Which statement about risk assessment is true?

• A. It is used to assign custody level and staffing based on violence/escape risk, medical/mental health needs, and flight risk.
• B. It determines the arrestee's charges.
• C. It only informs transport route selection.
• D. It is optional in most cases.

Answer: (A)

Risk assessment in arrestee transport is used to determine custody level and staffing based on violence/escape risk, medical/mental health needs, and flight risk. This helps decide how many officers are needed, what restraints or supervision are required, and what level of medical monitoring may be necessary during and after transport. It guides safety measures to protect staff and the public and to ensure appropriate use of resources. It does not determine the arrestee’s charges—that responsibility lies with the arrest information and prosecutorial decisions. It’s more than just route planning; while transport routes can be influenced by risk, the assessment mainly sets security level and resources, not the travel path alone. In most agencies, conducting a risk assessment before transport is standard practice, not optional.