Tips for Smart Cops Series
Use of Wrist Restraints

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1. Under PGO 29-11, "Wrist Restraints" include handcuffs, handcuff transport belt, plasticuffs and speedcuffs.

2. The use of "Wrist Restraints" amounts to using force; therefore such use must be justified as reasonable and warranted. They should only be used when no lesser degree of force can achieve the intended purpose.

3. A police officer may use "Wrist Restraints" when it is reasonably necessary to ensure the security and control of an arrested person whom he has reasons to believe is likely to escape, or to protect himself or another person, including the person to be restrained, from any injury.

4. The use of handcuff transport belt must be authorised by a Sergeant or above.

5. Legal advice has confirmed that both authorisation and actual use of handcuff transport belt amount to an exercise of power.

6. Officers shall record in their police notebooks the justifications and other relevant details of the authorisation and actual use of handcuff transport belt.

Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch