The Reality of a Handcuffed Goodbye. Seeing a prisoner like Zombie (ZT) at a funeral often sparks questions about how the process works while serving an 18 year sentence for murder. In the UK, this is officially known as Escorted Day Absence or EDA. Credits: @dezzie2busy The process begins with a strict eligibility rule. Under Prison Service Instruction 13/2015, a prisoner can only apply to attend the funeral of a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, spouse, or child. Applications for friends or distant relatives are almost always denied. Next is a high level risk assessment. The prison governor and security teams analyze the escape risk, the threat to public safety, and the potential distress to the victims of the original crime. If the prisoner is deemed too high of a flight risk or if there is a threat of a rescue attempt by associates, the request is flatly refused. For those approved, the double cuff protocol is enforced. High profile or Category A and B inmates are escorted by at least two prison officers. The prisoner remains physically cuffed to one officer at all times using a chain or lead, which is often partially hidden under a jacket to maintain a level of public decency while ensuring total security. Logistically, the prisoner is transported in a secure cellular van rather than a standard car. They are usually the first to arrive and the first to leave the service, and they are strictly prohibited from attending the wake or any social gatherings following the funeral. In many cases, the prisoner or their family must also pay for the transport and the officers' overtime, which can cost hundreds of pounds. #ZT #Zombie #UKPrisonService #HMP #PrisonLife - @streetcamuk