R251-709. Transportation of Inmates  


R251-709-1. Authority and Purpose
Latest version.

(1) This rule is authorized under Sections 63G-3-201 and 64-13-10, of the Utah Code.

(2) This rule addresses requirements regarding the transportation of inmates in order to provide for public safety and the security of inmates under the jurisdiction of the Department.


R251-709-2. Definitions
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"Restraint" means handcuffs, handcuff cover, locking devices, leg irons, waist chains or other locking and restraining devices.

"Run" means any transport of an inmate off prison property.


R251-709-3. Policy
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It is the policy of the Department that during the transportation of inmates the primary goal is to ensure adequate security to prevent escapes and to prevent harm to officers or other persons.


R251-709-4. Court Transportation
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(1) Inmates shall not be allowed to visit with relatives, friends or members of the general public during transportation, while in a medical facility, courtroom, or while waiting, in transit to or from a medical facility or courtroom.

(2) Requests from attorneys to detain or temporarily relocate inmates for consultations, visits with spouse, parents, or other family members, shall be denied unless the presiding judge specifically orders the visits.

(3) Attorneys requesting consultation with inmates after a hearing may do so for five minutes in a court holding cell unless the presiding judge specifically orders otherwise.

(4) The inmate's attorney may provide civilian clothing for inmates appearing in a jury trial.


R251-709-5. Medical Security Procedures
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(1) The transportation officers shall maintain custody of the inmate at all times during medical transportation runs. Exceptions may be made when dealing with inmates of the opposite sex during compromising procedures, (i.e., pap smears, mammograms, etc.). When an exception is made, the officers shall remain immediately outside the door (if there are no windows or other escape routes in the room) or on the opposite side of the privacy curtain.

(2) The transportation officers shall remove a particular restraint upon the doctor's orders if the removal of that restraint is required to perform a medical procedure; only that particular restraint shall be removed and it shall be immediately reapplied upon completion of the medical procedure.

(3) Except in life-threatening emergencies, the transportation officers shall not assist nor participate in any medical procedure or other assistance to patients or inmates.


R251-709-6. Transporting by Air
Latest version.

When transporting by air, the transportation lieutenant, captain, or chief shall contact the transporting airline prior to the transportation run to confirm their policies regarding inmate restraints, boarding and alighting policies, firearms on the aircraft, and other inmate transportation issues.