Abstract
The use of restraints on individuals with special needs has been increasing over the past decade, especially among law enforcement agencies. Even though, improper use of restraints can lead to severe harm and even death there are no federal guidelines on the proper use of restraints in school systems. However, there are organizations, such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), that propose guidelines that agencies can follow. This study describes the current controversies, policies, and use/abuse of restraints by law enforcement agencies. The aim of this study is to develop awareness and to train law enforcement agencies on the use of restraints with individuals with special need. The training provided to a select group of police officers, focused on understanding the importance of restraining restraints, naming the different types of restraints, identifying characteristics of different disabilities, learning de-escalation strategies, and how to employ safe “restraints.”