Report: NYPD To Begin Allowing Handcuffing Of Some Suspects With Hands In Front
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD will soon allow officers to handcuff suspects with their hands in front, rather than behind their backs.
As WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported Saturday, the change is part of the recent overhaul of the NYPD use of force policy.
Department spokesman Stephen Davis told the New York Post the new handcuffing policy is in the revised patrol guide. He said front-cuffing will only be allowed for suspects with medical or physical disabilities.
He told the newspaper officers will use their discretion to determine who is safe enough to qualify.
Critics told the newspaper the practice of handcuffing suspects in front is dangerous, and even led to the fatal shooting of two detectives in 1989.
The NYPD said the policy goes into effect on Jan. 1.