It is essential that a search of the arrestee be conducted before he is transported. Searching and handcuffing techniques should be thoroughly mastered by all law enforcement officers. Handcuffs are the most common method of restraining prisoners and arrestees and most often the only restraining device carried by law enforcement officers. A proper level of restraint during transportation is determined by both the actions of the arrestee to be transported and the vehicle used for transportation. The level of security provided by the transporting vehicle should be a factor in determining the level of restraint or number of personnel used in transporting a prisoner or multiple prisoners. The cardinal rule for long distance transportation, whether by air or vehicle, is plan ahead: know the history of the prisoner being transported; develop a time schedule; and be knowledgeable of procedures in case of escape, accident, or other emergencies. Transporting officers should also be aware of and identify potential suicide risks and report them to the booking officers. 9 endnotes