Originally Posted by
thadocta
Keep them hand-cuffed. I've been on several flights where prisoners were being transferred, they always had the window seat, and were hand-cuffed for the entire flight. If they are a MAJOR security risk, transfer them by road or in a private or military jet. Either way, EVERYONE on board needs to be screened.
Dave
On the surface, it would seem like a solution. However, some of the prisoners have a very serious
known record, not taking into account the offenses they haven't been charged with. When a prisoner is being transported by commercial airline, it usually means something bad. Local and state jurisdictions won't generally extradite for minor offenses and Federal prisoners could be just about anyone. Many times ground transportation isn't practical due to manpower restrictions or detention regulations. Private and Government aircraft are not very cost effective and it would take an extraordinary case to justify the expense. We're talking the difference between two or three $500 airline tickets vs. several thousand dollars an hour to operate an aircraft. Also, having other armed LEO's aboard is a force multiplier for the FAMS. Don't let the fact that someone is handcuffed fool you into thinking they are harmless. Anyone with the proper training and motivation can defeat handcuffs, all they do is slow them down.