B.13.02 Use of Mechanical Restraints and Physical Holds (National Procedure)

Policy Standard

• No mechanical restraint other than a restraint authorised for use by a staff member may be used by a staff member to restrain a prisoner

Authorised Restraints

1. The authorised mechanical restraints are:
2. 1. Steel chain-linked handcuffs
   2. Steel solid centre handcuffs (“speed cuffs”) (not to be used in Use of Force and / or C&R incidents)
   3. Disposable plastic handcuffs of at least 12 mm width
   4. Steel wire-linked handcuffs
   5. Velcro Restraint handcuffs
   6. Tie down beds
   7. Wrist bed restraints
   8. Torso restraints
   9. Head protectors

Note: Restraints listed in (f) to (i) above may only be used on medical advice.

2. The Prison Manager must approve the use of the restraints above, for reasons other than escorts and forms B.13.01.F3 and B.13.01.F1 are to be completed.
3. A staff member may use a restraint of the type listed above, for reasons other than escorts without prior approval of the Prison Manager if the circumstances require an immediate reaction, but the staff member who uses the restraint must, as soon as possible after use:
   • Inform the Prison Manager and
   • Complete forms B.13.01.F3 and B.13.01.F1
4. Any prisoner restrained by any restraint of a type listed above, for reasons other than escorts, must be examined by a suitable registered health professional within three hours of the beginning of the restraint.
5. A mechanical restraint:
   • may not be used for any disciplinary purpose:
   • must be used in a manner that minimises harm and discomfort to the prisoner.
6. The only type of handcuffs that may be used for escorting a prisoner are:
   • steel solid-centre handcuffs ("speed cuffs"); or
   • steel chain-linked handcuffs; or
   • steel wire-linked handcuffs.
7. No prisoner is to be handcuffed or restrained to:
   • Any part of a vehicle used for transportation, or
   • A cell grill

Note: Chains and irons may not be fitted or attached to a prisoner’s neck or torso, in any circumstances; or to a prisoner’s leg unless, for medical reasons, any other form of restraint would be impractical.

Physical Holds

1. No physical hold other than one that has been officially authorised may be used on any prisoner. The officially authorised physical holds are:
   • Special grips
   • Arm locks
   • Leg locks
2. Each use of a physical hold must be reported to the Prison Manager by the staff member who used the hold as soon as possible after the incident by completing form B.13.01.F2. A copy of the form is placed in the Use of Force Register and on the file of the prisoner on whom the hold was used.