PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for handcuffing inmates within the Twin Towers Correctional Facility (TTCF). For procedures regarding handcuffing inmates to fixed objects, refer to TTCF Unit Order 5-03-043, “Handcuffing Inmates to Fixed Objects/Extended Handcuffing.”
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order shall apply to all personnel assigned to and/or working in any capacity at TTCF.
ORDER:
Inmates may be handcuffed when necessary to ensure the safety of other inmates, custody personnel, and employees assigned to Correctional Health Services (CHS).
Except where noted otherwise in this unit order, custody personnel assigned to mental health housing areas shall use their discretion in handcuffing mentally ill inmates.
In order to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the security of the facility, custody personnel shall handcuff or waist-chain inmates when:
• A mental health inmate is escorted from and to their housing location;
o For large groups of inmates classified as Moderate Observation Housing (MOH), personnel may utilize four-person chains during an escort to Court Line);
o The procedure for handcuffing or waist-chaining an MOH inmate does not apply during the inmate’s movement within their respective housing location;
• An inmate is transported outside of the facility;
• An inmate is actively violent, or has a known propensity to become violent;
• An inmate displayed belligerent behavior;
• An inmate has been deemed an escape risk;
• An inmate who has caused injury to themselves or others;
• An inmate assigned to a mental health intake floor who is removed from their cell, prior to being evaluated by a Supplemental Assessment Team (SAT) clinician.
If an inmate has been deemed hostile, aggressive, or has proven to be unpredictable, custody personnel shall utilize the tray slot when handcuffing inmates for out of cell movement.
When an inmate is housed in a cell without a tray slot, custody personnel shall adhere to the following procedures prior to opening the cell door:
• The inmate shall be directed to kneel on the floor with their ankles crossed;
• The inmate’s hands shall be placed behind their back or;
• The inmate shall be ordered to lie on the floor in a prone position, with their feet facing the door;
• The floor sergeant shall be notified and present during the handcuffing.
For procedures regarding handcuffing of Restrictive Housing (RH) inmates, refer to TTCF Unit Order 5-03-000, “Restrictive Housing Protocol and Programming.”
Inmates shall be handcuffed with their hands behind their back, when feasible, with the exception of pregnant inmates, in accordance with Custody Division Manual (CDM), section 7-02/010.00, “Pregnant Inmates.”
Pregnant inmates shall be handcuffed with their hands to the front of their bodies. At no time shall waist-chains, leg irons, or any other leg restraint device, such as the “Rip Hobble,” be utilized on pregnant inmates.