I don't know if you guys know what a 5 point restraint chair is. It is a barbaric piece of equipment, that belongs in the Spanish Inquisition, but which was (is?) often found in prisons and psychiatric wards.

See: "The Devil's Chair" at

<www.progressive.org/amc0400.htm>

Also "The Chair" at

<http://abcnews.go.com/onair/Nightline/n/000720_The_Chair_feature.html>

Amnesty International has been compiling for years lists of inmates who died in these monstrosities! (There's an Amnesty link on the ABC News story.)

For some reason, I thought these things were finally banned, but I can't for the life of me, figure out where I got this idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, now I'm PISSED OFF!!!

Just go read the rules of how to transport prisoners in Oklahoma. This document is dated June 3, 2002.

Go read, after "preparing the van" there's a section called "preparing the inmate". It lists the allowable restraints...

<www.doc.state.ok.us/offtech/op040111.htm>

OK. I should probably get offline now. When I start swearing...

Menolly

I've never been in the chair, but have been in cuffs, leg irons, & waist chains, & I was pissing blood for three days. Those transportation officers are no joke. I never ran across one that was part of the human race. They are the lowest of the low. If any guards should be tried for crimes against humanity they should start with transportation officers. See the thread about deisel therapy. Thats only one of the messed up things they do. As you can tell, even the thought of them gets my blood boiling!!!!!

They still use 4-point restraints here in IL... It's not a chair, but a bed... well, more like steel or concrete platform... SUPPOSEDLY there are very strict rules on the criteria an inmate has to meet to be put in restraints, time limitations, etc... but I saw with my own two eyes (and ears) that those rules are thrown RIGHT out the window by not only CO's but the highest of the higher ups!! Of course, when I did witness this, I made attempts to report it... and nothing was ever done!! (hmm... now that I think about it... maybe that's why the Superindendent was watching ME so closely...)
It DEFINITELY concerns me... particularly considering that is one of the "interventions" they use with guys with mental health issues... and JD has mental health issues.... To me, as a professional in mental health... that's a pretty sh*tt* "intervention"!!!

that's so true Shawna!!! like it will help them to get in the right state of mind again, I believe the opposite!

JDW: There is a device that can be remotely called a chair. a photo is on one of the links in the top of the post.

It's very low, with your bum almost on the floor, witha sharp edge under your knees. Some are on wheels, and guards slam them backwards against a wall, so you can break your legs below your knees.

The four point chair ties down ankles and hands (at ankles). The five point puts a hood over your head, and ties back your head.

My concern with them being used to transport inmates (over and above my concerns for regular inmates) is simply What happens in a car accident? Who could ever get them out of this contraption? What of the malicious guards why just decide slamming on the brakes would be good entertainment? etc. etc.

I THINK (but I could be wrong) that Canada outlawed the chair when we revamped the Corrections Act in 1992. Apparently, the U.S. is a little behind us, on this count.

Maybe some of us Canadian reformers should move down their and scream a little...

Menolly

Ken:

Deisel therapy?????... I'm afraid to go look for this thread...

You know as I get to "know" you, Ken, I keep getting the feeling that if you and I ever sat down and had a long chat, we'd probably give each other nightmares!

Sometimes I HATE knowing what I (we) know!

The first time I EVER visited someone in the pen, they had him so chained and tied up, and they were marching him along with their huge unencumbered long strides, when he could only take 18 inch long "baby-steps". Then they slammed him into a chair that slid backwards about six feet, all because he very politely said to one guard "Can we get a chair for the lady?" I was so shocked to see in that first instant, who was the criminal, and who was the gentleman. (And the guy I was visiting was in for murder!)

I so clearly remember thinking, about all the restraints, "Jeez, did they forget to put his dog muzzle on?"

After our visit, I was so upset, I had to have a two hour visit (Read: a damned good raging cry!) in the Chaplain's office. But that was good, because I made friends with the guy, and he proved helpful over the years.

Ken, my friend, as a taxpaying member of society, may I be allowed to be the one who APOLOGIZES to you for all you've endured? No one should be subjected to all you've gone through. I AM SO SORRY that a so called "civilized" Western culture, thinks this is acceptable treatment of a man!

Love,
Menolly

A restraint chair? :eek: Never heard of it. I'm sure it's a good thing that I haven't.

Denise:

Check out the link at the top of the post. Photo and all!

I can't imagine how anyone even can think up such devices. Do they go to "torture device design college", or something? Is there a diploma they can get?

Are they re-incarnated from the Spanish Inquisition torturers?

ARE THEY INSANE!

Menolly

Oops;

I typed the ABC News link in wrong! Try this one.

<http://abcnews.go.com/onair/Nightline/nl000720_The_Chair_feature.html>

Menolly

I checked out the links. It's still an awful thing!!!

Feb. 19, 2003.

Mr. Connor;

After listening, and experiencing your nightmares for a week here in your home, I want to revive this old thread from when we first met, to do one thing only.

With all the tears I have, and with all the love in my heart, I AGAIN APOLOGIZE TO YOU, as a taxpayer who helps PAY FOR the prison systems, FOR ALL YOU HAVE ENDURED!

NO, my darling, none of it is FAIR!

And no one can EVER convince me it is a "justice system"!!!

I love you, Ken.

Come REST with me, Ken, for all the remaining days of your life!

Your wife,
Your Menolly