In an effort to increase officer safety and minimize prisoner escape, the Atlanta Police Department has implemented the use of leg and transport restraints in accordance with APD. SOP.3030.  The following roll call training will cover officer safety issues as well as review proper techniques in applying the restraints.  Officers should remember that applying the leg or transport restraints to a prisoner does not take place of monitoring a prisoner.  Officers should always maintain the highest level officer safety when dealing with prisoners.

I.                    Officer Safety

When dealing with prisoners, officers should always maintain a high level of officer safety.   The leg and transport restraints are intended to aid in this safety.  The following are some officer safety issues that the officer should remember:

·        Always have prisoners handcuffed prior to applying leg restraints

·        Have back up officer available if possible when applying restraints

·        Be aware of surroundings when applying or removing restraints (i.e. avenues of escape, weapons, etc.)

·        Always have prisoners look opposite direction when applying or removing restraints

·        When possible place prisoners on their knees prior to applying leg restraints

II.                  Application of Leg Restraints and Transport Restraints

A.                 Leg Restraints

When available leg restraints will be applied to all prisoners while they are in any precinct, CID office, and the Identification Unit.  Whenever possible the officer applying the leg restraints should have a back up officer present.  When applying the leg restraints the officer should follow the following procedures:

·        Prisoners WILL ALWAYS be handcuffed with the handcuffs to the rear and double locked prior to applying leg restraints.

·        When possible a back up officer should be utilized when applying leg restraints to prisoners.

·        Officers will ensure they apply the leg restraints from the rear of the prisoners with the key holes facing up and the prisoner looking away from the officer.

·        Officers will assist the prisoner to their knees if possible, prior to applying the leg restraints

·        If a prisoner is unable to be placed on their knees the officer will assist the prisoner in leaning against a wall, patrol vehicle, etc. prior to applying the leg restraints (prisoners will be removed from the wall as soon as the leg restraints are applied).

·        If a prisoner is unable to lean against a wall, patrol vehicle, etc., the officer will have the prisoner stand facing against a wall, patrol vehicle, etc.  The officer should then have the prisoner raise each ankle up by bending the leg at the knee.

·        When taking leg restraints off, officers should always take leg restraints off first, then remove handcuffs.

B.                 Transport Restraints

When available, transport restraints will be applied to every prisoner being transported in a transport wagon.  The transport restraints consist of two portions, (1) wrist portion and (2) ankle portion.  Officers should maintain the highest level of officer safety when dealing with any prisoner being transported in any manner.  When dealing with transport restraints the officer should follow these procedures:

·        When possible officers applying transport restraints should ensure that when

      receiving any prisoner for transport from an officer that the prisoner is already

      handcuffed.  Prior to removing these handcuffs the officer should apply the

      ankle restraint portion of the transport restraints.

·        When available a back up officer should be utilized when applying the transport restraint.

·        Transport restraints should be applied and double locked with the key holes facing up.

·        The transport restraints should be applied prior to placing the prisoner into the transport wagon when possible (Officers will assist prisoners getting into the wagon, to avoid injury).

·        When applying the ankle portion of the restraints the officer will have the prisoner stand against the back of the wagon facing the wagon.  The officer will then have the prisoner lift each ankle up by bending the leg at the knee.

·        After applying the ankle portion of the restraints the officer will place the wrist portion loosely over the already applied handcuffs, then remove the handcuffs and adjust the wrist restraint portion.

·        If the prisoner has to be placed in the wagon prior to applying the transport restraints, the officer will leave the handcuffs on the prisoner and assist them into the wagon.  The officer will then apply the wrist portion of the transport restraints loosely over the handcuffs and then remove the handcuffs.  Adjust the wrist portion and then apply the ankle portion of the transport restraints. 

·        When removing transport restraints, officers should always remove the ankle portion first then the wrist portion.  

III.                Conclusion

With the implementation of leg and transport restraints the department has addressed a very important officer safety issue.  In this roll call training we covered several officer safety issues and application and removal procedures.  However, each officer is ultimately responsible for his or her safety.  This roll call lists the recommended procedure for applying and removing restraints in  “best case” situation and can not address each and every situation that would warrant the use of restraints.  Therefore, the officer should use his/her best judgement in applying restraints in any situation that warrants it, keeping in mind both officer and prisoner safety.