Deschutes jail gets new inmate transport van

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – Adult Jail Transport Division, coordinates safe and secure inmate transportation to and from court, medical appointments and other court related appearances.

This division is also a member of the Northwest Shuttle system, which coordinates prisoner transfer between jails and prisons throughout the Northwest.

In 2013, the Transport Division logged more than 30,000 miles of driving while transporting more than 2,300 inmates.

Last April, staff learned the University of Oregon Police Department had a fully secure, slightly used (less than 500 miles) transport van for sale.

The Sheriff’s Office had budgeted funds for this vehicle. However, thanks to the joint efforts of several division staff, the Governor’s Office – Director of Extradition Services and the Oregon Transportation Association, state monies were allocated to purchase the van.

This 2012 Chevrolet Express Cargo van has three separate compartments designed for male, female and high-risk prisoners. The van provides necessary security upgrades and expanded future transport options.