CONTROL 3.2.2 MECHANICAL RESTRAINTS ORDINARY HANDCUFFS AND LEG CUFFS Image of standard handcuffs (left) and leg restraints (right) (both images© Robin Ballantyne/Omega Research Foundation). One of the most common types of law enforcement equipment, mechanical restraints, are applied to the body to restrict the movement of an individual. If used appropriately, in conformity with international human rights law and standards, certain mechanical restraints such as ordinary handcuffs and leg cuffs can be legitimately used to ensure the safe detention and restraint of prisoners. The circumstances and limits within which these restraints are used should be consistent with international and regional human rights standards, notably but not exclusively, the Nelson Mandela Rules (see above). Whilst their use is common in law enforcement, UN and regional monitoring bodies, and antitorture NGOs, have frequently documented the abuse of handcuffs and leg restraints to increase the level of suffering caused to individuals already under control, for example through excessive tightening; attachment to fixed objects; prolonged use; employment in suspension of prisoners; to place and maintain prisoners in stress positions; or used in conjunction with other means of force e.g. hand-held batons or pepper spray. The circumstances and limits within which these restraints are used should be consistent with international and regional human rights standards, notably but not exclusively, the Nelson Mandela Rules. COMBATING TORTURE: THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT Amnesty International | Omega Research Foundation 15