Police departments throughout the US have adopted the use of the WRAP restraint device. A police chief in Texas has been quoted as saying that the tragic death of George Floyd may have been avoided using the WRAP restraint system.

Purpose and Use of the WRAP Restraint System

According to information available on the manufacturer’s website, the WRAP restraint device provides law enforcement officers with a quick, safe way to immobilize and control a subject. The following are examples of situations in which the WRAP restraint device might be considered appropriate for use in a jail setting:

• To immobilize an inmate who has become combative and/or violent.
• To prevent a violent or combative person from injuring themselves or others.

Inmate Restraint

The following is more information related to restraints from the Criminal Code of Procedure in Texas with regard to inmates:

Applying restraints to an inmate is a decision that must be made by medical or supervisory personnel.

Every two hours, an inmate in a restraint device must receive medical care, the results of which must be documented. The required medical attention must include the following:

• Offering liquids and nourishment,
• Exercising arms and legs,
• Checking for potential medication needs,
• Offering toilet facilities,
• Changing position, and
• Taking vital signs.

Anytime a determination has been made to utilize restraints in accordance with the CCP, jailers must use the restraint device that is the least restrictive in order to ensure safety and health or to prevent escape.

See Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and continuing installments about Texas jails in non-compliance of jail standards set out by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). Learn more about restraints used on inmates in the next installment of this series.

This post is meant as a source of information. There is not an intention in this or other blog posts on this website to suggest that misconduct of any kind has occurred on the part of any institution, organization, or individual.

–Guest Contributor