The term denotes a type of vehicle, typically employed by law enforcement, used for transporting multiple individuals under arrest. Such a vehicle is essentially a mobile holding cell, designed to securely convey individuals from the point of apprehension to a detention facility. For instance, following a mass arrest at a demonstration, those taken into custody might be transported in this type of vehicle.
The utility of this vehicle lies in its capacity to efficiently and safely manage the transportation of numerous arrestees simultaneously, thus streamlining law enforcement operations. Historically, these vehicles evolved from horse-drawn carriages into motorized units, reflecting advancements in transportation technology. The implementation of such a vehicle frees up officers who would otherwise be needed to transport individuals one at a time.