Foreword Whilst almost anything can be used as a tool of torture or ill-treatment, evidence suggests that such brutality is often perpetrated using mass manufactured weapons and restraints such as firearms, less lethal weapons and handcuffs. Whilst some of these types of equipment may have a legitimate role to play in places of detention under strictly controlled conditions, others (such as the spiked baton pictured on the front cover) have no place at all – being inherently cruel, inhuman and degrading – yet they continue to be promoted, marketed, bought and sold. Monitoring bodies are increasingly starting to recognise the importance of accurate documentation of weapons and restraints in places of detention, and of paying attention to the instruments used to inflict abuse. Enhanced awareness of weapons and restraints can help torture prevention bodies to recognise when inappropriate equipment is being used, or is being considered for use; to investigate the use of weapons and restraints where there are grounds for concern; and provide additional evidence around the allegations of torture and ill-treatment made by detainees. In particular, it is important that monitors are able to recognise and differentiate between weapons and restraints that are inherently abusive and that have no place in detention settings, and those that may have a legitimate use under certain circumstances but that can easily be misused. Monitors should also have the knowledge and expertise to independently document weapons and restraints and initiate appropriate follow-up actions and recommendations where necessary. This can be a technical area, and several torture prevention bodies, including the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, have requested additional information to support them in their work. This specialist resource aims to help answer that call. It comprises a Practical Guide, a detailed resource which collates standards around the use of firearms, less lethal weapons and restraints in places of detention, and provides checklists of questions to ask and key areas for monitors to observe. It also includes a one page foldable Pocket Book, which summarises certain key points and is designed to be easy for monitors to print out and use in places of detention. This Practical Guide and pocket book have been developed in close conjunction with the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture and other detention monitors. Having been closely involved in the development of this resource, I am confident that it will be of value not just to the Subcommittee but to a wide range of detention monitors and torture prevention bodies more broadly, and will be an invaluable resource in the fight against torture. Sir Malcolm Evans, KCMG OBE Chair, UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture Professor of Public International Law, University of Bristol. 4