TransCor Shows the Latest in Inmate Transporters
TransCor gives preview of newest in fleet
TransCor, CCA's subsidiary inmate transportation company, recently unveiled two brand new transporter vehicles added to its fleet.
Employees at the CCA Facility Support Center in Nashville, Tenn., got an exclusive preview of these cutting-edge transporters, which are equipped with some of the latest technology and security features available.
"These vehicles are designed to be as comfortable, safe and efficient as possible for all of the passengers aboard," says Steve Kennedy, TransCor president and general manager.
The 30-passenger sleeper van includes PA and video surveillance systems the agents can use to monitor and communicate with inmates safely. It also features televisions for the inmates and bunk beds, a microwave, and desk space for the agents who sometimes spend many days on the road.
This smaller vehicle is for long, sometimes cross-country trips lasting up to four days round-trip. A typical route can take the passengers on a trip around facilities from Nashville to Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arizona, and back again. Keeping the length of the rides in mind, Kennedy and his team focused on comfort and safety for both the agents and inmates.
"This is a home away from home for our agents. We want to make it as comfortable for them, and for the inmates, as we can," he explains.
The 50-passenger model is primarily used for shorter trips without any overnight travel. It also includes the same upgraded safety and technology features present in the smaller model, but does not include a bed or separate area for the agents. Both vehicles drive nearly non-stop between destinations, stopping only for fuel, food and agent restroom breaks and driver switches.
Throughout the ride, agents chose movies to play on each of the vehicle's multiple television screens for the inmates to watch. Kennedy says these movies are actually critical to officer safety because they keep inmates engaged during long rides. Movies can often be used as an incentive for good behavior and a motivational tool for the inmates as well, who will encourage their peers to behave well so that they retain the privilege.
"It keeps the inmates occupied, so they behave most appropriately," he says. "The busier they are, the safer it is for everyone."
Both vehicles also offer more flexibility for TransCor's operations, with the addition of adjustable secure compartments to separate inmates of various security classifications.
"Before, if we had nine inmates in one security level and we only had eight spots, we couldn't take the extra person," says Kennedy. "But now we can adjust the size and be more flexible."
These new vehicles will be in rotation for at least the next three years and have already been added to the regular rotation. TransCor is looking ahead to the development of future transporters, too; Kennedy says that they would like for them to have Internet connections on the vehicles, so agents can file reports directly from the road.
CCA Source Fall 2011
Sound Out
Frankie L. McNeely at CADC:
It seems to be well thought out. I believe, as a former truck driver, that not only has thought been given to the Inmates but as stated the staff as well. Keep up the good work on things like this.