness or injury should be a consideration when determining mode of
transport.

99. Mentally disabled prisoners shall be transported in the manner that provides the
greatest safety for the officer and the prisoner. The ability and opportunity for the

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 prisoner to injure or harm himself should be a consideration when determining mode of
transport.

Use of Disposable Hood

100. A disposable hood is a cloth hood that is specifically designed and manufactured
to be placed over the head of an in-custody suspect who is spitting or threatening to spit
at department members. The cloth material of the hood is designed to limit the
suspect’s ability to spit, but is thin enough to allow the suspect to freely breath and
communicate.

101. The use of a disposable hood is authorized for use on suspects who are in custody and
are spitting or threatening to spit at others. Hoods will not be used to intimidate or
harass a prisoner.

102. In the event a disposable hood is utilize, the following procedures shall be followed:
a. The disposable hood is to be placed over the head of the suspect in custody
and left in place until the subject has been received by Intake officers or
other receiving agent.
b. The bottom of the hood is designed to keep the cloth secure once it has been
placed over a prisoner’s head. Nothing else shall be used to secure or tighten
the hood.
c. The hood shall be removed if it appears to be causing any type of physical
distress to the subject wearing it.
d. After use, a disposable hood shall be discarded in the trash, unless the officer
believes that blood is present in the spit or mucus on the hood. If there is
blood, then the hood will be placed in a biohazard receptacle.
e. One used, a hood will never be reused.
f. Replacement disposable hoods may be obtained from the District office, and
Transportation Officers will ensure that hoods are carried with them for use
by all department members when needed.

Long Distance Transports

103. When transporting a prisoner over long distances and a meal is required, the location
and type of meal is at the discretion of the officer(s). The avoidance of developing a
pattern of predictability should be a primary consideration.

104. When preparing for a long distance transport, officers are to be certain that all prisoners
are given the opportunity to use the restroom prior to beginning the trip. If it becomes
necessary for a prisoner to use the restroom in route, an officer of same sex shall be
utilized to accompany the prisoner into the restroom. The restraints utilized on the
prisoner should be adjusted if necessary but should not be removed. Officers are
cautioned to avoid establishing a pattern of predictability. All areas the prisoner will

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 have access to shall first be thoroughly searched to ensure there is no contraband or
items that could be used as a weapon, nor any persons that could aid in an attack or
escape.

Prisoner Transported from one Facility to Another

105. In the event that a member of the Knoxville Police Department transports a prisoner to
or from another facility, all department regulations shall be followed while in transport.

106. Matters such as security of firearms, utilization of restraints, necessary documentation

and required signatures shall be the responsibility of the transporting officer. However,
the transporting officer shall attempt to comply with the wishes of the cooperating
facility as to prisoner control during the transfer of custody.

107. The identity of the prisoner shall be confirmed by the officer during any transfer of
custody. This shall be accomplished through identification furnished by prisoner,
photographs, booking information provided by detention facilities or other acceptable
methods of identification. Once the identity is determined, the officer shall determine if
there are charges pending at another agency.

108. Prisoners will be thoroughly searched before leaving a facility and prior to entering a
facility.

Communication by Prisoners with Third Parties

109. The officer may, but is not required to, allow the prisoner a limited opportunity to
converse with a third party. These conversations should be closely monitored by the
officer.

110. Physical contact between the prisoner and a third party is strongly discouraged but may
be allowed if the contact does not create a safety risk. Such contact must be closely
monitored to preserve officer safety.

111. The officer may choose to conduct an additional search of the prisoner following third
party contact.

Ability to Render Aid while Transporting Prisoner

112. If an officer is transporting a prisoner and encounters a non-emergency situation, the
following steps shall be followed:
a. Notify Communications of location and type of situation encountered, and
assistance required.
b. If possible, the transporting officer should notify involved parties that aid has
been summoned.

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 c. Proceed to destination.

113. If an officer is transporting a prisoner and encounters an emergency situation, the

following steps shall be taken:
a. Notify Communications of location and situation.
b. Request police assistance and determine estimated time of arrival.
c. The decision to interrupt the transport to render aid shall include the
following guidelines:
1. Degree of danger to third party
2. Risk to prisoner must be minimal
3. Availability of other emergency assistance
4. Possibility of escape by prisoner
5. Seriousness of criminal charges on prisoner
6. Seriousness of the emergency situation

Transporting to the Intake Center

114. Upon arrival at the Knox County Intake Center, prisoners will be taken to the sally port
entrance.

115. Members will secure firearms in secure boxes at Center or in locked car trunk prior to
removing prisoner from car or Transportation Vehicle.

