BOP Program Statement 5566.07 § 7

Restraints should be used only when other effective means of control have failed or are

impractical. Progressive restraint is the process of using the least restrictive restraint method to

control the inmate as deemed necessary for the situation.

Ambulatory restraints are defined as approved soft and hard restraint equipment which allow the

inmate to eat, drink, and take care of basic human needs without employee intervention.

Ambulatory restraints should initially be used to restrain an inmate if deemed appropriate. Using

ambulatory restraints for a period of time may be appropriate for protecting employees and

others, pending an assessment by employees to determine whether the inmate has regained self-control. For example, when an assaultive incident occurs quickly, and the inmate is no longer

displaying signs of violence or aggressiveness.

The policies and procedures described in this Program Statement will be followed for inmates

placed in ambulatory restraints including:

■ conditions of confinement

■ scheduled checks

■ documentation

■ 24- and 48-hour reviews by the Warden and the Behavior Management Plan (BMP) Team.

See Section 12 of this Program Statement.

In situations involving highly assaultive and aggressive inmates, progressive restraints should be

used only as an intermediate measure in placing the inmate in or removing an inmate from four-point restraints.

When it is necessary to place an inmate in ambulatory restraints for longer than eight hours, the

Regional Director or Regional Duty Officer must be notified telephonically by the Warden or

designee (i.e., Acting Warden or Administrative Duty Officer).

Employees should look for a pattern of non-disruptive behavior over a period of time as an

indication the inmate has regained self-control and is no longer a disruptive threat. Additionally,

the 15-minute and two-hour logs should be reviewed to support any decision concerning the

release of an inmate in restraints. Inmates asleep at the time of the two-hour review will be

awakened to assess their condition. 15-minute logs should include specific inmate actions during

observations.

If the inmate’s behavior becomes increasingly aggressive and disruptive and the situation

dictates the need for more restrictive restraints, employees must determine the type of

P5566.07 7/17/2024 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 13

progressive restraints to be used (e.g., hard restraints with or without waist chain or waist belt,

four-point soft restraints with hard restraints used for securing the inmate to the bed, or four-point hard restraints). The 15-minute and two-hour logs should support any decision concerning

the continuation or progression of an inmate in restraints. Documentation may include incident

reports for continued disruptive behavior. Incident reports must be written for Greatest and High

severity prohibited acts.

Upon placement of an inmate in four-point restraints, the supervising Lieutenant shall assign an

employee to provide constant visual supervision until the restraints are removed or downgraded

to less-restrictive restraints such as ambulatory restraints. During immediate applications,

available employees may be temporarily assigned to provide constant supervision until a

designated employee can be assigned. As soon as feasible an additional employee should be

assigned utilizing current local practices for filling vacant post assignments. The supervising

Lieutenant will ensure the employee is provided adequate provisions to facilitate the constant

supervision of the inmate.

When individuals have engaged in self-directed violence, a psychologist will be notified to

evaluate for risk of suicide. Health Services must be notified to provide an injury assessment.

See the Program Statement Suicide Prevention Program.

A Lieutenant makes the decision to release an inmate from, modify, or maintain restraints. This

authority may not be delegated below the Lieutenant level. If the Lieutenant needs to consult

with a psychologist prior to making the decision to release an inmate from restraints, it will be

sought without delay.