What should be done if restraints were used during an incident?

Removing restraints when necessary is important for both the safety and rights of the individual being restrained. If the individual is no longer posing a threat to themselves or others, or if they are in a situation where restraints may cause injury or distress, it is appropriate to remove them.

Maintaining the well-being of the person while ensuring that safety protocols are followed is essential. Officers should continually assess the situation and the individual’s behavior, taking into account their mental and physical state, and making a decision based on these evaluations.

While documentation of the use of restraints is critical for records and reports, and maintaining restraints until formal charges are made could be seen as a standard operational procedure, the priority should always be the safety and humane treatment of individuals in custody. Therefore, removal of restraints as soon as it is safe and appropriate demonstrates a commitment to these principles.