Guidelines for the Use of Restraints

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sets the guidelines for minimum jail standards by which county and city jails must operate. The information is provided in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). Information may be available elsewhere, but additional resources don’t appear to be mentioned within the TAC.

The guidelines for using restraints in a particular county jail outside Texas are provided by the county sheriff’s office, and more details are provided than are readily available regarding the use of restraints in Texas jails. Details of the restraint guidelines follow below and continue in the next installment of this ongoing series.

When Can Restraints be Used?

Restraints are authorized for use in the following circumstances:

• During inmate transport, as a precaution against escape.
• For medical reasons, the appointed authority must authorize the use of restraints on an inmate.
• An on-duty supervisor must approve the extended or prolonged use of restraints as a way to prevent inmate self-harm, injury to others, or property damage.
• Restraints must only be applied for the length of time in which they are absolutely necessary.

What Types of Restraints are Approved?

The following methods of restraint have been authorized for use:

• Steel handcuffs
• Steel leg cuffs
• Plastic flex cuffs
• Waist chain/leather belt
• Gang chains
• Polypropylene webbed belt
• Restraint chair

Also, see Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

This website purposes to provide county and city inmates incarcerated in Texas jails with resources that could be beneficial to them. Making insinuations that institutions or persons have engaged in wrongdoing is never an intention.

–Guest Contributor