RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

5.3.1 PURPOSE

To establish guidelines governing the safe, secure, and humane use of restraints on detainees. This policy ensures restraints are used only when necessary to maintain safety, security, and order, and in a manner consistent with constitutional standards and professional correctional practices.

5.3.2 POLICY

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that restraints shall be used only when justified, applied in the least restrictive manner necessary, and never as punishment, coercion, or retaliation.

5.3.3 DEFINITIONS

Restraints: Any mechanical device used to restrict the movement of a detainee, including:

• Handcuffs (front or rear application)

• Leg irons (shackles)

• Belly chains

• Restraint chairs

• Soft restraints (medical)

Use of Restraints: The application of any device to control movement due to security or safety concerns.

5.3.4. AUTHORIZED USE OF RESTRAINTS

Restraints may be used under the following circumstances:

5.3.5 Required Use

Restraints shall be used when:

• Transporting detainees outside the secure perimeter

• Escorting detainees classified as violent or high-risk

• Moving detainees to court, medical, or other off-site locations

• Handling detainees with a history of escape attempts

5.3.6 Discretionary Use

Restraints may be used when:

• A detainee poses a threat to themselves, staff, or others

• A detainee is actively resisting or combative

• During disturbances, riots, or emergencies

• When necessary to maintain control during movement within the facility

5.3.7 TYPES AND APPLICATION OF RESTRAINTS

5.3.8 Handcuffs

Primary restraint device for most detainee movements

• Applied behind the back unless:

• Medical condition prohibits

• Detainee is pregnant

• Supervisor authorizes front cuffing

• Must be double-locked to prevent tightening

• Checked for proper fit (not overly tight)

5.3.9 Leg Irons

Used in conjunction with handcuffs for:

• • High-risk detainees

• • Transports outside the facility

• • Shall not restrict normal walking movement excessively

5.3.10 Belly Chains

• Used during transport or court appearances

• Combined with handcuffs to limit arm movement

5.3.11 Restraint Chairs

Used only as a last resort when a detainee:

• • Is violently resisting

• • Presents immediate danger to self or others

• • Requires supervisor authorization

• • Continuous monitoring required

5.3.12 Soft/Medical Restraints

• Used under medical direction only

• Applied to prevent self-harm or injury

• Medical staff must monitor and document use

5.3.13 RESTRICTIONS ON USE

The following restrictions apply to all restraint use:

Restraints shall NOT be used:

• As punishment or discipline

• For staff convenience

• In a manner that causes unnecessary pain or injury

• Detainees shall NOT be restrained in a prone (face-down) position

• Restraints shall not impair breathing or circulation

• Hog-tying or similar techniques are strictly prohibited

• Handcuffs shall not be applied excessively tight or used to inflict pain

5.3.14 SPECIAL POPULATIONS

5.3.15 Pregnant Detainees

Shall not be restrained in the following situations:

• • During labor or delivery

• • During postpartum recovery

If restraints are necessary:

• • Use the least restrictive method

• • Front cuffing only

• • No leg irons unless extreme circumstances exist

5.3.16 Juveniles (if applicable)

Use restraints only when necessary for safety

• Must be proportional to the threat level

5.3.17 Medical and Mental Health

Staff shall consult medical personnel when:

• • A detainee has known medical conditions

• • Restraint use may exacerbate health issues

5.3.18 MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Detainees in restraints shall be closely observed at all times

Those in restraint chairs or prolonged restraints:

• • Checked at least every 15 minutes

• • Document circulation, breathing, and behavior

Medical staff shall evaluate detainees when:

• • Restraints are used for extended periods

• • There is any complaint of injury or distress

5.3.19 DURATION OF USE

Restraints shall be used only for the time necessary

Prolonged use must be:

• • Justified

• • Approved by a supervisor

• • Documented with periodic review

5.3.20 DOCUMENTATION

Staff shall complete an incident report when:

• Restraints are used beyond routine transport

• A restraint chair or special device is utilized

• Force is involved

Documentation shall include:

• Reason for restraint

• Type of restraint used

• Time applied and removed

• Observations and monitoring checks

• Injuries or complaints

• Supervisor approval

5.3.21 TRAINING

All staff shall receive training on:

• Proper application of restraints

• Use-of-force continuum

• Recognizing medical distress

• Legal standards and liability

Training shall be conducted:

• Upon hire

• Annually thereafter

5.3.22 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure compliance with this policy

• Review all reports involving restraint use

• Investigate any misuse or excessive force

• Take corrective action when necessary

5.3.23 COMPLIANCE AND REVIEW

This policy complies with:

• Constitutional standards under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments

• Applicable state regulations

• National correctional best practices

This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

5.3.24 PROHIBITED PRACTICES (ZERO TOLERANCE)

• Excessive force involving restraints

• Positional asphyxia practices

• Retaliatory restraint use

• Failure to monitor restrained detainees

Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and criminal prosecution.