Commissioner's Directive

Policy Objective

1. To establish procedures for the use of restraint equipment for security purposes that are limited to only what is necessary and proportionate to attain the purpose of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and that contribute to the safety of staff and inmates.

Authorities

2. Corrections and Conditional Release Act, sections 3.1, 4, 68, 69, 96(z.5), 97 and 98

Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations, section 73

Criminal Code, sections 25 and 26

Application

3. This Commissioner’s Directive applies to staff involved in the use of restraint equipment for security purposes.

Responsibilities

4. The Institutional Head will:

1. ensure that restraint equipment is available and in good working order;
2. ensure that applicable staff members receive training on the use and application of restraint equipment consistent with the Security Equipment Manual; and
3. ensure that Standing Orders address:
   1. the access, control and safekeeping of restraint equipment, and
   2. the use of restraint equipment within and outside the institution consistent with the Situation Management Model.

5. The Institutional Head, or his/her delegate, may authorize the use of restraint equipment in non-routine circumstances upon the completion of an individual Threat Risk Assessment, when all other reasonable methods of control have been considered as per CD 567 – Management of Security Incidents, Annex B – Situation Management Model.

6. The Reporting Officer will complete the appropriate section of the Use of Force Report (CSC/SCC 0754).

7. All other staff involved in the incident will complete a Statement/Observation Report  (CSC/SCC 0875).

8. Normally, restraint equipment will be available at all control posts.

9. Handcuffs will be carried by all Correctional Officers/Primary Workers who have direct contact with inmates based on their post assignment in maximum, medium and multi-level institutions, with the exception of Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge. In all other cases, the Institutional Head may authorize the carrying of handcuffs by trained staff members if required by the situation.

10. When specified in a Standing Order, restraint equipment may be used in routine circumstances, but limited to what is reasonably required for safety or security purposes.

11. When specified in a Commissioner’s Directive or Standing Order, the use of restraint equipment during routine circumstances does not constitute a reportable use of force unless:

1. the inmate is resisting; or
2. the action results in a higher level response or injury to the inmate.

12. When in use, restraint equipment will be checked by Correctional Officers on a regular basis to ensure that it is not too tight or that it has not been tampered or altered.

13. If an inmate wearing restraint equipment while being transported is out of direct observation of a Correctional Officer/Primary Worker, the equipment will be checked as soon as the inmate is again within direct observation.

14. Under no circumstances will an inmate be suspended from a wall, the cell bars or any object, in a fashion that prevents him/her from supporting his/her own body weight. The individual must be able, at all times, to relieve the pressure on the body part to which the restraint equipment is applied.

15. The use of restraints for health purposes will be managed as per CD 843 – Management of Inmate Self-Injurious and Suicidal Behaviour.

Pregnant Inmates

16. If time and circumstances permit, assessment and approval by a Physician will normally be sought by the escorting officers to determine the safest and most appropriate restraint option.

17. Restraints will only be used as a last resort with pregnant inmates. If restraint equipment is used on a pregnant inmate, extreme caution must be exercised to ensure that both the woman and fetus are protected from injury (e.g. supported by staff on each side while walking).

18. Pregnant inmates will not be restrained during labour and delivery.

19. When pregnant inmates are being transported, body belts, if required, must be applied in such a way so as to ensure that no pressure is exerted on the inmate’s stomach or torso.

Documentation

20. The use of restraints during a reportable use of force will be documented using the Statement/Observation Report  (CSC/SCC 0875).

Enquiries

21. Strategic Policy Division
National Headquarters
Email: Gen-NHQPolicy-Politi@CSC-SCC.GC.CA

Annex A : Cross-references And Definitions

Cross-references

• CD 566-6 – Security Escorts
• CD 567 – Management of Security Incidents
• CD 567-1 – Use of Force
• CD 843 – Management of Inmate Self-Injurious and Suicidal Behaviour

Definitions

Restraint equipment:

an approved device listed in the Security Equipment Manual intended to temporarily restrict or limit free movement.

Situation Management Model:

a model/graphic representation used to assist staff in determining the correct response options to be used in managing security situations.

Threat Risk Assessment:

an evaluation of factors that could pose a danger to the management of an offender, the safety of others, or security of an operational unit in particular circumstances. This will be documented in a Statement/Observation Report (CSC/SCC 0875).