positioned on the opposite side of the armed escort. The unarmed escort will direct the prisoners to mount one
at a time unless they are handcuffed together. Then, they would mount in pairs. The unarmed escort directs the
driver to secure the tailgate. The unarmed escort takes a position between the tailgate and detainees where he
can observe the armed escort and detainees. Once you arrive at your destination, unload the unarmed escort,
detainees, and last, the armed escort. The armed escort will hand his weapon to the unarmed escort on the
ground, before dismounting.
j. Bus. Buses are normally used to transport detainees over long distances. If it is necessary to open
windows, they will be opened no more than 4 inches. After searching the vehicle and briefing the driver, get a
roster and seating plan from the supervisor. The detainees are in a column of two's waiting to board the bus.
Use a seating plan to load the vehicle. The escort with the roster takes a position at the bus door. The escort at
the door will require each detainee to give their Internment Serial Number (ISN) to check against the roster. As
the detainees enter the bus, the escort on the bus will direct the detainees to fill the seats from the back to the
front of the bus. Direct detainees to remain in the seat assigned. Ensure you leave the seats near the emergency
exit empty. Also, leave the seats directly behind the driver empty. All doors on the side or rear of the bus
should be disabled and secured. Both escorts will be seated in the front of the bus between the driver and the
prisoners. They will be armed with a shotgun and nonlethal rounds. For a caged bus, the escort with the roster
should be armed and positioned up front, outside the cage, keeping the weapon on the side away from the
detainees. Whether in a caged or uncaged bus, upon arrival at your destination, unload by reversing the loading
order. The last person in is the first person out.
k. Gators or All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). In some camps you find the use of commercial vehicles such as
a Gator. A Gator is an ATV with a rear cargo area. The Gator is similar in appearance to a golf cart. When
escorting a detainee by Gator, ensure the vehicle is searched. Remove all trash and items that can be potentially
used as a weapon. Follow procedures IAW local SOP.
l. Movement by Aircraft. Prisoners are moved by aircraft when this method of transportation is more
practical than moving them by other modes.
(1) Commercial Aircraft. Prisoners of all statuses may be transported on the same aircraft as long as
the proper escort-to-prisoner ratio is adhered to IAW SOP. Escort will be briefed on responsibilities,
procedures, and seating plans developed to ensure maximum surveillance of detainees and security. Determine
the type of restraining device necessary to maintain control of the detainee (i.e., hand restraints, leg restraints).
When possible, prisoners and guards will board first and exit last. Normally escorts by air are conducted with
unarmed escorts. However, Theater Commander may direct the use of weapons. Regulations pertaining to
searching detainees also pertain to searching of detainees while on aircraft. Aircraft will be searched prior to
loading to ensure that all equipment or gear that could be used as weapons is removed or secured. Seat
detainees toward rear of aircraft and in a window seat. Escort will sit between detainee and the aisle. Area
approaching the flight deck or crew compartment will be off-limits to detainees. If configuration of aircraft will
allow, a separate latrine should be designated for use by detainees and the lock will be removed from the door
and loose equipment or gear removed or stored elsewhere. Detainees will remain seated at all times except to
use the latrine. No more than one detainee will be allowed to move to the latrine at any one time. Box lunches
will be prepared so as not to require utensils, if available. Dangerous escape risks, maximum custody grade
detainees will be escorted at all times. Escorts will not take action during a hijacking attempt unless requested
to do so by the captain of the aircraft.
(2) When traveling on government aircraft, the senior escort should review emergency procedures
with aircraft crew and brief escort detail prior to loading aircraft. Aircraft will be searched prior to loading to
ensure that all equipment or gear that could be used as weapons is removed or secured. Escort(s) and the
detainee(s) will deplane after all other passengers leave the aircraft.
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