Montreal police announced on September 18, 2026 that they will no longer employ the hog‑tie restraint technique after the Quebec coroner's office determined the method likely contributed to the death of a man. The directive was issued to all members of the Montreal Police Service, ordering an immediate cessation of the practice in all operations.
The coroner’s conclusion followed an investigation into the fatal incident, which identified the use of the hog‑tie as a factor in the victim’s demise. While the report did not name the individual involved, it linked the restraint method directly to the outcome, prompting the police service to act swiftly.
The hog‑tie, a maneuver that secures a suspect’s hands and feet together behind the back, has been the subject of criticism for years. Prior reviews of police use‑of‑force in Quebec and elsewhere have raised concerns about its safety, particularly when applied to individuals who are agitated, restrained for extended periods, or have underlying health conditions.
In response to the coroner’s findings, Montreal police officials have instructed officers to adopt alternative restraint methods that are deemed less hazardous. Training programs are being updated to reflect the new policy, and supervisors are tasked with ensuring compliance across the force.
The decision aligns with a broader trend among law‑enforcement agencies to reassess and modify restraint tactics in light of medical and legal scrutiny. By removing the hog‑tie from its repertoire, the Montreal Police Service aims to reduce the risk of similar incidents and to address public concerns about police handling of suspects.
The ban is expected to take effect immediately, with internal monitoring to confirm that the technique is no longer used in any police operation within the city.