7-03/010.00 Waist Chain Procedures

Certain inmates within custody facilities require an increased level of security during movement in order to provide for the safety of the concerned inmate, other inmates, and custody personnel. In cases where additional control measures are required, inmates may be placed into single-person waist chain restraints.

Waist chain restraints include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Single-person waist chain;
• Four-person Court Services Transportation (CST) type handcuff chain systems;
• "Three cuff" handcuff chain systems;
• High security "handcuff cover" restraint systems.

Four-person CST type handcuff chain systems chain together multiple inmates in individual waist chain restraints. The "three cuff" handcuff chain systems are routinely used for the transportation of inmates that require an additional level of security. This includes internal facility movement as well as transportation to and from courts or other custody facilities.

Note: the multi-person "cable chain" system shall not be used as a single-person chaining system.

When using single-person waist chain restraint systems, the following shall apply:

• Personnel shall not apply handcuff cover restraint systems unless they have received the appropriate training;
• Waist chains shall only be applied in a manner consistent with Department-approved policy and training;
• The need to use any type of single-person waist chain restraint system shall be the decision of the handling personnel;
• Use of single-person waist chain restraint systems shall be based upon articulable facts justifying the need for additional security;
• Inmates restrained in single-man waist chain systems shall not be left unattended with any inmate not similarly restrained;
• In the event that an inmate is secured to a fixed object, custody personnel shall follow procedures as outlined in Custody Division Manual (CDM) section 7-03/000.05, "Fixed Restraints and Handcuffing Inmates"
• Single-person waist chain restraint system shall not be used as a disciplinary device under any circumstances;
• If the inmate appears to be in mental health crisis, custody staff will immediately refer the inmate to Jail Mental Health (JMH) personnel;
• All Department use of force and reporting policies apply.

MENTAL HEALTH HOUSING

Security Restraints in High Observation Housing (HOH) and Moderate Observation Housing (MOH) will not be used as an alternative to mental health treatment and will be used only when necessary to ensure safety. Personnel assigned to HOH and MOH will consider a range of security restraint devices and utilize the least restrictive option, for the least amount of time, necessary to provide safety in these areas.

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In addition to previously stated guidelines, the following shall apply to the use of handcuff cover restraint systems:

• Whenever possible, handcuff cover restraint systems shall be applied via the food tray slot while the inmate is secured inside the cell;
• The leg chain shall be applied prior to transportation;
• Handcuff cover restraint systems shall remain on the inmate from the time they leave the housing location, until they return or arrive at their new housing location, unless exigent circumstances exist, or personnel receive prior authorization to remove the handcuff cover system from personnel of the rank of supervising line deputy or above;
• Use of a handcuff cover restraint system does not eliminate Title 15 requirements. Inmates must be given reasonable opportunities to use toilet facilities, and provisions must be made for the consumption of meals.

INVENTORY OF WAIST CHAIN RESTRAINTS

Unit commanders shall develop orders regarding the control of waist chain restraint inventories. This inventorying shall include daily counts in the electronic Uniform Daily Activity Log (e-UDAL).Unit commanders shall determine the number of each device necessary for facility operations, and are responsible for replacing missing or damaged items. All devices shall be marked to indicate unit of origin (i.e. CST, Inmate Reception Center [IRC], Men's Central Jail [MCJ], etc.). Unit commanders shall ensure, through constant inspection, waist chain restraint devices belonging to other units are returned as expeditiously as possible to maintain inventories at all units.

Annual command inspections shall include audits of waist chain restraint inventories and maintenance.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS OF WAIST CHAINS

Each unit commander shall develop unit orders regarding the cleaning, inspection, and sterilization of waist chains and restraint devices at the end of each shift. Inspections are required daily and weekly to ensure operability, maintenance, and cleanliness.

Required cleaning shall be conducted using an approved anti-bacterial solution which states it kills multiple pathogens, including methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for affectability.

The unit order shall ensure that the cleaning/sterilization and inspection of waist chains and restraint devices are documented in an approved log and maintained for a minimum of two (2) years per CDM 4-13/000.00 "Retention of Records."