Procedures for Use of Restraint

School employees, volunteers or independent contractors are authorized to use restraint in the event of an emergency and subject to the following limitations:

• Only reasonable force as is necessary to address the emergency may be used.
• The restraint must be discontinued at the point at which the emergency no longer exists.
• The restraint must be implemented in such a way as to protect the health and safety of the student and others.
• The student may not be deprived of basic human necessities.

“Restraint” generally means the use of physical force or a mechanical device to significantly restrict the free movement of all or a portion of a student’s body.

“Emergency” means a situation in which a student’s behavior poses a threat of

• 1. imminent, serious physical harm to the student or others; or
• 2. imminent, serious property destruction.

In a case where restraint is used, school employees, volunteers, or independent contractors shall document the incident as required by the Texas Education Agency. Additionally, LTS shall report electronically to the Texas Education Agency, following standards provided by the Commissioner of Education, information relating to the use of restraint by a peace officer performing law enforcement duties on school property or during a school-sponsored or school-related activity. The report must be consistent with the requirements adopted by the Commissioner of Education for reporting the use of restraint involving students with disabilities.