A person is considered hobbled when they are handcuffed, their ankles are held together with a “Ripp Hobble” restraint device, and the clip end of that device is not connected to the handcuffs. The Ripp Hobble is the only Department-approved hobble restraint device. Refer to section 3-03/270.00 for its exact specifications.
A hobbled person may be transported via radio car. They shall be seated upright in the rear seat of the radio car and secured by a seat belt. The long lead of the Ripp Hobble will be placed outside of the rear door. The rear door shall be closed and the long lead will then be placed in the adjacent front door of the radio car, leaving the lead’s clip end on the front floorboard. The front door can then be closed, thus preventing the long lead from becoming entangled in the rear tire of the radio car.
NOTE: For purposes of this section and section 3-10/038.00, Reportable Use of Force and Force Categories, the hobbling of an unresisting person, absent any other factors which constitute reportable force, shall not constitute reportable force.