CD 567-3: Use of Restraint Equipment

Restraint Policy

• Restraint equipment must be available and maintained, with staff trained on its use, adhering to the Security Equipment Manual.
• Standing Orders govern the access, control, and safekeeping of restraint equipment, and its usage both within and outside the institution, consistent with the Engagement and Intervention Model.
• The Institutional Head or delegate can authorize restraint use in non-routine situations after a completed Threat Risk Assessment, and when all other reasonable control methods have been considered according to CD 567, Annex B.
• A Statement/Observation Report must be completed by all staff involved in an incident.
• Restraint equipment is typically at control posts.
• Handcuffs are carried by Correctional Officers/Primary Workers with inmate contact, except at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge. In other cases, the Institutional Head may authorize trained staff carrying cuffs if needed.
• Restraint is allowed in routine circumstances when specified in a Standing Order, but only as reasonably necessary for safety/security.
• When used in routine circumstances, restraint use isn't reported as force unless resistance occurs, or a higher response or injury is inflicted.
• Restraint options (front/back) and size/flexibility of the inmate (e.g., oversized/double cuffs) must be considered.
• Restraint equipment must be regularly checked by a staff member to ensure inmate safety, proper tightness, no distress, and equipment integrity.
• If distress signals happen with restraint use, it must be reassessed. Risk management while adjusting or removing restraint is key.
• Restraint checks need to happen when a transported inmate isn't in direct observation.
• Inmates cannot be suspended from walls or objects preventing support of their own weight; they must be able to release pressure on body parts.
• Health-related restraints follow CD 843 guidelines.
• Pregnant inmates' restraint use should ideally involve a physician's assessment and approval for safest options (e.g., body belts applied carefully to avoid stomach/torso pressure).
• Restraint is a last resort for pregnant inmates. Extreme caution is needed to avoid endangering the woman or fetus (e.g., staff support on each side while walking).
• Pregnant inmates cannot be restrained during labour or delivery.
• Use of restraint during a reportable use of force is documented using a Statement/Observation Report.