CHAIR D-236 FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12-25-94 REVISED: 10-01-96,07-01-99,03-09-00,09-01-00
03-01-04, 11-02-16, 10-05-17
AUTHORITY: Sheriff M. Mims APPROVED BY: Assistant Sheriff T. Gattie
REFERENCE: Title 15, Sections 1029, 1058, 1058.5, and 1083; Title 9, Section 784.37;
Penal Code Sections 147, 1497 2652.57 3407 and 6030; Fresno County Sheriffs
Office Jail Division Policies and Procedures Sections D-215 and D-230; Fresno
County Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedure Section 300; and Hall, et al. v.
County of Fresno, E.D. Cal. No. 1-11-CV-02047-LJO-BAM (2015).
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish a standard of use, procedure and operation forthe
Pro-Straint restraint chair to safely secure violent or self-destructive inmates who pose an
immediate threat to themselves or others in a humane and lawful manner.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriffs Office Jail Division that the Pro-Straint
restraintchair may be used by correctional staff to provide safe containment of an inmate
exhibiting violent or self-destructive behavior and to prevent immediate injury to themselves
or to others and only when it appears that less restrictive alternatives would be ineffective
in controlling the violent or self-destructive behavior.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriffs Office Jail Division that the Pro-Straint
restraint chair may be used in a preemptive maneuver to restrain inmates who have a high
violence potential or who are high security risks during movement.
PROCEDURES:
I. DEFINITIONS
A. RESTRAINT DEVICE - Equipment utilized to restrict the movement of an
inmate. This includes handcuffs, leg shackles, soft restraints and any
device which immobilizes an inmate's extremities and/or prevents the
inmate from being ambulatory.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
B. PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAR- Is a specifically manufactured metal and
ABS plastic chair. It is equipped with buckles and retracting straps
capable of securing a person to the chair in such a fashion as to limit their
ability to move. Each Pro-Straint restraint chair has also been equipped
with a wheeled transport carriage for movement from one point to another
after the inmate has been secured into the chair.
II. USE OF PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR
A. Inmates shall only be placed into the Pro-Straint restraint chair under the
following conditions and with the prior approval of the Watch Commander-
1. To provide safe containment of an inmate exhibiting violent or self-
destructive behavior and to prevent immediate injury to themselves or
to others.
NOTE: When the behavior involves head banging, the use of the
restraint chair is preferable to placement in a safety cell.
2. Restraints may be used on inmates who display behavior which
results in the destruction of property. However, the restraint chair
should be utilized only when it appears that less restrictive alternatives
would be ineffective in controlling the disordered behavior. Response
should be implemented, as appropriate, in the following order of
consideration:
a. Remove the property that is being destroyed.
b. Place the inmate in a safety cell where there is no property to
destroy.
c. Place the inmate in a restraint chair.
3. Inmates who are extremely combative and where a cell extraction
team has been used to restrain the inmate. The restraint chair may
be used to transport the inmate out of the affected area to another
location within the facility.
4. When an inmate poses a high risk to jail safety and security, the
restraint chair may be used in a preemptive maneuver (e.g., to
restrain inmates who have a high violence potential or who are high
security risks) during movement. The Watch Commander shall
consult with mental health staff unless exigent circumstances exist
(which shall consequently be delineated in the incident report).
B. The restraint chair shall not be used for "attitude adjustment,"
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
punishment, as a substitute for treatment, for medical purposes,or during
any medical procedure.
C. Medical staff shall not participate in decisions to initiate use of the
restraint chair.
D. Inmates known to be pregnant shall not be placed into the restraint chair.
E. Prior to placement, the Watch Commander shall confirm that there are no
medical ALERT's that may prohibit the inmate from placement into the
restraint chair.
III. PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR PRE-RESTRAINTS
Unless the inmate is cooperative, restrain the inmate with shackles and
handcuffs or waist chains prior to placing them in the Pro-Straint restraint chair.
If using a waist chain, secure the waist chain lock in front. Ensure that the
optional back support is in place on the restraint chair and place the inmate in
the restraint chair using approved control techniques and reasonable force, if
necessary.
