(Washington, DC) The DC Department of Corrections, in partnership with the United States Marshals Services (USMS), has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) transferring primary transportation responsibility from the USMS to the DOC for movement of all DOC prisoners scheduled for appearances at Superior Court. In addition to providing transportation to and from the Central Detention Facility (DC Jail), DOC will also make runs from the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), St. Elizabeths Hospital-John Howard Pavilion, and other local detention facilities. DOC will also handle emergency medical hospital runs.
The court transports will be conducted similar to those services previously provided by the agency's former Transport Unit. Senior level correctional officers who have received specialized training by the DOC and USMS will be assigned to the unit. Transports will occur Monday through Friday and Saturday on a special schedule. On average, 150 inmates are transported to Superior Court Monday through Friday.
Corrections Director Odie Washington states that this initiative affirms the positive direction of the agency as a detention system and has a direct impact on ensuring that quality services are provided to the District's offender population, while ensuring community safety. Director Washington states, "I am confident about the agency gaining greater control of the services it provides to offenders at the DC Jail."
"Taking more responsibility for transporting our inmates to court allows the agency greater accountability of our inmates in general," Director Washington added.
US Marshal for DC Superior Court Steve Conboy stated that, “this transportation agreement will enhance the Marshals’ ability to commit more staffing to provide greater security at the DC Superior Court as well as making the community safer by allowing more Deputy US Marshals to be out on the street arresting violent offenders with outstanding warrants.”
This agreement represents the considerable efforts and leadership of Chief Judge Rufus King III, DC Superior Court, Director Odie Washington, DOC, and US Marshal Steve Conboy, USMS. All three have been instrumental in bringing about this opportunity that will allow the Court to meet its growing needs of increased and timely prisoner productions at Superior Court well into the future.
For more information, contact the DC Department of Corrections, Office of Communications at (202) 671-2135.