Inmate Transport Firm Agrees To Security Changes
In Helena, Mont., four high-security prisoners recently escaped from an inmate transport van owned by TransCor America. The firm said it would boost security by implementing recommendations from the Montana Department of Corrections.
Corrections director Bill Slaughter wants certain changes to take place before the company can resume transport responsibilities in the state. For instance, Slaughter wants the state to be able to monitor TransCor vans using satellite technology. He also wants the firm’s employees to resort to deadly force when prisoners escape, which is in line with state law allowing prison guards to shoot escaping inmates.
Slaughter also wants TransCor to inform local emergency call centers of van routes and planned stoppage sites for food, refueling, and restroom breaks, and unless otherwise designated, TransCor will assume that inmates are high-security. Agents should also carry firearms, hand-held radios, and documents/photos of each prisoner being transported.
During the break-out of the four inmates, who were all re-captured within eight hours following a manhunt by state, county, and city law enforcement, one of the TransCor guards used pepper spray on the inmates, according to Slaughter, adding that the guard did not to use her handgun to avoid harming people inside a nearby restaurant.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (09/08/04); Anez, Bob .
