The general principles governing the use of restraints are as follows:
- Restraints are either security restraints or medically ordered restraints
- Restraints shall not be used to punish inmates
- Restraint devices shall only be used when there is a potential threat of physical harm, destruction of property, escape, or to escort or transport inmates
- Caution shall be used to guard against the risk of medical distress
- Restraints shall never be placed on the head, nose, or neck of an inmate or in any other manner that may interfere with breathing or blood flow
- In-cell security restraints shall not be used except in emergency circumstances and for the shortest period of time necessary
- Inmates shall not be restrained to fixed objects unless the object is designed or is commonly used for that purpose, and only used for the shortest period of time necessary
- It is the responsibility of Department members approving or applying restraints (other than restraints used to escort or transport inmates) to ensure that there is frequent, detailed, and documented monitoring of the condition of the inmate(s) in restraints (refer to CDM section 7-03/000.10 "Security Restraints and Separation/Isolation of Inmates")
- The longer the restraints are applied, the greater the risk of medical distress; therefore, medical assistance shall be summoned immediately whenever an inmate appears to be experiencing medical distress or complains of difficulty breathing
- Carotid restraints are prohibited unless the inmate's conduct is high risk assaultive or creates a risk of serious bodily injury to personnel, themselves, or others
Department members shall avoid, to the extent possible under the circumstances, placing their weight on an inmate’s back or shoulders in a way that impairs the inmate's breathing. Once an inmate is controlled, they should be placed in a recovery position (on their side, to allow the mouth to drain, and with limbs bent to prevent the inmate from rolling onto their stomach) or in a seated position to minimize breathing problems and the risk of medical distress. If practical, inmates placed on a gurney or stretcher should be placed in the recovery position.
HANDCUFFING INMATES
Custody Operations personnel shall handcuff inmates only when it is reasonable, necessary, and in conformance with Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) sections 3-01/110.23, "Handcuffing Prisoners" and 3-03/240.00, "Handcuffs and Cases."
It is considered advisable to use handcuffs when:
- Transporting an inmate in public or from one facility to another
- An inmate is violent or gives an indication of belligerence. Custody personnel shall act in accordance with CDM section 7-02/020.00, "Handling Insubordinate, Recalcitrant, Hostile, or Aggressive Inmates" when confronted by an inmate(s) acting in this manner
- An inmate may cause injury to himself or others.
When handcuffs are used:
- The handcuffs shall be of a type specified by the Department
- Inmates shall be handcuffed with hands behind their backs when feasible, with the exception of pregnant inmates
- Pregnant inmates shall only be restrained with handcuffs in accordance with Penal Code section 3407 and CDM section 7-02/010.00, "Pregnant Inmates"
- A female inmate shall not be cuffed to a male inmate except in an emergency. Once the emergency no longer exists, the female and male inmate will no longer be handcuffed together
- Handcuffs shall be double locked. If a situation exists whereby double locking cannot be reasonably accomplished, the handcuffs will be double locked after the situation no longer exists.