Monday September 17, 2012

Practise discretion when using handcuffs

PETALING JAYA: Police should use their discretion in situations which require the use of handcuffs.

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye from the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation said while it was justified to use handcuffs when dealing with dangerous suspects, it may be unnecessary to restrain those who had surrendered themselves or were cooperating with police.

“Being handcuffed can be a traumatic and shameful experience, giving the impression that the restrained persons are criminals when they may only be suspects,” he said.

Lee added that there should be a balance between the safety of officers and the public, while protecting the rights of the persons being handled by police.

Lee commended the police's decision to review the standard operating procedures (SOP) on the use of handcuffs, saying that feedback from stakeholders and interested organisations was necessary to formulate better guidelines.

On Sept 12, Federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said police will review the SOP on the use of handcuffs, following complaints on how they were used.

Suhakam commissioner James Nayagam said the use of handcuffs to shame rather than restrain was unprofessional.

News

Monday September 17, 2012

Practise discretion when using handcuffs