5-316 MAXIMAL RESTRAINT
TECHNIQUE (05/29/02) (06/13/14) (07/13/17) (04/02/18)
(B-C)
I.
PURPOSE
To establish a policy on the use of
“hobble restraint devices” and the method of transporting prisoners who have
been handcuffed with a hobble restraint applied.
II.
POLICY
The hobble restraint device may be
used to carry out the Maximal Restraint Technique, consistent with training
offered by the Minneapolis Police Department on the use of the Maximal
Restraint Technique and the Use of Force Policy.
III. DEFINITIONS
Hobble Restraint Device: A
device that limits the motion of a person by tethering both legs together. Ripp
Hobble ™ is the only authorized brand to be used.
Maximal Restraint Technique
(MRT): Technique used to secure a subject’s feet to their waist in order to
prevent the movement of legs and limit the possibility of property damage or
injury to him/her or others.
Prone Position: For purposes
of this policy, the term Prone Position means to lay a restrained subject face
down on their chest.
Side Recovery Position:
Placing a restrained subject on their side in order to reduce pressure on
his/her chest and facilitate breathing.
IV. RULES/REGULATIONS
A. Maximal
Restraint Technique – Use (06/13/14)
- The Maximal Restraint Technique shall only be used in
situations where handcuffed subjects are combative and still pose a
threat to themselves, officers or others, or could cause significant
damage to property if not properly restrained.
2. Using
the hobble restraint device, the MRT is accomplished in the following manner:
a. One
hobble restraint device is placed around the subject’s waist.
b. A
second hobble restraint device is placed around the subject’s feet.
c. Connect
the hobble restraint device around the feet to the hobble restraint device
around the waist in front of the subject.
d. Do
not tie the feet of the subject directly to their hands behind their
back. This is also known as a hogtie.
3. A
supervisor shall be called to the scene where a subject has been restrained
using the MRT to evaluate the manner in which the MRT was applied and to
evaluate the method of transport.
B. Maximal
Restraint Technique – Safety (06/13/14)
1. As
soon as reasonably possible, any person restrained using the MRT who is in the prone
position shall be placed in the following positions based on the type of
restraint used:
a. If
the hobble restraint device is used, the person shall be placed in the side
recovery position.
2. When
using the MRT, an EMS response should be considered.
3. Under
no circumstances, shall a subject restrained using the MRT be transported in
the prone position.
4. Officers
shall monitor the restrained subject until the arrival of medical personnel, if
necessary, or transfer to another agency occurs.
5. In
the event any suspected medical conditions arise prior to transport, officers
will notify paramedics and request a medical evaluation of the subject or
transport the subject immediately to a hospital.
6. A
prisoner under Maximal Restraint should be transported by a two-officer squad,
when feasible. The restrained subject shall be seated upright, unless it is
necessary to transport them on their side. The MVR should be activated during
transport, when available.
7. Officers
shall also inform the person who takes custody of the subject that the MRT was
applied.
C. Maximal
Restraint Technique – Reporting (06/13/14)
1. Anytime
the hobble restraint device is used, officers’ Use of Force reporting shall
document the circumstances requiring the use of the restraint and the technique
applied, regardless of whether an injury was incurred.
2. Supervisors
shall complete a Supervisor’s Force Review.
3. When
the Maximal Restraint Technique is used, officers’ report shall document the
following:
·
How the MRT was applied, listing the hobble restraint device as
the implement used.
·
The approximate amount of time the subject was restrained.
·
How the subject was transported and the position of the subject.
·
Observations of the subject’s physical and physiological actions
(examples include: significant changes in behavior, consciousness or medical
issues).
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.