Unit 3 Lesson 6 Restraint Devices PDF

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 6 Restraint Devices Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate the proper application and re- moval of restraint devices. Restraint devices are tools, such as handcuffs, which are designed to temporarily restrain a subjec...

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 6 Restraint Devices Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate the proper application and re- moval of restraint devices. Restraint devices are tools, such as handcuffs, which are designed to temporarily restrain a subject’s movements. There are other types of restraint devices, including waist chains (with black box), leg restraints (leg irons), and flexible leg restraints, that you may use in different circumstances. ✅ HL436.1. Demonstrate using restraint devices Handcuffs Handcuffs are temporary restraint devices frequently used to control a subject. Because hand- cuffing does not render a subject harmless, subjects should be continuously monitored to ensure officer safety. Applying handcuffs places the officer inside the reactionary gap or the danger zone. The subject may try to resist after the first handcuff is applied. Prepare to respond with an appro- priate action. The handcuffing procedure must be done in a controlled manner, to minimize potential harm to both officer and subject. Using the nomenclature illustration, identify the parts of handcuffs. (See Figure 4-24) Figure 4-24 Handcuff nomenclature 248 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Handcuffs or any other restraint device must be kept in working order. Properly holster or load the handcuffs consistent with your cuffing technique. Three-Point Pin Usually, a three-point pin is used to control the subject for handcuffing. The three-point pin can effectively control the subject through mechanical or pain compliance by using the subject’s shoul- der and wrist. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Once a subject has been taken to the ground, maintain control of the subject’s right arm. 3. Maintain the bent wrist on the subject’s right arm to gain compliance. 4. Place your right knee across the subject’s right shoulder blade. Avoid pressure to the spinal cord and neck when placing your knee or shin on the subject’s shoulder. 5. Place your left knee on the ground close to the subject’s rib area with the subject’s upper arm on the front of your thigh. 6. Remain on the balls of your feet throughout the pin to allow quick recovery to a standing position. (See Figure 4-25) Figure 4-25 Three-point pin Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 249 Handcuffing Technique Handcuffing techniques may vary depending on the compliance level of the subject, but the basic steps for applying handcuffs are as follows: 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Visually inspect and direct the subject into a position that prepares for handcuffing. 3. Approach the subject. Note: If a weapon has been drawn, safely manage the weapon before approaching the subject. 4. Draw the handcuffs from the holster. 5. Place one handcuff on one wrist. 6. Place the other handcuff on the other wrist. 7. Check for proper fit. 8. Double lock the handcuffs. 9. Search the subject. This technique can be used from a variety of positions, including kneeling (see Figure 4-26), standing from a rear or front approach (see Figure 4-27), or prone (see Figure 4-28). With non-compliant subjects, use controlling tech- niques to apply the handcuffs. Figure 4-26 Handcuffing – kneeling position 250 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Figure 4-27 Handcuffing – standing position Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 251  Figure 4-28 Handcuffing – prone position 252 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Removing Handcuffs To remove handcuffs, follow these steps: 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Visually inspect and direct the subject into a position that prepares for removing handcuffs. 3. Approach the subject. 4. Draw the handcuff key. 5. Remove the handcuff from one wrist and close the cuff. 6. Control the subject’s uncuffed hand. 7. Remove the other handcuff and close it. 8. Move away from the subject. (See Figure 4-29) Figure 4-29 Removing handcuffs Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 253 Waist Chains Waist chains are another type of restraint device, typically used by correctional officers to secure a subject when moving an inmate from one location to another. To apply waist chains, you will need verbal control of the subject. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the process. 2. Position the subject facing you with their hands in front and palms facing each other. The subject’s hands should be about 6 inches away from their body. 3. Facing the subject, place the handcuffs on their wrists, check for proper fit, and then double lock the cuffs. 4. Attach the black box to the handcuffs from the bottom up. Insert the elongated end of the chain to the backside of the black box. 5. Direct the subject to turn around, wrapping the chain around their waist, ensuring proper fit. 6. Have the subject pull their hands toward their body to take the slack out of the chain. Use a padlock to go through both lengths of the chain and secure on the subject’s side. (See Figure 4-30) Leg Restraints Leg restraints, also called leg irons, are generally used along with waist chains to limit the move- ment of a subject. To apply leg restraints: 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the process. 2. Hold the leg restraints with the double bar facing the subject’s legs. This will ensure that the key holes are facing down. 3. Have the subject lean against a wall or kneel on a chair to maintain a balanced stance. 4. Apply the leg restraints to each ankle, check for proper fit, and then double lock them. (See Figure 4-31) 254 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Figure 4-30 Waist chains Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 255 Figure 4-31 Leg restraints 256 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Flexible Restraints Flexible cuffs and flexible leg restraints are two common types of flexible restraints. Flexible cuffs are a useful tool for restraining single or multiple subjects. These types of restraints are most commonly associated with multiple arrests or transports. They are lightweight plastic or nylon and easy to carry but have a high tensile strength. Flexible leg restraints, “hobbles,” are a useful tool for restraining a subject who is kicking, trying to run away, or posing a safety threat. Applying flexible leg restraints is best performed by more than one officer. Flexible Cuffs Using a single flexible cuff or a double flexible cuff, place the cuff around the subject’s wrists. Before tightening them, place an index finger against the subject’s wrist and tighten the flexible cuff to your index finger and the wrist. Remove your index finger and ensure the flexible cuffs are not cutting off blood circulation. Repeat this process with the second flexible cuff. Removing Flexible Cuffs Use care when removing flexible cuffs. Make certain the cutting instrument used to remove the cuffs does not have sharp pointed ends or an exposed blade. For example, do not use a pocket knife or a box cutter. Place the cutting instrument between the flexible cuff and the subject’s wrist. Using the appropriate pressure, carefully cut through the flexible cuffs. Remove and dispose of flexible cuffs properly. Flexible Leg Restraints When applying flexible leg restraints use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the process. 1. Control the subject by handcuffing them and placing them in the prone position. Your partner will control the subject’s upper body, either with a three-point pin or a wrist compression. 2. Move close to the subject, and kneel or squat near the subject’s legs. Control the subject’s legs by grabbing and wrapping your hands around them, working your way to the subject’s feet. 3. While holding the subject’s feet together, slide the restraints over the lower half of the subject’s legs. Keep the restraints above the subject’s ankles. 4. Tighten the restraint device by pulling the excess portion. The restraint should be tight enough to restrict leg movement while allowing normal blood flow. 5. To further restrict the subject’s movement, clip the excess to the handcuff chain by bend- ing the subject’s legs at the knees to a 90o angle behind the subject. Place the subject in a sitting position or lying on their side. Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 257