Training Bulletin Volume LI, Issue 2
Handcuffing
Page 2
personal safety of the individual or the officer will clearly not be jeopardized, the use of
handcuffs shall not be required, but shall be at the discretion of the officer.
The decision as to the timing and use of handcuffs shall be based in part on the viability
of de-escalation factors such as time and distance, to minimize the likelihood that the
application of the restraints unduly results in an aggressive/combative response from
the person with a mental illness.
Officers shall only use official handcuffs and ensure that the handcuffs are
double-locked. Temporary plastic handcuffs shall not be used to restrain a person with
mental illness, nor may such restraints be furnished to private persons by Department
personnel for use in restraining persons with mental illness.
Exceptions: When a person with a mental illness is receiving medical treatment,
which requires medical imaging where metal handcuffs are not permissible,
temporary plastic restraints may be used for the medical procedure only.
Personnel are permitted to use Department approved temporary plastic restraints
on individuals with a mental illness. However, absent exigent circumstances and
sufficient need, Department personnel are expected to make every effort to
utilize official handcuffs on persons with a mental illness.
Officers who have identified arrestees with mental health needs shall ensure that
treatment and basic health services be provided by qualified staff. Qualified staff will
verify that coordinated health services and care are integrated, an arrestee’s medical
and mental health needs are met, and identifying the impact of the medical and mental
health needs on each other are adequately addressed. (State of California, Board of
State and Community Corrections, Title 15, Section 1209)
Restraints and Pregnant Arrestees: Officers who have identified an arrestee to be
pregnant or in recovery after delivery shall not restrain the arrestee by the use of leg
irons, waist chains, or handcuffs behind the body.
Note: If it becomes necessary due to violent behavior to restrain a pregnant
arrestee behind their body, the watch commander shall be notified by arresting
officers.
A pregnant arrestee in labor, during delivery, or in recovery after delivery, shall not be
restrained by the wrists, ankles, or both, unless deemed necessary for the safety and
security of the arrestee, the staff, or the public.
If the use of restraints on a pregnant arrestee is required, they shall be removed when a
professional who is currently responsible for the medical care of the pregnant arrestee
during a medical emergency, labor, delivery, or recovery after delivery determines that