Across the country, shocking accounts of abuse, mistreatment, and excessive force used on detainees and inmates are surfacing in American courthouses, jails, and prisons. Many of these facilities, tasked with safeguarding rights and ensuring justice, instead harbor instances of excessive restraint, inhumane treatment, and negligent oversight that violate both constitutional rights and international standards for humane treatment.
The public’s trust in these institutions relies on accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity—ideals that are jeopardized when mistreatment goes unchecked. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inhumane methods and devices being used against defendants and inmates, and at recent, notable cases of abuse in Illinois involving facilities such as Peoria County Jail and Coles County Jail.
Commonly Used Devices of Restraint and Control
The devices used to control detainees and inmates are meant to ensure safety and compliance in volatile situations. However, many of these tools, when used improperly or excessively, lead to painful, degrading, and even life-threatening consequences for those subjected to them. Here are some of the most widely criticized methods of restraint and the harmful effects they can have:
- Stun Cuffs
Stun cuffs are electric shock devices attached to a person’s wrists or ankles and can be remotely activated by jail personnel. Originally intended as a last-resort option to subdue individuals who pose a significant danger, these devices are increasingly being used in situations that do not warrant such extreme measures. In Illinois, Coles County Jail has come under scrutiny for reportedly using stun cuffs to intimidate or control detainees, often in situations where non-lethal force would have sufficed. Activating a stun cuff delivers a jolt of electricity that can cause excruciating pain, muscle spasms, and sometimes lasting trauma. - Restraint Chairs
Restraint chairs are designed to immobilize a detainee by binding their limbs to the chair, often used on individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. While these chairs are meant to prevent self-harm or harm to personnel, their misuse has been documented in several facilities. A recent report from Peoria County Jail in Illinois highlighted abuses where detainees were strapped into restraint chairs for hours—far beyond safe time limits—causing physical pain, circulation issues, and emotional trauma. Additionally, detainees have reported being denied food, water, and restroom access while restrained, exacerbating the physical and psychological impact of this confinement. - Tasers and Pepper Spray
Tasers and pepper spray are widely used for crowd control and to subdue non-compliant individuals. However, repeated and excessive use can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage. There have been countless reports of officers using Tasers and pepper spray as punitive measures rather than out of necessity, subjecting detainees to excessive pain and suffering in the process. - Spit Hoods
Spit hoods are mesh coverings placed over an individual's head to prevent spitting and biting. While useful for disease prevention, they can lead to panic, anxiety, and breathing difficulties, particularly for individuals who suffer from claustrophobia or respiratory issues. If left on for extended periods, spit hoods can cause asphyxiation, as was tragically demonstrated in several recent cases. - Chains and Shackles
Chains and shackles are traditional means of restraint but are still widely used despite modern alternatives. Shackling is often applied indiscriminately to all detainees during transport, regardless of behavior or risk. This practice can be degrading and unnecessarily restrictive, as detainees are forced to walk or sit in uncomfortable positions for long periods, risking physical injuries and humiliation. - Bed Restraints, Straightjackets, and Restraint Boards
Bed restraints, straightjackets, and restraint boards are extreme forms of restraint, often used for individuals experiencing mental health crises. However, these methods can cause serious physical harm, especially when detainees are left restrained for hours. Straightjackets and restraint boards force the body into unnatural positions, causing joint pain, reduced circulation, and increased agitation for the individual.
Recent Incidents of Jail & Police Abuse
The misapplication of these devices goes beyond policy violations; it often involves a conscious decision to inflict pain or assert power, sometimes as retaliation for minor infractions. The repercussions of these practices are profound, causing physical harm, mental distress, and sometimes even death.
- Restraint Chair Abuse: Peoria County Jail
At Peoria County Jail, located in Peoria Illinois, multiple detainees have come forward with reports of restraint chair abuse, claiming they were strapped in for prolonged periods as a means of punishment rather than for safety. For some detainees, the restraints were applied so tightly they cut into the skin, causing excruciating pain and, in certain cases, long-term nerve damage. The misuse of restraint chairs, coupled with reports of detainees being denied access to water or bathroom facilities, raises serious concerns about the culture within the jail’s administration and the lack of accountability among its staff. - Stun Cuff Abuse: Coles County Jail
Similarly, in Coles County Jail, located in Charleston Illinois, detainees have alleged that stun cuffs have been used as a means of intimidation and excessive control. Reports have surfaced that stun cuffs were activated in situations where detainees posed no immediate threat. The result was severe pain, trauma, and lasting fear among inmates, many of whom felt that the device was used to silence or punish them rather than maintain order. - Spit Hood Abuse: Rochester New York Police Department
Soon after arriving in New York to visit relatives, long-time Chicago resident Daniel Prude suffered a mental health incident. He was evaluated at a hospital but then released to his family. Shortly thereafter, he took off his clothes and ran into the street. Police arrived, handcuffed him and put a “spit hood” over his head because he was allegedly spitting. As the victim begged to be let up, police pressed his head to the pavement for two minutes, all captured on video. He later died due to complications from asphyxia according to the medical examiner.
Accountability and Legal Recourse for Victims
When such incidents occur, prisoners and their families are often left wondering what recourse they have. Victims of these abuses have the right to seek legal remedies for the violation of their constitutional rights. The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from cruel and unusual punishment, and the Fourteenth Amendment ensures due process rights. If a detainee’s treatment amounts to excessive force, deliberate indifference, or outright punishment without due process, they may have grounds to pursue legal action against the facility, administration, and involved personnel.
Millions Collected for Victims of Abuse
Our experienced legal team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients, reflecting the firm’s dedication to justice and its record of success. If you or a loved one has suffered from mistreatment, excessive restraint, or abuse at the hands of law enforcement or corrections officers, know that you are not alone. Our firm is here to ensure that justice is served, your rights are protected, and your voice is heard. Our attorneys have also successfully represented victims of sexual abuse, juvenile detention abuse, abuse by doctors & nurses, and abuse at boardings schools & rehab facilities.
We Can Help
The law firm of Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC is dedicated to representing victims of such abuses. With a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, Attorney Mitchell Sexner—founder of Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC—brings unique insights as a former criminal prosecutor. Having pursued justice on behalf of victims and holding a profound understanding of the accountability required in such cases, Attorney Sexner leads a team that is both experienced and passionate about defending the civil and criminal rights of detainees and inmates subjected to inhumane treatment.
For more information or to speak directly with our attorneys about your case, contact Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC at (312) 644-0444. We are committed to standing up for the rights of every individual and to challenging the injustices occurring within the American criminal justice system.