Cedric Leon Hardesty died at the age of 57 on September 13, 2021, while in the custody of the Wichita County Jail in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was in a single cell when he was discovered with no pulse. The custodial death report about Mr. Hardesty shows that his cause of death is unknown and pending an autopsy.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) determines operational requirements for county jails in Texas. TCJS has approved the use of restraints, though they can only be used when needed to prevent inmates from causing harm to themselves or others. The least restrictive restraint device that can stop the dangerous behavior must be used. For the most extreme cases, TCJS has approved the use of restraint chairs, which are the most restrictive devices.

What is a Restraint Chair?

A restraint chair is a chair made for the specific purpose of detaining an individual who is self-destructive, combative, or potentially violent. An inmate who has been placed in a restraint chair is strapped with cuffs on the wrists and ankles and straps across the torso and lap. The chair places individuals in a sitting position and severely limits their movement.

In this ongoing series, learn about some of the dangers associated with restraint chairs.

It is not intended on this website to suggest that any persons or entities have engaged in wrongdoing. Posts on this site are added with the purpose of helping Texas inmates currently or previously detained in a county jail in the state.

–Guest Contributor