Policy Text
Correctional Services Page 1 of 9 2/02 (Rev 10/13)
MJ/RCCC
OPERATIONS ORDER
Use of Restraint Devices
The purpose of this Order is to provide procedures for the use of restraint devices at the
Main Jail and the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) in accordance with
Title 15, Section 1058. I. Policy
Restraint devices shall only be us ed on prisoners who display b ehavior that results in
the destruction of property or reveal the intent to cause physi cal harm to self or others.
Physical restraints should be ut ilized only when it appears les s restrictive alternatives
would be ineffective in contro lling the disorderly behavior. T he use of restraints shall
not be used as a form of disciplin e or as a substitution for tr eatment. Sworn staff
utilizing restraints shall be tr ained in the proper use of the device(s). The provisions of
this order do not apply to the use of handcuffs, shackles, or o ther restraint devices when
used to restrain prisoners for se curity or transportation purpo ses. Sworn staff has the
option of using an appropriate authorized restraint device to m ove or restrain a prisoner
for security reasons.
II. Restraint Devices
A. Restraint devices include any devices which immobilize a prisoners
extremities and/or prevent the prisoner from being ambulatory. The
following restraint devices are authorized for use:
1. Pro-Straint Chair 2. Protective Helmet 3. Handcuffs / Leg Shackles / Belly Chains 4. Posey (5-point) soft ties 5. Leather leg and/or wrist cuffs 6. Plastic Handcuffs a. Plastic cuffs should only be used when none of the more
c o n v e n t i o n a l m e t hods can be used due to the size of the
i n m a t e o r l a c k o f a v a i l a b l e e q u i p m e n t . A c u t t i n g t o o l m u s t be
r eadily available in case the cuffs need to be removed.
Correctional Services Page 2 of 9 2/02 (Rev 10/13)
MJ/RCCC 7. Multi-Prisoner Cuff Chains (used for transportation/securit y only)
8. R.E.A.C.T. Belt (used only in court when authorized)
III. Procedures and Observat ion of Restrained Prisoners
A. Custody staff shall follow these procedures when restraining prisoners,
who threaten or display behavior that re sults in the destruction of property
or reveal an intent to cause physical harm to self or others, in restraint
devices:
1. Prisoners shall be placed in rest raints only with the approval
of the watch commander or designated watch commander.
a. Restraints shall not be us ed in a manner that would cause
unnecessary injury or discomf ort. Only sworn staff shall
apply and remove restraints. Sworn staff applying the restraints shall always t horoughly search the prisoner,
double-lock the restraints, and ch eck all restraints to reduce
the risk of injury to the inmate.
b. A “Spit Net” will be used when appropriate to prevent spitti ng
or biting.
c. Any incident resulting in a p risoner being placed in restrai nts
will be videotaped, when ci rcumstances permit.
d. While in restraint devices a ll prisoners shall be housed alo ne
or in an area that will prot ect the person from abuse.
e. Custody staff shall notify a custody supervisor and request
medical staff if the prisoner’s condition appears to deteriorate.
f. A custody supervisor shall ensure the prisoner’s sanitary
needs are met.
2. A medical evaluation shall be requested and conducted, if
possible, within the first fifte en (15) minutes and every two
hours thereafter. Prisoners restrained for a period exceeding
six (6) hours shall require a medical evaluation prior to
continuance of such restraints.
a. Medical evaluations will incl ude a check of vital signs,
circulation, need for exercisi ng extremities. Each medical
evaluation will be documented along with t he availability of
CPR equipment.
b. Only sworn custody staff sha ll adjust restraints if needed.
Correctional Services Page 3 of 9 2/02 (Rev 10/13)
MJ/RCCC c. Prisoners in restraints mus t be provided all the necessary
food and fluid requirements. D uring the medical evaluation
the nurse will ensure that the prisoner is not dehydrated. If
the nurse determines the prisoner is in need of fluids or food ;
fluids and/or food will be given , in normal form. If normal
food or fluids cannot be taken , proper medical procedures
for administering food/fluids will be followed. If the nurse
needs assistance obtaining flui ds or food, a sergeant will
arrange with kitchen staff to provide such.
3. Custody staff shall conduct direct visual observation of the
restrained prisoner at least twice every thirty (30) minutes t o ensure
the restraints are properly em ployed and to ensure the safety and
well-being of the prisoner.
4. A custody supervisor shall conduct a direct visual observati on once
every thirty (30) minutes.
5. Continued retenti on in restraints bey ond one hour