Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 01/01/202 5
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________
306 - Restraint Device s 1 POLICY 306 RESTRAINT DEVICE S
306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The proper use and application of a restraint device can reduce the potential for injury and
damage to property when dealing with violent or potentially violent persons. This section provides
guidelines, policy, and procedures for the proper use of these devices.
When an officer deems it reasonable to restrain the legs of a violent or potentially violent person
during the course of detention, arrest and/or transportation, only restraint devices approved by
department shall be used, and only in the departmentally approved manner for such temporary
immobilization.
306.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 4.1.5 , 70.2.1
This policy pertains to the following General Order: 300
306.2 AUTHORIZED RESTRAINT
The 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, display
authority, or as a show of force. The use of restraint devices will require a Standard Use of Force
Review as outlined in General Order 300.7.
306.3 USE GUIDELINES FOR RESTRAINT DEVICES
Only employees who have successfully completed the necessary training on the use of restraint
devices described in this policy are authorized to use these devices.
When deciding whether to use a restraint device , officers should consider the following:
a) The circumstance of crime leading to the arrest.
b) The demeanor and behavior of the arrested person.
c) The age and health of the person , including any illness or injury .
d) Whether the person is known to be pregnant.
e) Whether the person has any other apparent disability.
306.3.1 MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Prior to booking or release, medical assistance shall be obtained for any person(s) who has
sustained visible injury, expressed a complaint of pain, or who has been rendered unconscious.
Based upon the officer’s initial assessment of the nature and extent of the subject’s injuries,
medical assistance may consist of examination by fire personnel, paramedics, hospital staff or
medical staff at the jail. If any such individual refuses medical attention, such a refusal shall be
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 01/01/202 5
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________
306 - Restraint Device s 2 fully documented in related reports and, whenever practical, should be witnessed by another
officer and/or medical personnel . If an audio recording is made of the contact or an interview with
the individual, any refusal should be included, if possible.
Persons who exhibit extreme agitation, violent irrational behavior accompanied by profuse
sweating, extraordinary strength beyond physical characteristics, unusually high tolerance to
pain, or who require a protracted physical encounter with multiple officers to bring under control ,
may be at an increased risk of sudden death and should be examined by qualified medical
personnel as soon as practicable . Any individual exhibiting signs of distress after such an
encounter shall be medically cleared prior to booking.
306.4 APPLICATION OF LEG RESTRAINT DEVICE
The only hobble approved for use by sworn officers at this department is the Ripp Hobble leg
restraint device. This restraint device consists of two separate pieces, the Ripp Hobble and the
RSIB -100 Sit Belt, which are used together to form one restraint device. This restraint device is
designed to reduce the likelihood of injury to the restrained person or others, and to reduce the
likelihood of property damage caused by the restrained person by preventing them from using
their legs in a manner likely to result in injury or damage. The Ripp Hobble leg restraint will only
be used to bind and immobilize a person’s legs or arms when appropriate. Only those officers
trained in the use of the restraint are authorized to employ it on any person. The following
guidelines shall be used when applying the restraint device:
a) If practical, officer(s) should notify a supervisor of the intent to apply the restraint. In all
cases, a supervisor shall be notified as soon as practical after the application of the
restraint;
b) Officers should apply the Ripp Hobble/RSIB -100 Sit Belt pursuant to TPD Arrest and
Control training. Officers shall not secure the hobble to the handcuffs on the restrained
person;
c) Absent a medical emergency, the person being restrained shall remain restrained until the
officer arrives at the jail or other facility, or the person no longer poses a threat;
d) Once secured, the person should be placed in a seated or upright position and shall not
be placed on their stomach for an extended period as this may potentially reduce the
person’s ability to breathe;
e) The restrained person shall be constantly watched by an officer while in the restraint. The
officer is to ensure the person does not roll onto and remain on their stomach;
f) The officer should look for signs of labored breathing and, where practical, take
appropriate steps to relieve and minimize any obvious factors contributing to this
condition.
306.4.1 TRANSPORTING LEG RESTRAINED PERSONS
When transporting a person to whom the Ripp Hobble leg restraint has been applied , officers
shall observe the following procedures