The use of mechanical restraints is governed by the following
criteria.
(1) Requirements.
(A) Only approved mechanical restraint devices may
be used by the juvenile probation department.
(B) Mechanical restraints must be used only in a manner
consistent with their intended use.
(C) Mechanical restraint devices must be inspected
at least once each year, no later than the last day of the calendar
month of the previous year's inspection. The dates of the inspections
must be documented.
(D) Faulty or malfunctioning devices must be restricted
from use until they are repaired. Any maintenance performed must adhere
to the manufacturer's guidelines.
(2) Prohibitions.
(A) Mechanical restraint devices may not be altered
from the manufacturer's design.
(B) A juvenile may not be placed in a prone position
while restrained in any mechanical restraint for a period of time
longer than necessary to apply the restraint devices.
(C) A mechanical restraint may not be used to secure
a juvenile in a prone, supine, or lateral position with the juvenile's
arms and hands behind his/her back and secured to his/her legs.
(D) Mechanical restraint devices may not be secured
so tightly as to interfere with circulation or so loosely as to cause
chafing of the skin.
(E) Mechanical restraint devices may not be used to
secure a juvenile to a stationary object.
(F) A juvenile in mechanical restraints may not participate
in any physical activity.
(G) Plastic cuffs may be used only in emergency situations.
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