Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
303 Delano PD Policy Manual
Handcuffing and Restraints
303.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use of handcuffs and other restraints during detentions and
arrests.
303.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department authorizes the use of restraint devices in accordance with this
policy, the Use of Force Policy, and department training. Restraint devices shall not be used to
punish, to display authority, or as a show of force.
303.3 USE OF RESTRAINTS
Only members who have successfully completed Delano Police Department-approved training on
the use of restraint devices described in this policy are authorized to use these devices.
When deciding whether to use any restraint, officers should carefully balance officer safety
concerns with 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. In such cases, consideration
should be given, safety permitting, to handcuffing to the front in order to allow the
person to sign or write notes.
• Whether the person has any other apparent disability.
303.3.1 RESTRAINT OF DETAINEES
Situations may arise where it may be reasonable to restrain a person who may, after brief
investigation, be released without arrest. Unless arrested, the use of restraints on detainees should
continue only for as long as is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of officers and others.
When deciding whether to remove restraints from a detainee, officers should continuously weigh
the safety interests at hand against the continuing intrusion upon the detainee.
303.3.2 RESTRAINT OF PREGNANT PERSONS
Persons who are known to be pregnant should be restrained in the least restrictive manner that
is effective for officer safety. Leg irons, waist chains, or handcuffs behind the body should not be
used unless the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person may resist, attempt escape,
injure self or others, or damage property.
No person who is in labor, delivery, or recovery after delivery shall be handcuffed or restrained
except in extraordinary circumstances and only when a supervisor makes an individualized
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Handcuffing and Restraints - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department