On September 18, 2026, the Montreal police service received a directive to discontinue the use of the hog‑tie restraint on suspects. The order follows a finding by the Quebec coroner that the technique likely contributed to the death of a man who had been restrained in that manner.
The coroner’s conclusion prompted provincial officials to advise law‑enforcement agencies that the hog‑tie poses a significant risk of fatal outcomes. Police leadership in Montreal confirmed that officers are now required to employ alternative control methods that do not involve binding a person’s hands and feet behind their back.
The decision arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of the hog‑tie, a restraint method that has been linked to several deaths across North America. Critics have argued that the position can impede breathing and circulation, especially when combined with other factors such as drug intoxication or physical exertion. While the coroner’s report did not name the deceased individual, the determination that the restraint played a role in his demise was sufficient to trigger the policy change.
Montreal police spokespersons indicated that training programs will be updated to reflect the new guidance and that supervisors will monitor compliance. The department also said it will review past incidents involving the hog‑tie to assess whether additional actions are required.
The ban reflects a broader trend among Canadian police forces to reevaluate use‑of‑force protocols. Earlier this year, other jurisdictions announced similar restrictions after independent reviews highlighted the danger of prone or supine restraints. Officials hope that eliminating the hog‑tie will reduce the likelihood of future fatalities while still allowing officers to maintain safety during arrests.
No further details about the specific case that led to the coroner’s finding have been released, and the police department has not disclosed how many prior incidents in Montreal involved the hog‑tie method.