Convoy of Prisoners in Penitentiary Units in Poland and the Safetyof Prisoner Transport

Abstract

The Prison Service, which is the third largest uniformed formation in Poland, is responsi-ble for the supervision and control of convicts and ensuring security in penitentiaries and remand cen-tres. Prison Service officers have as part of their duties not only 'guarding' inmates on the premises of the penitentiary unit, but are also responsible for carrying out 'outside' transports with inmates to places such as courts, treatment centres and workplaces. The escorting of prisoners is a key element of the penitentiary system, requiring a high level of organisation, appropriate technical means and trained staff. Each such transport, often with dangerous convicts, outside the walls of the penitentiary unit carries a high risk, so the course of the convoy is carefully planned to ensure the safety of both the inmates and the public. The publication aims to provide an overview of the rules and procedures for escorting prisoners in Poland and discusses key aspects related to the security of the process.