116. At the Intake Center, all personnel will wait for instructions from an Intake Security
Officer before removing any prisoner(s) from vehicles.

117. Prior to opening the door to a prisoner compartment where prisoners are present, the
member should observe through the window or protective screen to ensure the
prisoner is still properly restrained and not assuming a posture consistent with an effort
to attack or escape. If any problems are observed, the member should consider
summoning assistance before removing the prisoner.

118. All appropriate documentation to include medical release paperwork from a hospital or
ambulance must accompany the prisoner for booking process. This documentation shall
be presented to the Intake Security Officer upon arrival at the Knox County Intake
Center, Maloneyville Road.

119. Any special considerations such as arrest of male or female partners, escape history,
suicidal tendencies, illness, demeanor, injuries, level of cooperation, violence, and any
other pertinent information must be noted and communicated to the appropriate
detention facility personnel.

120. Arresting officers should verify charges or hold for other agencies.

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 121. Knox County Intake Center will be responsible for fingerprinting and photographing
prisoners brought in for booking. If a member needs copies of this data, he will need to
request copies from the Intake Center.

Escape of Prisoner
122. In the event of prisoner escape, the transporting officer(s) shall immediately:
a. Notify Communications of the following information:
1. Location of escape
2. Direction of travel
3. Description of suspect
4. Criminal charges
b. Notify supervisor immediately and request additional units to conduct
search. If escape is in Knox County, notify the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
c. If practical, establish perimeter.
d. If charges warrant, determine availability of K-9 or other resources.
e. If appropriate, request Communications to broadcast information, and/or
send teletype to area agencies.
f. If escapee is not recovered during initial effort, the commissioner or judge
who signed the original arrest warrant(s) shall be notified that the subject is
no longer in custody. The member will then follow any direction given by the
commissioner or judge along with swearing out any additional warrants
related to the escape.

123. The transporting officer, or original arresting officer if the prisoner was being
transported by a Transportation Officer, shall include in the original offense report, or in
a separate offense report, a narrative detailing the circumstances of the escape. The
report shall be submitted and notification made to the Patrol Division Commander.

124. The Patrol Division Commander, or designee, will review the circumstances of the
escape to determine if there are any policy, procedure, training, and/or discipline issues.

Control and Security of Prisoners Inside Police Facilities

125. The Knoxville Police Department does not operate a holding facility, and therefore does
not have facilities for holding prisoners. No prisoner shall be detained at the police
department any longer than needed to complete interviewing or completion of arrest
reports. The prisoner shall be transported as soon as possible to the Knox County Intake
Center for processing.

126. Authorized areas of police facilities for detainment of prisoners are those areas
specifically designated for conducting interviews or investigative squad rooms where
arrest documentation is completed.

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127. A member shall constantly supervise and not leave alone all prisoners brought into a
police facility.

128. The member monitoring the prisoner(s) shall be responsible for providing access to
water, restrooms or other reasonable needs of the prisoner(s).

129. The member monitoring the prisoner(s) shall be responsible for control of the
prisoner(s) and safety of civilian staff present in the area.

130. Unruly prisoners shall not be brought into any police facility for interviewing or testing.
Prisoners who become unruly while being detained for interviewing or testing shall be
removed immediately from the police facility and transported to the Knox County Intake
Center.

131. In the event that a prisoner becomes unruly, the member should utilize the police radio
to summon assistance. In an emergency, the emergency button function of the radio
may be used.

132. The prisoner(s) should be secured by handcuffs while being held in a police facility. Leg
irons may also be used if deemed necessary.
a. Prisoners shall not be secured to any chair, table, or fixture.
b. At no time shall a prisoner be locked in any room of the police facility.
c. Prisoners shall not be secured to immovable objects.

133. Males, females and juveniles may be detained in the same area if they are related or
arrested together.

134. Consideration should be given to separating all prisoners, when practical, if they are
going to be interviewed.

135. The member(s) monitoring the prisoner(s) shall ensure that male, female and juvenile
prisoners have no actual physical contact.

136. Prisoners with an adversarial relationship (i.e. victim-suspect, suspect-witness, etc.) or

who have been fighting with each other shall be detained in separate areas.

137. Control of all weapons by the member is of utmost importance during the handling of
prisoners. The member, while testing or interviewing prisoners in police facilities, shall
properly secure weapons in authorized retention holsters or weapons lockers where
available. The member shall be attentive to possible exposure of weapons to prisoners.

138. All areas the prisoner will have access to shall first be thoroughly searched to ensure
there is no contraband or other items that could be used as a weapon. After the

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prisoner leaves, these areas should be searched again to ensure evidence or contraband
was not left behind.

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