In Tahoka, Texas, Eustacio Gallegos was in the custody of the Lynn County Sheriff’s Office when pre-custodial force was used on him, according to the custodial death report. Mr. Gallegos died on October 29, 2021, while he was still in pre-custodial status. He was 73 years old at the time of his death.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) has approved the use of various types of restraint devices that can be used when inmates are exhibiting behavior that could be a threat to themselves or others. Details about various restraints are described below, and the descriptions are from an information sheet prepared by a county sheriff’s office outside of Texas.

Descriptions of Restraint Devices

Restraint. A restraint is a device that is used to control and secure the feet, legs, arms, hands, torso, and/or head of an inmate.

Hard Restraints. Leg braces, handcuffs, and leg irons are examples of hard restraints.

Police Officer Hold. When a law enforcement officer is taking a person into custody and there is probable cause to suspect that the person is a danger to himself or others and in need of immediate custody, care, or treatment for mental illness, a police officer hold can be used to restrain that person.

Emergency Restraint Chair. A restraint chair is a chair with straps that restrains the arms, legs, and torso of an inmate.

Learn more in Part 1 of this continuing series.

Suggesting that a person or organization has been engaged in wrongdoing is never intended on this website. Each post is added as a helpful resource for inmates now or formerly detained in county jails in Texas.

–Guest Contributor