article_snippet.sent: Unbelted detainees have been paralyzed and even killed by rough rides in what used to be called 'paddy wagons.'
article_snippet.sent: Police brutality against prisoners being transported was addressed just six months ago in a plan released by Baltimore officials to reduce this misconduct.
article_snippet.sent: Department rules updated nine days before Freddie Gray inside the police van where officers heaved him into a metal compartment after pinning him to a sidewalk's arrest clearly state that all detainees shall be strapped in by seat belts or 'other authorized restraining devices' for all detainees own safety after arrest.
article_snippet.sent: Policy is policy, practice is something else,' particularly if a prisoner is combative, Davey told The Associated Press. '
article_snippet.sent: It also has happened in Philadelphia, where police in 2001 barred transportation of prisoners without padding or belts after The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Philadelphia had paid $2.3 million to settle lawsuits over intentionally rough rides, which permanently paralyzed two people.
article_snippet.sent: Police procedures require officers to get immediate medical help if detainees need it, and to avoid aggravating any injury.
article_snippet.sent: In Freddie Gray's case, he repeatedly asked for help during the trip, but the driver instead diverted to another location to pick up another prisoner.
article_snippet.sent: the driver also has a responsibility to refuse to take a seriously injured prisoner to the Baltimore Police Department Western District station if the driver belongs in a hospital, the driver said. '
article_snippet.sent: It's quite common for prisoners to yell and complain, saying prisoners've been injured or feel sick or that prisoners handcuffs are too tight. '
article_snippet.sent: Once he is a prisoner he is absolutely your responsibility,' said Peter Moskos, a former Baltimore officer who teaches law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. '
article_snippet.sent: Even if there was no malign intent, even if there was no assault, he's your prisoner.
highlights_snippet.sent: Department rules were updated nine days before Gray's arrest stating that all detainees shall be strapped in by seat belts or other device .