Quebec coroner Géhane Kamel issued a formal recommendation on August 12, 2026 urging the Montreal police service to re‑examine its use of the hogtie restraint technique. The call follows a coroner’s report that linked the method to the death of a 29‑year‑old individual in 2025.
The report concluded that the hogtie restraint applied by police officers was a likely factor in the 2025 fatality. While the investigation did not attribute the death solely to the restraint, the coroner’s findings emphasized a direct connection between the technique and the adverse outcome.
Kamel’s recommendation specifically asks the police department to conduct a comprehensive review of policies governing the deployment of the hogtie position. The review is intended to assess whether existing guidelines adequately protect individuals in police custody and to determine if procedural changes are necessary.
The coroner’s office highlighted the significance of the finding, noting that the restraint method has been a subject of scrutiny in other jurisdictions. By prompting a policy review, the recommendation aims to ensure that policing practices align with current safety standards and medical understanding.
Montreal police have not yet released a detailed response to the coroner’s recommendation, but the request sets a timeline for internal evaluation. The outcome of the review could influence training protocols and operational procedures across the force.
The coroner’s report and subsequent recommendation are expected to be part of ongoing discussions about law‑enforcement restraint methods in Quebec, with the potential to affect future handling of similar incidents.