Introduction of Pain-Free Restraint Technique
A new pain-free method for restraining prisoners is being implemented throughout Scotland's prisons. This approach eliminates the use of pain-inducing holds, such as bending back an inmate's wrists, and is designed to keep prisoners standing rather than forcing them to the floor.
The technique was developed in response to human rights legislation and follows a decade after the death of a prisoner who was restrained face down by up to 17 officers.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) stated that the new method reduces injuries among both prison officers and inmates and has demonstrated high success in pilot programs conducted at three prisons.
For over 40 years, SPS staff have used a control and restraint method introduced to address widespread violence in Scottish prisons. This method involves "wrist flexion," which applies pain to gain control over prisoners, often resulting in inmates being wrestled to the ground if they resist violently.
In 2022, there were 3,760 incidents of prisoner restraint in Scotland's prisons.
The new technique builds upon more modern restraint methods used in social care and secure hospital environments.
Pilot programs took place at HMP Polmont with young offenders, HMP Stirling with female prisoners, and HMP Low Moss, which houses nearly 900 inmates, including convicted murderers.
Details of the Tripod Restraint Method
When a prisoner requires control, two officers hold the inmate by the arms and wrists while restricting leg movement. A lead officer holds the prisoner’s head, bringing it down to the upper chest. This positioning creates a stable "tripod" formation with the prisoner securely in the center.
The lead officer attempts to calm the prisoner through dialogue, completely removing the use of pain-inducing techniques.
During a two-year trial at HMP Polmont, floor restraints decreased by 70%, and the use of pain-inducing holds dropped by 87%. No injuries to prisoners or staff were reported during the second year of the pilot.
The SPS believes it is the first prison service worldwide to implement pain-free restraint methods across all its facilities.
The previous technique will remain in use only in life-threatening situations or where there is a risk of serious injury.
Expert Insights and International Interest
Dr Frank Slokan, who led the development of restraint reduction within the SPS and authored a PhD on the subject, explained the risks associated with floor restraints and pain-inducing holds.
"We found that the highest risk restraints are when you're on the floor.
"The use of wrist flexions and pain-inducing holds with individuals who are significantly mentally distressed or have used substances, can escalate situations.
"We've had a number of other prison services come to us and want to learn more about what we've been doing and that's not just in the UK, that's internationally."
Calm Approach to Restraint
Iain Ramsay, Head of SPS operational resilience training, emphasized the importance of a calm approach, recognizing that many prisoners have experienced significant trauma and that violence may have been a normal part of their upbringing.
"It's about the calm approach, understanding that these people have often faced massively traumatic experiences in their lives, that violence is maybe a part of their upbringing.
"Inflicting pain on that individual has no impact on them whatsoever because it's been the norm for them throughout their life.
"Controlling somebody and not actually applying that pain, gets them working with us quicker and gets them on side with us sooner."
Ramsay added that floor restraints and pain-inducing techniques have been dramatically reduced, making the environment safer for all involved.
Case of Allan Marshall and Official Response
Allan Marshall, aged 30, was on remand at HMP Edinburgh in March 2015 when he was restrained on the floor of a cell block. In 2022, the Scottish Prison Service admitted that his death was unlawful and issued an apology.
The Prison Officers' Association (POA) supports the significant change but emphasizes the need for careful implementation and appropriate training.
The SPS plans to begin rolling out the new technique this year, though training all 3,500 frontline staff will require time.
Phil Fairlie, POA assistant chairman, stated initial skepticism about the method’s effectiveness but noted positive outcomes.
"We were a bit nervous and sceptical at the beginning as to whether this was going to work or not.
"What we've discovered is that we can take control of these situations, every bit as effectively as we used to do with the old control and restraint training.
"Particularly when we're as overcrowded as we are, we rely very heavily on the ability to maintain and keep positive relationships with prisoners and staff."
"There's an added benefit in being able to keep a calm and controlled environment in the prison through the use of these techniques."
