Concerns are growing over prisoner transport protocols in California after two recent inmate escapes.
In December 2024, Cesar Hernandez escaped custody by jumping from a moving van while en route to a Delano courthouse. His escape led to school closures and postponed holiday events, raising alarms in the community.
The Delano Police Department released a statement about the escaped convicted murderer, noting that they are not authorized to hold press conferences or release details, as the case is under investigation by the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Despite repeated inquiries, the CDCR did not respond to questions about its transport procedures. However, the department’s operations manual requires that:
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Handcuffs be double-locked and properly placed
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Waist chains be used for long-distance transport
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At least two parole agents accompany the prisoner, with one seated in the back
The officers involved in Hernandez’s transport were reassigned, but it remains unclear if a formal investigation was conducted.
Recent Escape
On Saturday, 23-year-old Francisco Garcia escaped from detention deputies while being taken to an appointment at Kern Medical. His shackles were found in the parking lot.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is asking for public assistance in locating Garcia. Their procedures generally require that felony arrestees be guarded at the hospital, but a guard may be removed if the inmate is not deemed a danger—a decision made by the shift supervisor.
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