Operational partnerships - Limb restraint systems SOP (O43h)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This standard operating procedure has been reviewed in February 2024 – no amendments to content have been made.

2. What this procedure is about

2.1. This SOP outlines the procedures that should be followed for the use of limb restraint systems.

Compliance with this SOP and any governing policy is mandatory.

3. Detail the procedure

3.1. The use of limb restraints will be in accordance with the College of Policing guidance on the use of limb restraints.

3.2. 'Fastraps' are the only approved limb restraints for use by Kent Police.

3.3. Limb restraints will not be applied over injured limbs or an area of the skin that is injured unless it is absolutely necessary to maintain control and prevent injury.

3.4. A heightened awareness of positional asphyxia must be maintained when any limb restraint has been applied to the upper body for whatever reason.

3.5. Any detained person placed in limb restraints should remain under constant supervision for the duration of the restraint. Applied limb restraints will be checked, loosened and/or removed every 20 minutes to minimise the risk of medical implications.

3.6. A detained person placed in limb restraints should be carried by no less than four officers/staff.

3.7. Any use of limb restraints must be reported to the custody officer even if said restraint has been removed prior to arrival at custody, recorded on the custody log and use of force form.

4. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this procedure would have high potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Risk assessment

5.1. This SOP has been assessed as medium risk.

6. Consultation

• Staff Safety Training Unit
• Equipment Review Group
• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Estates
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Police Federation

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. This SOP will be monitored by the Staff Safety Training Unit and via the National Self Defence and Restraint Practitioner Advisory Group to ensure accuracy is maintained in relation to College of Policing personal safety training guidance. This SOP will be reviewed every two years with the next review due in February 2026.

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.