Correctional Officer Basic Training: Contraband, Searches and Offender Transportation (COBT 157)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering contraband rules, evidence handling, legal authority, custody transportation ratios, seating arrangements, safety procedures, and medical transport protocols.

Staff Cell Phone Penalty

Staff who bring a wireless communication device to an offender are guilty of a Class H felony, punishable by 4 to 25 months of imprisonment.

Staff Tobacco Product Penalty

Staff who bring a tobacco product to an offender are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days of imprisonment.

Offender Wireless Device Penalty

An offender in possession of a mobile telephone, wireless communication device, or component is guilty of a Class H felony and subject to disciplinary process.

Offender Tobacco Penalty

An offender in possession of tobacco products or paraphernalia is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary process.

Proper Control of Evidence

Contraband may be kept as evidence for criminal action, evidence for disciplinary action, training purposes, or it may be destroyed.

Contraband Control Methods

Includes staff vigilance, frequent unannounced searches, resisting manipulation training, X-ray machines, intake procedures, tracking dogs, and FCC-approved cell jamming.

Offender Transportation

The movement of an offender in custody from one location to another when any part of that movement occurs outside the secure confines of a Division of Institutions (DOI) facility.

Vested Authority of Transporting Officers

Certified correctional officers have the legal authority of Peace Officers while transporting offenders, allowing them to maintain custody and use reasonable force to prevent escape or harm.

Prohibited Transport Actions

Transporting officers cannot use deadly force to stop an escaping misdemeanant, fire into or from a moving vehicle, engage in high-speed chases, or arrest private citizens.

Armed Supervision Requirement

All offenders other than those classified in minimum custody must be supervised by armed, certified correctional staff during transportation.

Close Custody Transport Ratio

Requires two certified staff members when transporting one or more offenders.

Medium Custody Transport Ratio

Requires one certified staff member for one offender, or two certified staff members for two or more offenders.

Minimum Custody Transport Ratio

The staff-to-offender ratio for minimum custody transport is determined by the Warden or designee.

High Security Maximum Control Transport Protocol

Requires two certified staff with one offender; transporting more than one offender requires two certified staff in the security vehicle and two certified staff in a chase vehicle.

Restrictive Housing for Control Purposes Protocol

Requires two certified staff for one to four offenders; transporting five or more offenders requires a chase vehicle.

Death Row Transport Ratio

Requires two certified staff members with one offender.

Primary Duty of Non-Driving Transport Officer

To observe offenders for escape attempts or dangerous activity, watch for outside threats or trailing vehicles, and ensure the driver remains alert and fit to drive.

Non-Security Vehicle Seating Protocol

Offenders are never placed behind officers; the unarmed officer sits in the rear behind the driver while offenders occupy the right side of the front and back seats.

Security Vehicle Seating Protocol

All offenders are placed in the secured section at all times; non-minimum custody offenders are restrained, and the most dangerous or vulnerable offenders sit closest to the officer.

Transfer Bus Loading and Unloading Method

Load front to back (left side to right side) and unload back to front; if mixed custody levels are present, all offenders must be in full restraints.

Armed Transport Proximity Protocol

Armed officers should avoid close contact with offenders; if close contact is required, a second officer must provide cover, or the single officer must keep their weapon side turned away.

Evasion Procedure for Following Vehicles

Make four right or left turns to confirm if being followed, notify local law enforcement, and travel directly to the nearest institution or local jail.

Close and Medium Custody Medical Transport Ratios

Requires two officers to one offender for emergency unscheduled visits; scheduled clinic visits require two staff to one offender, or three staff for two offenders if clinic layout permits.

Safekeeper Transport Ratios

Requires one certified staff member for one or more misdemeanants, and two certified staff members for one felon.