Gordon: Criminal Justice Internships, 7th Edition


Case Studies with Questions and Answers

2. Prisoner Transport

Prisoner Transport Scenario:
You are working as an intern in the Department of Corrections. You are assigned the day shift. You have spent much of your time helping out in the records department. Today your Field Supervisor tells you that you’re going on “your first prisoner transport.” He has arranged for you to accompany the transport team. You are advised you will be observing a prisoner being moved from the local jail at which you are currently are interning, to the Court. You are allowed to read the court orders, and you learn this prisoner is being charged with major drug trafficking. The prisoner has in his property envelope a gold chain, diamond earrings, Rolex watch, and $5,000 in cash. The transport team tells you what great experience you are getting today and hands you the property inventory log and tells you to sign it. You follow instructions and sign the log, and Officer Jones takes possession of the property. On your ride to court you observe Jones going through the prisoners’ property envelope. He makes a few notations on the property log and then stuffs something in his pocket. Jones announces: “Once this guy is dropped off-I'm buying lunch.”

Questions

  1. What would you do if faced with this situation?
  2. Correct Answer

    • Decline to sign the log
    • Ask to cross-check the log with the property to make sure it matches
    • Report what occurred to the field supervisor
    • Report what occurred to the internship coordinator

  3. Would you sign the property sheet?
  4. Correct Answer

    • You should not be signing any type of official documents as an intern.
    • Let the transport team know that your school does not allow you to sign any documents without checking with the internship coordinator.

  5. What are the repercussions if property is missing?
  6. Correct Answer

    • If you have signed the log, you could be held responsible.

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