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Name
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Public Correctional Policy on Use of Restraints With Pregnant Offenders
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Type
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Policy
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Date
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Jan. 24, 2012
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Description
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Introduction:
The American Correctional Association has the following policy guidelines for the use of restraints with pregnant offenders during transport, delivery and postpartum period of hospitalization. While the safety and security of the public, staff, the institution and offenders must be considered in this process, the well-being of the unborn fetus/child is paramount when considering policies.
Policy Statement:
Female offenders should be restrained in the least restrictive method possible when it is reasonably known that they are pregnant to provide for safety of the unborn fetus/child and the offender during arrest situations, transport, labor and delivery, and the postpartum hospital stay.
A. Consideration for the use of restraints should be based on the following:
* The chief administrator and/or his/her designee determination that the offender poses a substantial risk of escape that cannot be reasonably managed with other methods;
* The medical staff determination that restraints are medically necessary for a safe childbirth; and
* The correctional staff or medical staff determination that the offender poses an immediate and serious risk of harm to the unborn fetus/child, the offender, staff and others, including the public, in the vicinity.
B. Waist restraints should not be used during pregnancy at any time. Leg restraints should be used only in extreme circumstances during transport and never during labor and delivery. Electronic restraint devices should not be used during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
This policy was unanimously ratified by the American Correctional Association Delegate Assembly at the 2012 Winter Conference in Phoenix, AZ on January 24, 2012.
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