RESTRAINT DEV 18.2
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: RESTRAINT DEVICES
GENERAL ORDER: 18.2
EFFECTIVE: October 1, 1998
RESCINDS: NEW
PAGES: 3
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. GENERAL GUIDELINES
II. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
III. OTHER RESTRAINT DEVICES
IV. GLOSSARY
PURPOSE:
To establish guidelines for the use of handcuffs and other physical restraints.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all law enforcement officers.
DISCUSSION:
It is recommended that law enforcement officers apply restraint devices on all arrestees. However,
officers may and should use discretion in the application of these devices when transporting juveniles, senile, non-
criminal mentally ill, seriously deformed or those with special needs, injured, or ill persons. The subject’s behavior and
the circumstances under which the person is taken into custody are factors that will dictate the officer’s actions. It
remains the officer’s responsibility to protect him or herself, the public, and the person in custody.
Officers should handcuff an arrestee who resists arrest, or is likely to resist arrest, as quickly as possible without regard to
the prescribed procedures. If sufficient backup units become available and the arrestee can be safely controlled, the
handcuffs should be reapplied according to the procedures herein.
POLICY:
Handcuffs and other restraint devices will be used in conformance to law and this order.
PROCEDURE:
I. GENERAL GUIDELINES:
A. Handcuff Application:
Officers should handcuff arrestees according to current training guidelines before
conducting a search. To avoid injury and to restrain a prisoner properly, handcuffs should be applied by placing the
single strand of the cuff against the subject’s wrist, below the wrist bone, and pressing forward into the locked position.
The handcuffs should be snug fitting, but not tight enough to cause serious discomfort or harm. The handcuffs must
always be double locked and checked by pulling and pushing on the single strand.
1.
Handcuffs used for maximum security should be applied with the arrestee’s hands behind the back and palms of
the hands facing outward.
G.O. 18.2
2.
Two sets of handcuffs can be interlocked and applied to an arrestee with a physique that does not allow the
subject’s hands close enough behind the back to fit into one pair of handcuffs.
3.
Under special circumstances, handcuffs may be applied with the arrestee’s hands in front of the body and palms
facing outward. The handcuffs should be secured at the prisoner’s waist with a belt or cord. Officers may apply
handcuffs on arrestees according to these requirements when:
a. Age, disability, or physical capacity justifies minimal security measures.
b. The arrestee has a deformity or physical disability, or is suffering from an illness or injury that makes it
necessary to handcuff in the front.
4.
A female subject will not be handcuffed to a male subject except in an emergency.
5.
A juvenile will not be handcuffed to an adult, except in an emergency.
6.
Officers will not handcuff themselves to prisoners or use a single cuff as a “come along.”
7.
Prisoners will not be handcuffed to a fixed object, or to the interior of a vehicle.
8.
Restraining devices will not be used when transporting the non-criminal mentally ill, except for the protection of
the subject or others.
B. Search:
After handcuffing, the officer must immediately, thoroughly, and systematically search the prisoner.
C. Control:
When moving a handcuffed arrestee on foot, the officer will maintain physical control.
II. CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
Only the double locking handcuffs will be carried. Officers will be
responsible for the efficient operation of their handcuffs. The handcuffs will be checked frequently, cleaned, and
lubricated to prevent malfunctions.
III. OTHER RESTRAINT DEVICES:
Officers will not hesitate to use more secure devices to supplement handcuffs,
when necessary.
A.
“Flex cuffs” may be used in special situations such as mass arrests or when regular handcuffs do not fit the subject
or are unavailable. The officer must always have immediate access to an appropriate tool for removal, i.e., wire cutters
or snips when using “Flex cuffs.” “Flex cuffs” shall be applied in the same manner as metal handcuffs.
B.
Leg shackles may be used on high-risk prisoners to impede their ability to run.
C.
Officers may use the issued leg restraint on prisoners exhibiting violent behavior. The loop of the restraint should
fit snugly around the narrowest part of the ankles, but must not be too tight. Once the restraint is in place, the prisoner
should be seated in an upright position in the transport vehicle and secured by a seat belt/shoulder harness.
D.
Any restraint device not addressed by this order must be evaluated and approved by the Chief before use.
IV. GLOSSARY:
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G.O. 18.2
DOUBLE LOCKING - Double locking is accomplished by inserting the tip of the handcuff key into the small hole on the
side of the handcuff.
FLEXCUFFS - A wire reinforced, plastic band with a locking device that permits the strip to be formed into a loop and
irreversibly tightened over the wrists. Only commercially manufactured flexible handcuffs, specifically designed for this
purpose will be used. Pipe and wire straps are not authorized and will not be used.
SPECIAL NEEDS HANDCUFF APPLICATION - Handcuffs are applied with the prisoner’s hands in front of the body
and palms facing outward.
INDEXING:
RESTRAINT DEVICES
DRAFTED:
RLG/May 14, 1998/Filed: Rstdvc18.2
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
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