Policy Text
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MJ/RCCC
OPERATIONS ORDER
Use of the Pro-Straint Chair
The purpose of this Order is to provide procedures for the use of the Pro -Straint Chair at
the Main Jail and the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) in accordance with
Title 15 , Section 1058.
I. Policy
The Pro -Straint Chair is a restraint device. It shall only be used on an inmate /arrestee
who display behavior that results in the destruction of property or reveal an intent to cause
physical harm to self or others. Physical restraints should be utilized only when it appears
less restrictive alternatives would be ineffective in controlling the disorder ly behavior. The
use of the Pro -Straint Chair shall not be used as a form of discipline or as a substitution
for treatment. Sworn staff utilizing the Pro -Straint Chair shall be trained in the proper use
of the device.
II. General Information
A. The Pro -Straint Chair is a restraint device which immobilizes a n
inmate/arrestee s extremities and/or prevents the inmate from being
ambulatory.
B. Other restraint devices that may be utilized with the Pro -Straint Chair are:
1. Handcuffs / Leg shackles
2. Leather leg and/or wrist cuffs
3. Soft restraints attached to the side of the Pro -Straint Chair
III. Procedures and Observation of Restrained Inmates/Arrestees
A. Custody staff shall follow these procedures when restraining an
inmate/arrestee , who threaten or display behavior that results in the
destruction of property or reveal an intent to cause physical harm to self or
others, in the Pro-Straint Chair .
1. Inmates shall only be placed in the Pro -Straint Chair with the
approval of the watch commander, absent exigent circumstances.
2. A custody supervisor shall be present while an inmate/arrestee is
being placed in the Pro -Straint chair, absent exigent circumstances.
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MJ/RCCC a. The Pro -Straint Chair shall not be used in a manner that would
cause unnecessary injury or discomfort. Only sworn staff
shall apply and remove the restraints. Sworn staff placing an
inmate/arrestee into the Pro -Straint Chair shall always
thoroughly search the inmate/arrestee and double -lock and
check all restraints/straps to reduce the risk of injury to the
inmate/arrestee .
b. A “Spit Net” will be used when appropriate to prevent spitti ng
or biting.
c. Any incident resulting in an inmate/arrestee being placed in
the Pro -Straint Chair will be video recorded , absent exigent
circumstances .
d. Safety Officer – One member of the Pro -Straint placement
team will be responsible for monitoring the well -being of the
inmate/arrestee. The Safety Offi cer should be in a position to
constantly monitor signs of life, (i.e. breathing, checking pulse,
etc.) and communicate to the other team members if the
inmate/arres tee is in a medical crisis. When possible, the
Safety Officer should avoid being in volved in the actual
placement of the inmate/arrestee in to the Pro -Straint Chair
unless necessary .
e. Inmates/arrestees may be placed in the Pro -Straint Chair with
their hands handcuffed behind their back or with the
inmate/arrestee s arms handcuffed to the sides of the Pro -
Straint Chair with soft restraints or handcuffs .
(1) If it becomes necessary to hold the inmate/arrestee
handcuffed behind the back for more than one hour,
the inmate/arrestee should be released from the metal
handcuffs and re -handcuffed to each side of the Pro -
Straint Chair with soft or “Posey” restraints or
handcuffs .
(2) If this is not feasible, the reason should be noted on the
Custody Log sheet.
f. While in the Pro-Straint Chair, an inmate/arrestee shall be
housed alone or in an area that will protect him/her from
abuse.
g. Custody staff shall notify a custody supervisor and request
medical staff if the inmate/arrestees condition appears to
deteriorate.
h. In addition to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
equipment that is maintained at each medical station, rescue
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MJ/RCCC breathing “pocket” masks and Automated External
Defibrillators are strategically placed throughout each facility ,
available for rapid emerge ncy response in the event that CPR
is necessary.
i. A custody supervisor shall ensure the inmate/arrestees
sanitary needs are met.
3. A medical evaluation shall be requested and conducted, if possible,
within the first fifteen (15) minutes and every two hours th ereafter.
Inmate/arrestees restrained in the Pro -Straint Chair for a period
exceeding six (6) hours shall require a medical evaluation prior to
continuance of such restraints.
a. Medical evaluations will include a check of vital signs,
circulation, need for exercising extremities. Each medical
evaluation will be documented