Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

52050.10.3 Restraint Gear Use

• All personnel who are required to apply restraint equipment shall be knowledgeable and competent in the following areas:

  • Departmental handcuff and restraint gear policy.

  • Methods for practical application of handcuffs and restraint equipment.

• Mechanical restraints may be used under the following circumstances:

  • When transporting inmates.

  • When there is a reason to suspect an inmate may engage in violence, where bodily injury may occur, based on present behavior or apparent emotional state.

  • Under medical advice to prevent the inmate from suicide or self-inflicted serious physical injury.

  • Under no circumstances shall mechanical restraints be used for punitive purposes. When mechanical restraints become necessary, no restraint equipment shall be placed about the neck nor applied in any way as to inflict physical pain, undue physical discomfort, restriction of blood circulation, or breathing.

  • Restraint equipment shall not be used to secure an inmate to a stationary object except as a temporary measure. During transport, an inmate shall not be secured by any keyed locking device or equipment to any part of the transporting vehicle.

  • When mechanical restraint is required, handcuffs alone or attached to a waist chain shall be the usual method. Other specialized restraints, such as leg irons or additional chains, may be permitted only when it appears that immediate circumstances exist to justify the use of such mechanical restraints.

  • For application of restraint gear on pregnant inmates refer to Care, Treatment, and Security of Pregnant Offenders, DOMDepartment Operations Manual 54045.11.

• Note: The use of specialized mechanical restraints shall be documented except when an inmate is being transported outside the institution.