How many hours before departure must armed LEOs notify the airline when transporting prisoners?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 12 hours
• C. 48 hours
• D. 6 hours

Answer: (A)

Coordinating prisoner transport with an airline relies on giving the carrier enough lead time to implement the necessary security and custody measures. Notifying the airline 24 hours before departure allows them to brief flight crews, arrange secure seating or containment, coordinate with gate and security staff, and ensure deputies have the proper documentation and space to maintain custody throughout boarding and the flight. This 24-hour window strikes a practical balance, giving the airline time to prepare without creating unnecessary delays.

Notifying only 6 or 12 hours before departure is typically too short for the airline to arrange enhanced screening, monitoring, and secure handling steps. While 48 hours could be feasible in some operations, it’s more than the standard requirement and not usually needed for routine prisoner transport.