The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) has issued a Management Advisory Memorandum addressing concerns about the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) policies on using restraints on inmates. Acting Inspector General William M. Blier announced the release, highlighting issues identified during investigations into allegations from multiple inmates across various BOP institutions. These inmates claimed they were restrained to beds or chairs for extended periods and mistreated while in restraints.
The OIG found that some inmates were placed in four-point restraints, confining them by both wrists and ankles to a bed, while others were restrained similarly in chairs. Reports indicate that some inmates suffered long-term injuries due to prolonged restraint, including one case where an inmate required limb amputation after being restrained for over two days.
The memorandum outlines several shortcomings in BOP's policies and practices that hindered evidence collection and investigation into these allegations. Issues include unclear definitions of four-point restraints, insufficient guidance on medical and psychological checks for restrained inmates, policies allowing prolonged restraint with limited oversight, inadequate documentation of restraint checks, and lack of video or audio recording requirements.
According to the OIG, clearer policies could protect inmates from abuse, prevent false allegations against staff, deter misconduct, and ensure accountability for staff engaging in misconduct. The OIG has made six recommendations to address these concerns, which the BOP has agreed to implement. Additionally, the OIG is conducting a broader audit of BOP's oversight regarding restraint use.
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