LAW ENFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS
Custom-Built Prisoner Transport Vans for Law Enforcement
Transporting inmates and detainees requires more than a van with an insert. It demands purpose-built security, full FMVSS compliance, and a design tailored to your agency's specific mission, not a one-size-fits-all solution pulled off a shelf.
Ford QVM Certified | FMVSS Compliant | Trusted by U.S. Border Patrol | Serving Law Enforcement Since 1997
What to look for in a prisoner transport van
Before selecting a transporter, procurement officers and fleet managers should evaluate four critical dimensions. Here's what matters most and what questions to ask any upfitter.
1. Security Design
Look for windowed and barred prisoner compartments, steel powder-coated bulkheads, steel doors with positive door stops, and isolation bulkheads between compartments. These features limit contact between detainees and prevent unauthorized access to the driver's cab.
2. Officer Safety
Hygiene safety screens, cab separation, and 2-door entry systems reduce officer exposure during prisoner loading and unloading. A well-designed entry system also limits opportunities for resistance or escape at the vehicle's threshold.
3. Inmate Safety and Compliance
All prisoner areas should include vinyl seats with lap and shoulder belts, emergency exit hatches in every compartment, and grab straps at each seat location. Critically, all configurations must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) — not just general DOT guidelines.
4. Climate and Operational Comfort
Long-distance transport requires overhead climate controls accessible to the prisoner compartment. Motion sickness aversion windows reduce incidents during extended transfers, and adequate interior lighting improves officer visibility during stops and loading.
DRIVERGE SOLUTION
High and medium security prisoner transporters
Driverge designs and builds custom prisoner transport vans on proven Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster platforms, working directly with OEM dealers to meet your department's exact specifications.
High-security configuration
Purpose-built for the most demanding transport scenarios. Features isolation bulkheads, video surveillance, barred prisoner windows, and 2-door entry systems. Built on the Ford Transit high-roof extended platform for maximum compartment headroom and officer accessibility.
Medium-security configuration
Single, double, and triple-compartment configurations on Ford Transit 130" and 148" wheelbases and RAM ProMasters. Transports up to 12 passengers with full seat belt and divider systems at each position. Also available on shorter wheelbases for county-level operations.
STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES
What's available on every build
Every Driverge prisoner transporter is custom configured. Choose the combination of features that best fits your security level, inmate population, and operational environment.
Security features
- Windowed and barred prisoner areas
- Steel powder-coated bulkheads
- Steel doors with positive door stops
- Isolation bulkheads between compartments
- 2-door entry systems
- Video surveillance system
- Hygiene safety screens
Safety and compliance features
- Vinyl seats with lap and shoulder belts at every position
- Seat dividers and grab straps for each seat location
- Emergency exit hatches in every compartment
- FMVSS compliant construction throughout
- Rear and side step kits
Comfort and operational features
- Overhead climate controls — driver and prisoner zones
- Motion sickness aversion windows
- Multi-color interior LED lighting packages
- SmartFloor flexible flooring system
- Optional wheelchair lift for ADA accessibility
CUSTOM VS. OFF-THE-SHELF
Why custom upfitting outperforms standard inserts
Many vendors provide pre-built insert kits for stock vans, but this approach may not fully meet the unique demands of professional law enforcement operations. Understanding the limitations of pre-built solutions and the advantages of a custom upfit can help agencies make informed decisions.
STANDARD VAN INSERTS
- One-size-fits-all compartment dimensions
- Third-party installation adds cost and liability
- Insert materials may not meet FMVSS standards
- Limited configuration options post-purchase
- No OEM chassis integration or warranty
- Wear and durability issues in high-use environments
DRIVERGE CUSTOM UPFIT
- Built to your exact compartment and security specs
- Integrated at the factory — no separate installation
- Fully FMVSS compliant as delivered
- High-performance materials rated for long-term use
- Direct OEM collaboration — Ford, RAM, Mercedes-Benz
- 250+ chassis on hand for faster delivery timelines
Ready to upfit your transporter?
County sheriffs, local police departments, and federal border patrol agents rely on Driverge for their upfitting needs. If your agency moves inmates or detainees, we have a configuration built for your operation. Contact our team to discuss your department’s needs.
