What are the steps to perform a proper headcount before and after transport?

• A. Count arrestees, compare with roster, verify identities, and record times and discrepancies; ensure no arrestee is missing or unaccounted.
• B. Rely on memory and skip times.
• C. Count once at the end of the transport.
• D. Rely solely on facial recognition to confirm numbers.

Answer: (A)

Headcount before and after transport is all about confirming that every arrestee who started the transport is still present and properly identified at each check point. The best approach describes a clear, step-by-step process: first count the arrestees, compare that count to the roster or manifest, verify each person’s identity to prevent mix-ups, and record the exact times along with any discrepancies. This creates an auditable trail and helps ensure no one is missing or unaccounted for, which is crucial for safety and accountability.

Useful context: perform the count at the origin, again at intervals during transit if applicable, and again at the destination. If a mismatch or missing person is detected, stop the handoff, secure the individuals, document the discrepancy, and follow agency procedures for reporting and reconciliation.

Why the other approaches don’t fit: relying on memory and skipping times invites errors and leaves no verifiable record; counting only once at the end misses issues that can occur mid-transport; and relying solely on facial recognition is unreliable for confirming numbers and can lead to mistaken identities.