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.
Important to remember these were initiated just nine days before his arrest....so the seat belt was a non-issue before that time.
This procedure should be evaluated on an individual basis so not to place oneself in any danger.
They evaluated and decided against it. There. Done.
You’ll notice that the seat belt procedure was to be evaluated on an individual basis so as not to place the officer in danger.