IV. PLACEMENT INTO THE PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR
A. A Sergeant and a minimum of three officers shall be present and assist
with the placement of an inmate into the Pro-Straint restraint chair. An
additional designated officer shall be responsible to videorecord the
incident. (Refer to Policy D-215/Recording Planned Emergency
Responses [FILE: VIDEO RECORDINGS].)
B. Stabilize the restraint chair by disengaging the wheels (refer to Section
VI I).
C. Whenever possible, inmates will be clothed when placed in the restraint
chair. If this is not possible, a safety cell garment or jail-issued sheet or
blanket shall be utilized to cover the inmate.
D. The restraint chair shall be kept away from walls and other obstructions.
The inmate does have some freedom to move their head and may be
capable of butting into a nearby wall or other obstruction resulting in self-
injury.
E. The inmate shall be backed up to the restraint chair with one officer on
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
either side. The inmate shall be directed to step onto the diamond-plated
base of the restraint chair. The third officer shall stand in front of the
inmate and step on the shackle chain to hold the inmate's feet down and
reduce the likelihood of injury to staff from kicks by the inmate.
F. The two officers on each side of the inmate shall assist the inmate into
the restraint chair. Help support the inmate, usually by the elbows and
shoulders, and lower the inmate into the restraint chair by having the
inmate sit down. Once seated, strap the inmate in using the securing
procedure.
G. Maintain officer safety. Be cognizant of attempts by the inmate to head
butt, spit upon, bite, or kick staff.
1. When an inmate is seated in the restraint chair, the potential for staff
being successfully kicked by the inmate is greater because of the
degree of slant in the restraint chair. The slant is purposefully placed
in the restraint chair so that it is easier to seat an inmate and it is more
difficult for the inmate to rise up and out of the chair.
2. If the inmate engages in spitting or biting behavior (or signals an
intention to spit), a spit hood may be utilized. The transparent mesh
hood prohibits spitting while allowing the inmate to breathe freely.
The hood is slid over the inmate's head and held in place by an elastic
band which does not restrict the inmate's airway.
a. If not present, the supervising Sergeant shall be notified
immediately.
b. The use of the spit hood shall be documented in the incident
report.
c. The spit hood will be discontinued immediately if the inmate
displays signs of possible airway compromise, such as respiratory
distress, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
d. The spit hood shall be removed as soon as the inmate ceases
spitting or biting behaviors.
e. The spit hood shall be disposed of in a biohazard waste container.
f. If a spit hood is not readily available, a medical mask may be
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
placed over the inmate's mouth and nose. The chin portion of the
mask shall be cut out to prevent the inmate from aspirating
vomitus or saliva. Use of a medical mask is subject to the same
requirements as the spit hood.
V. SECURING PROCEDURE
The following procedure is provided as a guideline for securing an inmate into
the Pro-Straint restraint chair. Although the procedure depicts securing the
chest straps prior to restraining the hands, the procedures may be performed
in any order as deemed appropriate for each situation.
A. Completely loosen all straps prior to placing the inmate into the restraint
chair.
B. Pull the cross-chest straps completely out (similar to a retractable
seatbelt). Secure the two cross-chest straps across the inmate's chest
(upper right to lower left and upper left to lower right; the D-ring and
buckle are color-coded to ensure proper application). The straps should
go across the upper biceps portion of the arms and not across the top
portion of the shoulders. Improper placement across the top portion of
the shoulder could restrict blood flow and cause injury.
1. When securing the cross-chest straps, control the inmate's head so
that the inmate is unable to head butt or bite an officer. Pass the strap
to the officer on the other side, rather than bend over or reach in front
of the inmate.
2. Pull the straps tight by pulling on the D-ring retractor handle. Ensure
the straps are snug (approximately one finger width from the body).
Loose straps could result in an inmate tipping over or freeing
themselves.
3. The D-ring retractor handle must be pulled straight back from its
retainer to make the cinching mechanism function properly. Do not
jerk the handle outward as it may cause damage to the retainer.
4. When completed, return the D-ring handle to its retainer.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
C. Secure the hands. The Pro-Straint restraint chair is equipped with Trilock
Handcuffs. These handcuffs are made of molded plastic with blue
autoclavable liners (able to be removed and sterilized).
1. If the inmate's hands are not secured, attach one of the restraint
chair's handcuffs to the inmate's wrist. Duplicate the process for the
other wrist.
