Police and Fire Commission approves leg-restraint policy after officers demonstrate wrap device

The Marshfield Police and Fire Commission voted to add a wrap-style leg restraint device to the department’s restraint policy after staff demonstrated how the device secures ankles and the upper body and described medical-monitoring and transport procedures.

Sergeant Berg, who led the demonstration, said the wrap lets officers secure a resisting person who is already handcuffed while keeping them in a reclined “recovery position” and leaving a visible gap at the chest so breathing is not restricted. “The main goal is to get him in this position as quickly as possible,” Sergeant Berg said during the demonstration, describing checks for circulation and medical questions to ask after application.

Presenters demonstrated crossing the ankles, applying a leg restraint and tightening a harness; they described optional headgear and a pouch for spit hoods, explained ways officers can seat-belt a restrained person for transport and said using the device reduces the number of officers needed once it is applied. Staff told commissioners that smaller wraps are available for juveniles and that the department’s workers’ compensation equipment grant is expected to cover a unit next year; presenters estimated an initial purchase cost around $1,500.

Commissioners asked about circulation, weight limits and whether the device could be used in vehicles or half-cage cars. Sergeant Berg and Detective Shuffler said the wrap was designed to avoid tourniquet-like constriction, can be adjusted for larger individuals and that the department will monitor and adjust positioning if a restrained person complains.

The commission moved, seconded and approved adding the device into the restraint policy by roll-call vote (recorded as affirmative votes on the record). The policy change authorizes the department to deploy the wrap once the restraint policy is updated and training is completed.

The commission also requested minor editorial clarifications to the policy language and confirmed the department will present any operational guidance and training protocols to the city attorney for review as part of the public document process. The policy change was approved at the meeting; staff said training and a formal deployment plan will follow.