Use of restraint devices: Procedures and control of mobility

Abstract

In this paper, the method of using restraints by authorized police officers (APO) is analysed, with an emphasis on the adequacy and efficiency of these methods in situations where legal conditions are met, specifically in preventing attacks, resistance, escape, or self-injury. After establishing quality control using other means of force, the APO can choose whether to use the means of restraint so that the hands are tied in front of or behind the back. Misjudgement with an insufficient and inadequate level of control can lead to repetition of problem situations or the emergence of new problem situations, despite the usage of means of restraint. The goal of this paper is to help define the procedure for using means of restraint, so that this means of force can be used adequately, in a safe and secure manner for both the APO and the person on whom the means of restraint are used. The results showed a decrease in running speed with the hands tied behind the back compared to when the hands are tied in the front by 4.37%, and by 5.87% when the hands are free. No significant difference has been found between running speeds with hands free and with hands tied in front of the body. Reduced mobility resulting from tying the hands behind the back allows a higher quality level of control and reduces the possibility of new problem situations occurring.