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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemoCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO : FROM : Lieutenant Jonathan S. Yavneh Commander Training Unit © d' r4•4/.� 721-3 Sergeant Armando Valdes Supervisor Training Unit June 30, 2006 DATE : FILE : Restraint Devices SUBJECT: REFERENCES ; ENCLOSURES: Several weeks ago Patrol Officer Carlos Descespedes reported that during an arrest incident, a restrained subject was able to remove an EZ-Cuff (nylon -type) Double Loop Restraint Device, Although the subject did not attack or attempt to escape, he did not disclose to the officer how he defeated the EZ-Cuff restraint device. Officer Descespedes took it upon himself to handle a set of EZ-Cuff in an attempt to defeat the device. After several minutes of manipulating the device, he was able to defeat it by inserting the protruding end -tab into the locking mechanism causing the restraint device to open. Due to the recent concern over a subject defeating an EZ-Cuff restraint device, the Officer Survival Detail evaluated two (2) of the nylon -type restraint devices on June 30, 2006, the EZ- Cuff (double loop) and the Flex-Cufs (single loop). The Officer Survival Staff evaluated the EZ- Cuff restraint device as described by Officer Descespedes. We too were able to defeat the restraint device by introducing the protruding end -tab into the inserting side of the nylon locking mechanism. Additionally, the device was defeated by inserting a standard paper clip into the opposite side of the locking mechanism. It has become obvious that the EZ-Cuff restraint devices can be easily defeated without any foreign objects or with any small firm object. It is therefore why; the Officer Survival Detail's recommendation is that the EZ-Cuff model 500-D restraint device with Double Loop System be immediately removed from the police inventory, due to it being an officer safety issue. The Officer Survival Staff also evaluated the Flex-Cufs Single Use Nylon Restraint Device. Several objects and tools were used in an attempt to unfasten the locking mechanism. After several hours, the staff was able to defeat the device. However, pulling the cuff outward causes the integrated spring metal tang to dig into the nylon making it reasonably difficult to defeat. Based on the amount of time and effort taken to defeat the Flex-Cufs Single Use Nylon Restraint Device and the fact that a foreign object has to be introduced to defeat the device, the Officer Survival Detail recommends its use over the EZ-Cuff until further research can be conducted in the area of restraint devices. Restraint Devices Page 2 It is important to recognize that all restraint devices are not 100% effective and are a temporary method of securing a subject. Officers are reminded to use proper training protocol when dealing with and handling any subject or prisoner. Anyone having questions concerning this issue can contact the Officer Survival Detail or Sergeant Armando Valdes at (305) 579-6100. AV/