Police revise handcuffing policy after controversial incident

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the policies and training related to the use of handcuffs by law enforcement, particularly in light of a specific incident that occurred in May 2023. The meeting revealed that the Fargo Police Department has made significant changes to its handcuffing policies since the incident, which involved a detainee who was handcuffed unnecessarily.

Officials clarified that the use of one or two sets of handcuffs is determined by the flexibility and comfort of the individual being detained. The double-lock feature on handcuffs is designed to prevent them from tightening further once applied. However, concerns were raised about the potential for bruising and discomfort, particularly in cases where individuals are not combative or resistant.

The department acknowledged that the previous policy lacked specificity regarding when handcuffs should be used, allowing for discretionary application by officers. This has since been addressed, with new guidelines emphasizing that handcuffing should only occur when absolutely necessary. The updated policy, which was published in January 2024, aims to prevent unnecessary handcuffing and improve officer training on the matter.

Importantly, the incident in question was not the catalyst for the policy change, as officials were unaware of it until February 2024. Instead, the department had been proactively working on refining its training and policies since 2022, responding to internal complaints and the need for clearer guidelines.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the department to keep the governing board informed about significant policy changes in the future, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.