Should you prone out a cooperative arrestee?

Should you prone out a cooperative arrestee?

• A. Sometimes
• B. No
• C. Yes
• D. Only if instructed

Answer: (B)

Prone restraints on a cooperative arrestee are unsafe even when cooperation is present. Lying face down can press on the chest and abdomen, restrict breathing, and make it harder to monitor the arrestee’s breathing and comfort. This risk exists regardless of how compliant the person seems, and there’s no safety benefit to keeping them prone when they’re not resisting. The safer approach is to secure the hands behind the back in a standing or seated position, use proper double-locked restraints, and continuously observe for any signs of distress. There isn’t a policy or situation that justifies prone restraint for a cooperative arrestee, so it should be avoided.

Prone restraints on a cooperative arrestee are unsafe even when cooperation is present. Lying face down can press on the chest and abdomen, restrict breathing, and make it harder to monitor the arrestee’s breathing and comfort. This risk exists regardless of how compliant the person seems, and there’s no safety benefit to keeping them prone when they’re not resisting. The safer approach is to secure the hands behind the back in a standing or seated position, use proper double-locked restraints, and continuously observe for any signs of distress. There isn’t a policy or situation that justifies prone restraint for a cooperative arrestee, so it should be avoided.