What is the initial step when detainees are being transported?

The initial step when transporting detainees is to inform them of their status and provide them with their rights. This process is essential because it confirms to the detainees that they are being taken into custody, allows them to understand the legal grounds for their detention, and ensures that their rights are communicated in a clear and accessible manner. Providing rights advice not only acts as a legal safeguard but also helps to establish transparency and can mitigate any potential issues regarding the detainee's awareness of their situation.

By focusing on informing the detainee and presenting their rights, officers are upholding protocols that protect the detainee's legal entitlements. This step is crucial for ensuring that the detainee is aware of the process and their rights, creating a foundation for handling subsequent phases in a professional and legally compliant manner. Other steps, such as preparing transport vehicles, conducting announcements, or documenting personal items, are important but occur after this fundamental communication has taken place.