PSO 2855 - Inside Time

PSO 2855 Page 8Escorting IssuesActions to be completed when a disabled prisoner is required at court6.49 The Prison will ensure that the escort contractor is advised, in advance, of any prisonerrequired at court that has a disability. The escort contractor will be provided of the detailsof the disability and the needs of the prisoner. Where possible as much notice should begiven to the escort contract in respect of such transfers but no later than when the PrisonerInformation Form is submitted to the escort contractor.6.50 The prison will ensure that where a disabled prisoner is required at court, the Clerk ofCourt will be advised of the disability and needs of the prisoner who is to be produced. Thisshould ensure that proper consideration is given to the suitability of the court and custodyarea given the needs of the individual.6.51 When a prisoner requires some form of aid to mobility, such as a stick, frame or wheelchair,it is important that they are able to take it to court with them. If it seems likely that theprisoner could be released from court, arrangements should be made with the PCT /localNHS as to how continuity of provision can be achieved.6.52 The Prisoner Escort contractors do not provide any wheelchairs or other aides as theypurely transport prisoners from a to b on behalf of the Prison Service. As such it wouldalways be an aide provided through the prison from which they are collected that theywould have to retain should they be discharged at court.6.53 Where the escort contractor arrives to escort a non-ambulatory prisoner and no wheelchairis provided the contractor will refuse to escort the prisoner.Issue No. 295 Issue date 3/04/08