The Special Investigative Service launched the instruction on the use of handcuffs against detained persons, which defines the form, size, and cases of handcuffing and use of force.

Giorgi Kvaratskhelia, the first deputy head of the Special Investigation Service, at the meeting with the operative unit, emphasized the importance of the document and the standards of improper use of handcuffs against detained persons.

Establishing a unified standard for the use of handcuffs will create additional guarantees for the protection of citizens’ rights, will reduce the risks of improper use of handcuffs against detained persons, and will raise the professional standards of law enforcement officers.

The document was developed with the support of the South Caucasus Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) by an independent expert according to the analysis of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and British best practice.

The instructions for the use of handcuffs were presented to the representatives of the Public Defender’s Office, human rights organizations, and experts before approval. The document was evaluated positively in terms of improving the legal status of citizens.

After public discussion and human rights organization’s feedback, the documents were approved by the head of the Service and are mandatory for the employees of the Special Investigation Service.