M.04.02 Use of restraints for escorts / transfers

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The purpose of this section is to manage the transportation of prisoners so they do not suffer unnecessary discomfort and are safely, humanely and securely moved, escorted or transferred while minimising risk to prisoners, staff and the general public.

M.04.02.01 Use of mechanical restraints

  1. A mechanical restraint must not be used for more than 24 hours at a time unless:-
    1. authorised by the prison director and is, in the opinion of a medical officer to protect the prisoner from self-harm, or
    2. in the case of a prisoner who has been temporarily removed to hospital for treatment.
  2. If mechanical restraints are required, the instructions must state:
    1. the type of restraints to be used
    2. when and where the restraints must be applied
    3. any situation where restraints may be removed.
  3. Prior to any escort departing a secure point, the officer in charge of the escort (OIC) is to check that the application of the handcuffs to the prisoner has been performed correctly, with the appropriate inserts where required.
    1. The OIC must check and confirm that the handcuffs are securely fitted prior to any escort departing.
  4. Prisoners travelling in a single-cell vehicle and with a security classification of:
    1. minimum or low are not to be placed in any mechanical restraint
    2. low-medium, high or maximum must be handcuffed throughout the entire escort unless the instructions state otherwise.
  5. The use of restraints during temporary removals is determined by:
    1. IOMS risk assessment, and
    2. the type of vehicle being used to transport (see M.04.02.Res.02 Waist restraints).
  6. Waist restraints in conjunction with handcuffs may be used for any escort (or part of an escort) if the risk assessment deems that degree of restraint necessary.