Story perspectives

Scottish Prisons Adopt Pain-Free Restraint Technique, Training 3,500 Staff

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is introducing a pain-free restraint technique, replacing pain-inducing holds with a tripod formation to maintain control without harm, in response to human rights legislation.
Pilot programs showed a 70% reduction in floor restraints and no injuries in the second year.
The rollout will begin this year, with training for 3,500 staff, as the Prison Officers' Association supports the change but calls for careful implementation.

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Story summary

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is introducing a pain-free restraint technique, replacing pain-inducing holds with a tripod formation to maintain control without harm, in response to human rights legislation.
Pilot programs showed a 70% reduction in floor restraints and no injuries in the second year.
The rollout will begin this year, with training for 3,500 staff, as the Prison Officers' Association supports the change but calls for careful implementation.