2. If the inmate is handcuffed or in a waist chain, the restraints must be
exchanged. Utilize approved control techniques to safely control the
inmate during the exchange.
3. Double lock the handcuffs to prevent further tightening. Do not cut
off circulation to the hand.
D. Tighten the chest straps so that the straps are snug (approximately one
finger width from the body).
E. Secure the waist strap. Ensure the strap is snug by pulling on the D-ring
retractor handle. The tightness of the strap should be the equivalent to
the tightness of a seatbelt in a vehicle. Secure the D-ring back into its
retainer.
F. Secure the legs.
1. Extend the long straps located at the base of the restraint chair (on
the back side).
2. Pull the restraints apart so that the restraints are in the shape of a "Y".
3. Place the padded soft portion of the leg restraint behind the calf so the
pad is against the inmate's leg and the velcro end is pointed to the
outside.
a. Firmly wrap the velcro portion around the leg.
b. Wrap the strap portion of the restraint around the velcro
surrounding the leg and thread the strap through the two D-rings.
Thread the strap back over the first D-ring and under the second
D-ring and draw back until snug.
c. The long straps (located on the back side of the base of the
restraint chair) shall be drawn tight so that the legs are pinned
snugly against the restraint chair. Tie off the loose ends so that
they don't drag on the floor when the restraint chair is moved.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
4. Secure the padded restraint band across the legs. Place the metal tip
into the buckle and cinch until snug. Secure the second smaller
restraint band between the inmate's legs, around the outside of the
padded leg restraint band and through the D-rings at the top of the leg
restraint. Ensure the strap is snug.
G. Once secured, transport the inmate to the desired isolated holding cell.
Inmates in restraints shall not be placed into a cell with other inmates.
VI. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
A. The on-duty charge nurse shall be notified at the time of initial placement
and a medical opinion on placement and retention shall be secured as
soon as possible, but no later than one hour from the time of
placement.
1. A registered nurse (RN) or LVN under the supervision of an RN shall
complete a medical assessment and document vital signs, mental
status, sensation of limbs and check for injuries incurred during the
restraining application within the first hour of placement, and by
medical staff at least every sixty (60) minutes thereafter.
2. Medical staff shall check all restraint belts and hard restraints to
ensure the inmate has proper circulation. Restraints may need to be
loosened to ensure adequate blood flow.
B. A mental health consultation shall be secured as soon as possible, but
no later than one hour after placement to assess the need for mental
health treatment. If the inmate has attempted or expressed imminent
suicide, that information shall be conveyed to the charge nurse to ensure
that mental health staff is contacted immediately.
VI I. USE OF THE TRANSPORT CARRIAGE
A. The Pro-Straint restraint chair has a transport carriage which can be
separated from the restraint chair. It is attached to the Pro-Straint
restraint chair with two screws, located just above the base of the side
legs of the restraint chair.
B. To engage the wheels, step down on the upper lever bar of the
compound lever mechanism. Press the lever down until the hook latches.
C. To disengage the wheels, press the edge of the locking mechanism with
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
the toes and let the lever up slowly. Do not disengage the hook with a
finger, as the lever can fly up and pinch the fingers between the lever and
the seat of the restraint chair.
D. The inmate shall not be left unattended when the carriage wheels are
engaged. Set the restraint chair down in the disengaged position.
E. The carriage and restraint chair should be stable in themselves.
However, if the inmate is extremely violent it may be advisable to remove
the screws that attach the chair to the carriage.
Vill. STAFF MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY
A. Direct visual observation shall be conducted at least twice every thirty
(30) minutes after the time of initial placement to ensure that the restraints
are properly employed, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the
inmate.
B. At the time of the first check, the inmate shall be offered a drink of water.
A styrofoam cup may be used for this purpose. Staff shall provide proper
hydration as safely as possible during the duration of restraint chair
placement.
C. Staff shall monitor restrained inmates and immediately remove the
restraints and notify medical staff if the inmate displays any of the
following symptoms-
1. Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
2. Unconsciousness
3. Vomiting
4. Choking
5. Seizing
6. Discoloration
7. Swelling of extremities
8. Complaining of numbness
D. At no time shall any restraint device be utilized in such a way as to
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
intentionally inflict pain or punishment, or be used as a substitute
for treatment. Any playful or careless use may result in disciplinary
action.
