2. Safety measures
Detained persons should be transported in vehicles suitably designed for that purpose,
taking due account of all relevant safety requirements in order to protect detainees.15
The number of detainees transported should not exceed the capacity of the vehicles used
for that purpose.16
Detainees should not have to stand up during a journey due to a lack of seating space.17
Detainees should not remain inside the escort van during a boat crossing, if this
contravenes the safety rules of the ferry authorities.18
All vehicles which are used for the transportation of detained persons should be equipped
with appropriate safety devices (such as safety belts).19
Detainees who are being transferred should always be escorted, however long the journey
and whichever mode of transport is used.20 Transport vehicles should be equipped with
means to enable detainees to communicate with escort staff.21
Doors of secure cubicles/compartments should be equipped with a device that
automatically (and/or rapidly) unlocks the doors in the event of an emergency.22
Steps should be taken to prevent violence, intimidation or theft being perpetrated by
detainees against their fellow passengers.23
3. Security measures
The application of handcuffs and/or body belts to detainees during transportation should
only be resorted to when the risk assessment in an individual case clearly warrants it.
When the use of such means is considered absolutely necessary, it should be done in such
a way as to minimise any risk of injury to the detained person.24
Such means should not be used when detainees are locked inside secure cubicles or
compartments.25
Given the potential for discomfort to the person concerned and the risk of injury in the
case of accident, the practice of handcuffing detainees behind their back during
transportation should be avoided.26
Stun belts should never be used; alternative means of restraint can and must be found in
the context of movements of detainees.27
15
Lithuania: Visit 2000, §§ 117 and 118
Romania: Visit 2006, § 151
17
Greece: Visit 2013, § 150
18
Malta: Visit 2015, § 32
19
Netherlands: Visit 2016, § 29, United Kingdom: Visit 2012 (Scotland), § 88, Andorra: Visit 2011, § 25,
Poland: Visit 2009, § 80 , Slovenia: Visit 2001, § 95
20
Switzerland: Visit 1996, §§ 116-117
21
Serbia: Visit 2015, § 53, United Kingdom: Visit 2012 (Scotland), § 88, Slovenia: Visit 2001, § 95
22
Lithuania: Visit 2000, § 115, Bulgaria: Visit 1995, § 176-177, Spain: Visit 1994 (April), § 27
23
Lithuania: Visit 2004, §§ 44-45
24
Serbia: Visit 2015, § 53, Ireland: Visit 2014, § 85, Slovenia: Visit 2012, § 73
25
Ireland: Visit 2006, § 101, United Kingdom: Visit 2005 (November), § 23, Hungary: Visit 2005, § 126
26
Serbia: Visit 2015, § 53
27
Hungary: Visit 2009, § 120
16
3