Handcuffing and Restraints 303

Question 1

303.3 - use of restraints

Answer 1

• balance officer safety vs. factors that include but are not limited to:

• The circumstances or crime leading to the arrest.
• The demeanor and behavior of the arrested person.
• The age and health of the person.
• Whether the person is known to be pregnant.
• Whether the person has a hearing or speaking disability
• Whether the person has any other apparent disability.
Handcuffing is not always necessary and is left to the discretion of the officer.

Question 2

303.3.2 - Restraint of Pregnant Persons

Answer 2

• Should be restrained in the least restrictive reasonable manner
• No leg irons/ Waist chains
• Handcuffs in front unless reasonable suspicion:
- person may resist
- attempt escape
- injure themselves or others
- damage property

Question 3

303.3.3 - Restraint of Juveniles

Answer 3

• Juveniles under the age of 14 should not be restrained unless :
- they are suspected of a dangerous felony
- reasonable suspicion that they may:
Resist
Attempt escape
Injure themselves or others
Damage property

Question 4

303.3.4 - Notifications

Answer 4

• Officers shall notify jail staff whenever transporting someone in restraints other than handcuffs and provide circumstances of restraint

Question 5

303.5 - Application of Spit Hoods

Answer 5

• Used on people officer reasonably believes may bite or spit on someone or in an inappropriate place
• Avoid commingling spit hood wearers with other prisoners
• Should not be used when person is bleeding profusely from mouth/nose, or indications of difficulty breathing or vomiting
• if they vomit remove and replace
• OC decon prior to applying spit hood

Question 6

303.7 - Leg Restraints

Answer 6

When applying leg restraints, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Notify a supervisor before if able. ASAP when not
• Place in upright position. Do not place on stomach.
• Continually monitor. Make sure they do not roll on stomach
• Watch for labored breathing/other medical issues. Alleviate if possible.
• If transported by EMS officer should escort if EMS requests. Officer should notify EMS of circumstances.

Question 7

303.8 - Required Documentation

Answer 7

• If restrained and released w/o arrest document (Report or FI)
• Document the use of handcuffs in arrest reports
• If restraints other than handcuffs used:
• The factors that led to the decision to use restraints.
• Supervisor notification and approval of restraint use.
• The types of restraint used.
• The amount of time the person was restrained.
• How the person was transported and the position of the person during transport.
• Observations of the person’s behavior and any signs of physiological problems.
• Any known or suspected drug use or other medical problems.