Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
4.3 Use of Force
4.3.5 Containment/Restraint Devices (Revised : 6/6/22 )
A. Control is achieved by placing restraint devices (i.e. , handcuffs and leg restraints) on the
suspect’s limbs to temporarily restrict the suspect’s move ment. Officers should only use
Department -approved restraint devices which they have been trained to use, except in
extenuating or emergency situations.
B. Any officer taking a suspect into physical custody shall utilize handcuffs for control of
the suspect as soon as practical. Handcuffs are to be checked for proper tightness and
double -locked as soon a s practical after application. Suspects will be handcuffed with
their hands behind their backs unless extenuating circumstances prohibit that positioning.
C. Leg restraint s are to be applied only when a suspect is or has been struggling or kicking
and there is a risk of injury to per son(s) or damage to property. At no time shall
handcuffed suspect s be placed in a prone position with their restrained feet tied to the
handcuffs or waist area (i.e. , hogtied).
D. The use of BolaWrap ™ is not allowed on a compliant subject .
E. Officers may retain subjects in the prone (face down) position to prevent harm to the
officer, suspect or other persons. Officers should remove suspect s from the prone position
as soon as possible to avoid potential positional asphyxia .
F. Officers shall avoid placing direct pressure on the neck or placing their full body weight
on the upper torso and lower back of a suspect, potentially restrict ing respiratory or
vascular f low.
G. Due to the risk of cardiac arrest following a violent struggle, officers should monitor
restrained suspects and obtain medical treatment when necessary. Suspects a t a higher
risk of cardiac arrest include individuals who are :
1. Under the influence of controlled substances and/or alcohol
2. Obese, physically ill or experiencing respir atory muscle fatigue/failure
3. Suffering from psychiatric illness.