Weeks in Shackles: Federal Inquiry Unveils Restraint Misuse in Prisons

Captured footage shows officers at Thomson Penitentiary in Illinois securing an inmate in a four-point harness.

A tragedy struck when a prisoner succumbed in federal custody after being restrained for over 48 hours. Another inmate's shackles were applied so tightly that it necessitated limb amputation. Additionally, a prisoner endured these conditions for 12 days, then 30 days, and subsequently for 29 days.

These incidents are highlighted in an investigative report by the Department of Justice's Inspector General, critically analyzing the federal prisons' restraint practices.

The report reveals policy breaches by prison officials, who inappropriately secured prisoners to furniture for extended periods, sometimes immobilizing both hands and feet. This contravened a policy barring the use of restraints for punitive measures.

Acknowledging the findings, the Bureau of Prisons agreed to adjust its operational guidelines and protocols.

This report aligns with investigative journalism from NPR and The Marshall Project, which has underscored the excessive use of restraints causing permanent marks and injuries to inmates.

A six-year analysis of Bureau of Prisons data exposed widespread misconduct, with thousands of inmates restrained for over 16 hours, and hundreds beyond 24 hours, some for weeks at a stretch. Yet, evaluation was hampered by poor record-keeping.

"Stronger, clearer guidelines would help avoid abuse, protect staff from false claims, discourage improper behavior, and hold violators accountable," the report from Acting Inspector General William Blier expressed to William Marshall, the newly appointed head of the Bureau of Prisons.

The report did not disclose detailed identities or specific facilities, but its content remains troubling.

One fatality involved a detainee kept in a restrain chair, both wrists and ankles secured, for more than two days. After an alleged dispute, they were pepper-sprayed and restrained again. Hours later, this inmate was found lifeless.

An autopsy attributed the death to sickle cell complications exacerbated by the prolonged restraint and exposure to pepper spray.

Prison rules permit restraints when a prisoner poses an immediate threat, but strictly bans their use as punishment or in ways that cause undue pain.

Reports from NPR and The Marshall Project echo these findings, with prisoners at Illinois' Special Management Unit suffering lasting scars from tightly applied restraints.

At Lewisburg Penitentiary in Pennsylvania, a prisoner was reported to be shackled for 28 days for avoiding placement with a feared cellmate, with limited relief during that period, leading to unsanitary conditions.

In light of these reports, the Justice Department undertook investigations at both Lewisburg and Thomson facilities.

Acting on the inspector general's report, the Bureau of Prisons committed to substantial improvements in handling inmates and appreciated the recommendations to advance humane treatment.

Although the Bureau of Prisons declined detailed commentary pending full evaluation, it expressed intent to curb prolonged restraints and ensure better monitoring and documentation of confined inmates.