E. At no time shall a restraint device be placed around the head or neck of
an inmate for any purpose.
F. In the event of an emergency evacuation, a designated staff member
shall be responsible to ensure that any occupied restraint chairs are
transported from the affected area.
G. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment is available in the nurse's
booking station and in both the Main Jail and South Annex Jail's 2nd floor
medical stations. Resuscitation masks are located in each security
station near the protective apparel and are provided for use in emergency
mouth-to-mouth resuscitations.
IX. RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISE AND TEMPORARY MOBILITY
A. Staff shall allow the inmate to exercise their extremities in range of motion
exercises for a minimum often (10) minutes (total) every two (2) hours.
1. Extend the long straps on the leg restraints to their full length (one at a
time).
2. Uncuff the handcuffs (one at a time).
B. Proper nutrition and toileting shall be provided as safely as possible
during the duration of the restraint chair placement. The inmate shall be
provided with temporary mobility under the following circumstances-
1. Upon request of the inmate, they shall be given the opportunity to
eliminate body waste with an appropriate reduction of restraints. If the
actions or behavior of the inmate poses a threat to their safety or that
of others, then the opportunity may be denied until it is determined by
a Watch Commander to be safe to do so.
2. The inmate shall be offered the opportunity to eat meals at the proper
times. The food will be provided via paper bag (e.g., sack lunch) or
served on a styrofoam tray.
a. The inmate shall be given the means to disinfect their hand(s)
before the meal (e.g., antimicrobial towelette).
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
b. Appropriate finger foods may be substituted if eating utensils are
withheld for safety reasons.
c. If the actions or behavior of the inmate poses a threat to their
safety or that of others, then the opportunity may be denied until it
is determined by a Watch Commander to be safe to do so.
C. Sufficient staff shall be present to safely control the inmate anytime
restraints are removed, as determined by the Sergeant.
X. DOCUMENTATION UPON PLACEMENT
A. An incident report shall be completed by the officer who initiated the
placement of an inmate into the Pro-Straint restraint chair. This report
shall include, but not be limited to the following-
1. Reason for the placement into the restraint chair (detailing the
location, behavior and/or circumstances).
2. Names and titles of staff members involved, including medical and
mental health staff.
3. Name of the Watch Commander who approved the placement.
B. If the restraint chair is being used at the direction of the Watch
Commander for preemptive movement, a report shall be written for each
use.
C. The Booking I Officer shall ensure the inmate's transfer into the"Restraint
Chair" and appropriate cell has been recorded into the OffenderTrak
system.
D. Staff shall document the initial placement into the restraint chair via the
Safety Check System. The inmate's JID number shall be entered into the
appropriate field. The JID number shall also be entered during the
following transactions:
1. The first entry of each shift
2. Transfer into a different cell
3. Removal
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
All subsequent and remaining transactions shall not require input of the
JID number.
E. The following information shall be written on the dry-erase board posted
outside of the cell in which the inmate is placed, as well as on the
notification boards posted inside the Booking Office and at the 1st Floor
Station:
1. Inmate's name
2. Inmate's JID number
3. Reason for placement
4. Any additional security precautions (e.g., "yellow suiter,""spitter,"etc.)
5. The 2-hour projected time for the range of motion exercises
6. The 4-hour projected time for removal
F. A designated Population Management Officer will make a notation of the
placement onto the inmate's Class Comment log in OffenderTrak. The
involved Sergeant shall ensure the Population Management Unit is
notified of the inmate's placement into the restraint chair.
XI. DOCUMENTED CHECKS
A. The inmate shall be visually checked and the check documented via the
Safety Check System twice every thirty (30) minutes. If more than one
action is performed, an additional entry will need to be entered. The
documentation of such shall be maintained and monitored by the 1st
Floor Officer, with the assistance of available staff.
B. The following list of items shall be checked and documented to ensure
that the inmate receives humane treatment and is afforded basic human
necessities. In addition to the initial placement and removal events, the
following notations will be entered on every occasion when applicable:
1. Anytime restraints are checked, reduced, or removed, or when
extremities are exercised in a range of motion exercises.
