Minneapolis Police Department Sidelines Its Transport Vans
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Police Department has pulled all of its transport vans out of service. The department wants to make sure the vehicles are safe for officers, and those in custody, to ride in.
The proactive move comes after the city of Baltimore erupted in violence when Freddie Gray in police custody. His death is blamed on a rough ride in a transport vehicle.
"We do know that for numbers and for transportation these vehicles have a very useful purpose," John Elder, the public information officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, said.
Used to transport residents and officers, these booking or transport vehicles are now sitting idle.
"We really want to do our due diligence to ensure that we are operating in the most safe manner possible," Elder said.
Elder said the vehicles will undergo a thorough examination by the department's fleet staff.
"To ensure that they meet the transportation safety measures for transporting both citizens residents and officers in the city," Elder said.
This move comes after the death of a Baltimore man in police custody is blamed on a rough ride in one of that city's transport vans.
"We want to make sure that we do it right safety is the No. 1 thing here which is why we've taken the steps to pull them off," Elder said.
Fleet staff will be looking at ways to ensure safety for officers as well as those they transport. Elder said it's more than just an analysis of the vehicles.
"We're going to have to look to see what other agencies are doing instead of reinventing the wheel find out what other people are doing and what's working and what's most cost effective," Elder said.
St. Paul police got rid of its transport vans more than two decades ago. The St. Paul Police Department uses cars to transport people, all of which have cameras and seat belts inside.
The Minneapolis Police Department will do the same until it is decided what to do with its fleet of transport vehicles. The department also took its vans used to transport intoxicated residents off the streets as well.
Elder said if changes need be made, the department may have to go to the Minneapolis City Council for funding to enhance the safety of these vehicles. There's no word on how long until they are back on the road.
