[CivilWarBrewing]

Let's be fair about this 'seat belt' thing. IT WAS COMMON PRACTICE NOT TO SECURE DETAINEES. As a matter of fact, securing them was NOT REQUIRED up until just a few days prior to the incident.

[MeganC]

WRONG.

The general order in question dates back to September 18, 1997.

Here it is:

http://www.aele.org/law/2009all10/baltimore-transport.pdf

Relevant portions:

— Whenever an arrestee is transported in a police vehicle, ensure:
> That he/she has been searched and handcuffed, (hands cuffed in the rear), before being placed
in a prisoner transport vehicle or a “C. P.” truck.
> The arrestee is secured with seat/restraint belts provided. This procedure should be evaluated
on an individual basis so not to place oneself in any danger.
> That the seat/restraint belt is placed securely around the waist or upper body of the arrestee to
prevent the arrestee from maneuvering out of the restraint and possibly causing injury to them or
others.