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SB 48

Law enforcement; four-point restraint, use prohibited

2026 Regular Session

Alabama bill would ban law enforcement use of four-point restraints on detained individuals to reduce in-custody injury and death risks.

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Bill Summary · SB 48

Legislative bill overview

SB 48 would prohibit law enforcement officers in Alabama from using four-point restraints on individuals. A four-point restraint involves securing a person's limbs at four points (typically wrists and ankles). The bill appears designed to restrict this specific restraint method during police custody and detention procedures.

Why is this important

Four-point restraints have been associated with positional asphyxia and other serious injuries or deaths, particularly when combined with prone positioning or extended use. Restricting their use could reduce in-custody deaths and injuries, though it also affects law enforcement's toolkit for managing potentially dangerous suspects. This reflects broader national conversations about restraint safety protocols following high-profile deaths.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Law enforcement may argue four-point restraints are necessary for safely restraining individuals who are physically combative or pose dangers to themselves or officers
  • Alternative restraint methods: The bill doesn't specify what restraint methods remain permissible, creating potential ambiguity about compliant alternatives
  • Medical and liability issues: Courts have recognized positional asphyxia risks, but implementation details—such as exceptions for specific circumstances or training requirements—are absent from the bill summary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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