North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

When transporting one inmate in a non-screen vehicle, where should the inmate sit?

1. Front passenger seat

2. Middle of the back seat

3. Right rear seat

4. Left rear seat

The correct answer is: Right rear seat

When transporting one inmate in a non-screen vehicle, having the inmate sit in the right rear seat is the best practice for several reasons. This positioning allows the officer driving the vehicle to maintain a better line of sight and supervision while ensuring the safety of both the inmate and the officer. The right rear seat also minimizes potential risks during transport, as it is situated farthest from the officer's operating area, making it more challenging for the inmate to interfere with the vehicle controls or the officer. Additionally, sitting in the rear passenger area is generally a safety protocol designed to prevent any escape attempts and to limit the inmate's access to the front of the vehicle where they could potentially pose a threat to the officer or gain control of the vehicle. Moreover, placing the inmate in the rear seat complies with standard policies and procedures followed by law enforcement agencies. This ensures that transport conditions adhere to safety regulations and best practices when handling inmates.