Appendix "A" for Restraints

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Disposable Restraint Device

Designed to be a back-up handcuffs and a fast means of securing prisoners in a mass arrest situation. These one-time use handcuffs can be made from various materials and are disposable after one use as they must be cut from the subject’s wrists using an appropriate cutting tool.

Specifications

• Approved models are made of disposable one-time use nylon braid, thin plastic fastening straps where two straps can be tethered together to form one pair of disposable restraints, and/or commercially produced plastic handcuffs that are disposed of after one use.

Handcuffs

Restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists in proximity to each other. Comprised of two ring-shaped cuffs, linked together by a short chain or hinge. Each cuff has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person’s wrist. Once applied, the cuff can only be removed by key.

Specifications

Approved models may be fabricated of metal or rigid carbon fiber materials.

Must have a double-lock feature on each cuff which when engaged stops the cuff from ratcheting tighter to prevent the wearer from tightening them.

The cuffs are joined by a length of chain, each end attached to a 360-degree swivel pin, no longer than six inches (15.24 cm).

The cuffs are joined by a hinge, providing additional restraint by more effectively restricting hand and arm movement.

Leg Restraints

The Leg Restraint, commonly referred to as leg irons, is a device used to restrict the movements of an individual's legs when exhibiting violent behavior. They can also be used on a subject's legs during transport when a greater risk of violence or escape is suspected.

Specifications

Approved models are fabricated of metal, rigid carbon fiber material, or nylon strapping with affixed cam-lock or alligator clip buckles as follows:

• Leg Restraints can be similar in design to steel handcuffs, with larger ratcheted cuffs to fit on the ankles. They must have a double-lock feature on each cuff which when engaged stops the cuff from ratcheting tighter to prevent the wearer from tightening them. The cuffs are joined by a length of chain, each end attached to a 360-degree swivel pin, no longer than twenty inches (51 cm).
• They can also be fabricated of a one to two inch (2.54 to 5.08 cm) wide single strap of nylon material, formed into a loop through a cam-lock or alligator clip buckle which is used to secure the subject's legs.

Spit Hood/Mask

Spit Hoods or Spit Masks (and occasionally bite guards) are devices intended to cover the mouth, face and sometimes the head of a restrained person in order to prevent them spitting bodily fluids at or biting others.

Specifications

Approved models are made of a light-weight nylon mesh-type fabric and are designed to fit comfortably over the head and neck. They must allow the subject the ability to see out and Officers to see the subject’s face.

Spit Hoods must not restrict the subject’s ability to breath while helping to restrict the expulsion of body fluids from the subject to other persons nearby.

Certain approved models can be affixed under the arms for additional security but must never be secured around the wearer’s neck.

The design and fabrication of this device must allow bodily fluids from the nose and mouth of the subject to drain without significant pooling which could lead to asphyxiation. Models that are fabricated of non-breathable materials and allow pooling of bodily fluids within the device are not approved for use by police.

Whole Body Restraint Devices

Restraint devices that are more complicated to apply than traditional Restraints, requiring multiple personnel, and consist of several Restraints that more greatly affect the ability of the subject to move. These Restraint devices are reserved for use on high risk, violent or self-harming subjects.

Specifications

Approved models are of the following specifications:

• A shoulder harness, a binding for the ankles, and a blanket with straps that encircles and restrains the legs. The harness and the ankle strap attach to loops on the blanket with carabiners, which helps to keep subjects from moving;
• A flat board with multiple point Restraint systems and a pillow to protect the head. The board is coated for easy cleaning and the runners on the bottom elevate the board for easy access to multiple handles;
• A specially built chair on at least two wheels with soft Restraint straps intended to help control the arms, legs, and torso of violent, self-destructive subjects;
• A garment shaped like a jacket with long sleeves that surpass the tips of the wearer's fingers and cross the arms against the wearer’s chest. The ends of the sleeves are tied to the back of the jacket, ensuring the arms are close to the chest with as little movement as possible. Its most typical use is restraining people who may cause harm to themselves or others; and
• A belt of two to six inches wide (5.08 to 15.24 cm) that is secured in the back using a lockable main buckle and has two hand Restraint tethers with smaller lockable buckles that allow for one-way restricted movement and have a single handcuff on each side that is equipped with a double lock feature. All locks are released with a standard handcuff key. The Hand Restraint Waist Belt enables an escorting Officer to control a subject’s movement while allowing the subject enough movement to be fingerprinted, use the bathroom facilities, eat, and/or perform other required movements for transport and processing. This device comes in two sizes:
  • Standard belt fits 29 to 59-inch (74 to 150 cm) waists; and smaller fits 23 to 40-inch (59 to 102 cm) waists.