Chief Stevenson. Yes, sir; I saw Chief Batchelor when I arrived. I believe I was in the basement at that time. I had just driven in shortly before, or he had driven in right behind me, one of the two.
Mr. Hubert. What occurred then between the two of you and with respect to others?
Chief Stevenson. We looked the basement over at the time. Of course that early in the morning, there was not much activity. There was some officers in the basement. We went up to the administrative offices.
Mr. Hubert. Why did you check the basement?
Chief Stevenson. Because we observed the officers there in the basement and knew that the prisoner would be transferred that particular morning.
Mr. Hubert. Do you know whether it had been decided at that time whether the actual transfer would be the function and responsibility of the police department or of the sheriff’s office?
Chief Stevenson. No, sir; I don’t. I know it was later in the morning when Chief Curry did call the sheriff’s office. As far as I know, at that time no plans had been finalized that we would transfer him or that the sheriff would transfer him.
Mr. Hubert. In any case, the security precautions or measures being then set up, or which had been set up by Captain Talbert already, with reference to the basement would be applicable whether the transfer took place by you or by the sheriff, is that correct?
Chief Stevenson. Yes, sir; as far as getting him out of the basement.
Mr. Hubert. Would you consider then that the decision had already been made that the basement method of exit would be used irrespective of who moved the prisoner?