5. Mechanical restraints One of the most common types of law enforcement equipment, mechanical restraints are applied to the body to restrict the movement of an individual. The Omega Research Foundation recognises that certain forms of mechanical restraint such as handcuffs, leg/ankle restraints and other restraints are sometimes needed by law enforcement officials to control individuals or to protect them from committing harm to themselves or others. However, the circumstances and limits within which restraints are used should be consistent with international and regional human rights standards. These standards absolutely prohibit torture and ill-treatment and specify that legitimate restraints may be used only when other measures are ineffective and only for as long as is strictly necessary. Of particular importance are the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), Rule 43 of which states that “instruments of restraint shall never be applied as a sanction for disciplinary offences” 132 In addition, Rule 47 states that “the use of chains, irons or other instruments of restraint which are inherently degrading or painful shall be prohibited” and that “other instruments of restraint shall only be used when authorized by law” and only in certain circumstances 133. Similar restrictions on the employment of restraints have been established under the European Prison Rules which were adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the CoE on 11 January 2006.134 5.1. Standard handcuffs and leg restraints Standard handcuffs consist of two wrist cuffs, adjustable by a ratchet, joined together by a short chain that allows a limited degree of movement. Other types, including hinged and rigid handcuffs (i.e. those that are joined by a rigid bar, rather than a chain) allow a lesser degree of movement. Single-locking handcuffs can be progressively tightened through the ratchet, whereas double-locking handcuffs are designed to prevent over-tightening. Rigid and singlelocking handcuffs pose a greater risk of injury and abuse than other types, however all handcuffs can be used abusively. Leg or ankle cuffs should incorporate a light-weight chain - of sufficient length to allow comfortable movement of the legs - linking two lightweight adjustable ankle cuffs. They should never have a rigid bar or a heavy chain. Such a design can minimize unnecessary discomfort and if used strictly in conformity with regional and international human rights standards can have a legitimate use in law enforcement in exceptional cases. A range of fabric leg restraints have also been developed. If appropriately tested and selected in line with human rights standards, fabric restraints could provide a more humane, yet effective, alternative to the use of ‘metal on skin’. 132 UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), United General Assembly resolution 70/175, annex, adopted on 17 December 2015, Rule 43. 133 UN, UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (17 December 2015) op.cit., Rule 47. The specific circumstances detailed are: (a) As a precaution against escape during a transfer, provided that they are removed when the prisoner appears before a judicial or administrative authority; (b) By order of the prison director, if other methods of control fail, in order to prevent a prisoner from injuring himself or herself or others or from damaging property…” 134 Council of Europe, Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the European Prison Rules, adopted by Committee of Ministers on 11th January 2006 at 952nd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies 32