MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 84 MEANS OF RESTRAINTS 1 Standards “Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, chains, irons and straitjacket, shall never be applied as a punishment. Furthermore, chains or irons shall not be used as restraints. Other instruments of restraint shall not be used except in the following circumstances: (a) As a precaution against escape during a transfer, provided that they shall be removed when the prisoner appears before a judicial or administrative authority; (b) On medical grounds by direction of the medical officer; (c) By order of the director, if other methods of control fail, in order to prevent a prisoner from injuring himself or others or from damaging property; in such instances the director shall at once consult the medical officer and report to the higher administrative authority.” SMR, Rule 33 (see also Rule 34.) “The use of chains and irons shall be prohibited. Handcuffs, restraintjackets and other body restraints shall never be applied as a punishment. They shall not be used except in the following circumstances: (a) if necessary, as a precaution against escape during a transfer, provided that they shall be removed when the prisoner appears before a judicial or administrative authority unless that authority decides otherwise; (b) on medical grounds, by direction and under the supervision of the medical officer; (c) by order of the director, if other methods of control fail, in order to protect a prisoner from self-injury, injury to others or to prevent serious damage to property; in such instances the director shall at once consult the medical officer and report to the higher administrative authority.” EPR, Rule 39