Special Investigation Service approves handcuffing guidelines

Georgia's Special Investigation Service on Wednesday approved guidelines for use of handcuffs against detained persons that determine the form, size and cases of handcuffing and use of force.

Giorgi Kvaratskhelia, the First Deputy Head of the Service, noted the importance of the document and rules for using “proportional measures” during arrest, the Service said.

Establishing a uniform standard for use of handcuffs against detained persons will reduce the risks of improper use of handcuffs, make the rights of detained persons more protected and raise the professional standards of law enforcement officers”, the statement noted.

The document was created with the support of the European Union and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, and is based on the analysis of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, conducted by an independent expert and using the experience in the United Kingdom.