2. Any provisions for hydration, nutrition, or toileting needs.
3. To document medical and mental health evaluations.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
4. To document supervisor checks.
C. Inmates must have a documented review for continued retention in the
restraint chair a minimum of once every hour.
1. The Sergeant shall be responsible to assess the inmate's continued
retention in the restraint chair, and to relay their recommendation to
the Watch Commander. The specific determination to continue an
inmate in the restraint chair is the responsibility of the Watch
Commander.
2. The Sergeant shall ensure that the review is documented in the Safety
Check System.
XII. PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR REMOVAL
A. Inmates should be kept in restraints for the least amount of time
necessary to handle each particular situation. The inmate shall be
released from the restraints as soon as they no longer display a current
threat to themselves or others.
1. Each time an officer checks the inmate, they shall determine if the
inmate's behavior is such that the inmate can be removed from the
restraints.
2. If an officer believes an inmate is capable of being released from
restraints, they shall contact the Sergeant who shall evaluate the
inmate for release.
3. The on-duty charge nurse shall be notified and a mental health
consultation shall be secured prior to the inmate's removal from the
restraint chair.
B. No inmate shall remain in the restraint chair longer than four (4)
continuous hours.
C. An inmate may be removed from the restraint chair only under the
direction of a Sergeant (or higher authority).
D. The chest and waist strap buckles may be released using a standard
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
handcuff key or ink pen. Insert the key or pen into the hole on the buckle
assembly. This will release the tip assembly. The leg restraint can be
released by pressing on the buckle release on the back of the buckle
assembly (like a standard car seatbelt buckle). All buckles and straps on
the restraint chair shall be returned to the "ready" position.
E. Medical staff shall check the inmate for injuries following their removal
from the restraint chair within one (1) hour of removal.
F. If necessary, a designated Population Management Officer shall initiate a
HOUSING ALLOCATION movement to a new housing location.
G. The Booking I Officer shall ensure the following is completed:
1. A wristband shall be placed on the inmate, if necessary.
2. The inmate's location is updated in OffenderTrak as appropriate(e.g.,
removed from "Restraint Chair," redesignated as "In Transit," or
transferred into a safety cell).
H. A supplemental incident report shall be completed by the Sergeant
documenting the removal of the inmate from the Pro-Straint restraint
chair. This report shall include, but not be limited to the following-
1. Reason for the removal from the restraint chair(detailing the location,
behavior and/or circumstances).
2. The time the inmate was removed from the chair, along with the time
that the range of motion exercises were performed.
3. Staff members involved, including medical and mental health staff.
4. Watch Commander who approved the removal.
5. New housing assignment, if applicable.
XIII. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Staff shall attend a two (2) hour instructional course specific to the Pro-Straint
restraint chair and its securing procedures prior to their participation as a
member of a Pro-Straint restraint chair team. Only officers trained in the use of
the Pro-Straint restraint chair shall place an inmate into the Pro-Straint restraint
chair.
XIV. CLEANING
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PRO-STRAINT RESTRAINT CHAIR NO: D-236
FILE: CHAIR
A. Clean the belt webbing only with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Follow the instructions provided with the
soap.
B. The plastic seat can be shined using a plastic protectant (e.g., Pledge or
Armor All).
C. When an inmate worker is assigned to clean the Pro-Straint restraint
chair, officers shall follow-up to ensure that the chair is clean and ready
for its next use.
XV. STORAGE LOCATIONS
A. There are five (5) Pro-Straint restraint chairs available for use. The
restraint chairs are stored in the following locations:
1. Main Jail 1st floor Booking hallway (3)
2. South Annex Jail 2nd floor - in the storage room inside the infirmary
hallway (1)
3. North Annex Jail Basement - in the expansion tunnel across from the
Basement security station (1)
B. The chairs shall be cleaned and returned to their proper location after use.
XVI. REPAIR
The Pro-Straint restraint chair should be virtually indestructible. However,
should damage or malfunctioning develop, the following shall be completed:
A. Notify the facility Sergeant.
B. Notify the Services Unit (refer to Jail Division Policies and Procedures
Section F-210/Maintenance Reporting and Repairs [FILE:
MAINTENANCE REPAIRS].)
C. Ensure that the damaged or malfunctioning Pro-Straint restraint chair is
clearly marked "out of order."
D. Write a report documenting the occurrence.
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