Montreal Police Service issued an internal directive on Thursday, September 17, 2026, ordering all officers to cease using the hogtie restraint technique. The decision comes in the wake of a death last year involving a man who was restrained with the method.
The directive, circulated within the force, requires officers to adopt alternative tactics for subduing subjects and explicitly bars the application of the hogtie position. Police officials indicated that the ban is a direct response to the fatal outcome that occurred under the same circumstances the previous year.
The hogtie restraint, in which a person’s hands and feet are bound behind the back, has been the subject of ongoing criticism for its potential to cause serious injury. Medical experts and advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that the position can impede breathing and circulation, increasing the risk of death. Past incidents involving the technique have been linked to multiple fatalities, prompting calls for reform across law‑enforcement agencies.
While the internal memo does not detail the specific circumstances of the recent death, the timing of the ban suggests that the department is seeking to mitigate further risk and address public concern. The directive also aligns with broader discussions within policing circles about the appropriateness of certain restraint methods and the need for safer, evidence‑based practices.
Montreal Police Service has not released additional information regarding training updates or the timeline for implementing alternative restraint protocols. The department’s move to prohibit the hogtie technique reflects an effort to respond to documented hazards associated with the method and to prevent future tragedies.
The ban marks a significant policy shift for the Montreal Police Service, signaling a willingness to reevaluate operational procedures in light of documented dangers and past incidents involving the hogtie restraint.