A recent news report echoes many stories connecting restraint chairs used in county jails with acts of abuse. A jailer has admitted to tasing and punching a county jail inmate who was strapped in a restraint chair. He stated that the injuries he caused were inflicted out of his own anger, and there had been no reason to use force against that inmate.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) has approved the use of restraint chairs in Texas municipal and county jail facilities. Guidelines for using restraint chairs in adult jails are lumped in with all types of approved restraint systems. The restraints can be used to prevent an inmate from self-harm or from harming others at a time when he or she is exhibiting behaviors indicating that such dangers may exist. Chapter 9 of the Texas Administrative Code, titled Texas Commission on Jail Standards, specifically states that restraints are not to be used as a form of punishment.

Restraint chairs can also be used in juvenile facilities, though the guidelines for use on inmates in the juvenile system are detailed separately from the use of other types of restraints. Chapter 11 of the Texas Administrative Code is titled Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Rule §351.46–Restraint Chair is listed under Chapter 351–Standards for Short-Term Detention Facilities, Subchapter D–Restraints. The rules specifically about restraint chairs provide insights into potential risks associated with their use.

Learn more in this ongoing series.

Helping Texas prisoners detained in county and municipal jails is the purpose of this website. Accusing individuals or institutions of wrongdoing is never intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor