Montreal police announced on September 18, 2026 that officers must stop using the controversial hog‑tie restraint technique. The directive follows a coroner’s conclusion that the method likely contributed to the death of a man who was restrained in that manner.
The order, issued to all members of the Montreal police force, instructs officers to cease employing the hog‑tie position in any arrest or detention scenario. Police officials indicated that the new policy will be incorporated into training and operational guidelines immediately.
The coroner’s finding has added weight to ongoing criticism of the hog‑tie restraint, which has been linked to several fatal outcomes in past incidents. While the specific number of cases was not disclosed, the technique has drawn scrutiny from medical examiners, legal experts and community advocates who argue that it poses a significant risk of injury or death.
In response to the coroner’s report, the police department said it is reviewing its use‑of‑force policies to ensure compliance with best‑practice standards and to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents. The department also noted that officers will be briefed on alternative methods for safely controlling subjects without resorting to the hog‑tie position.
The decision comes amid broader discussions across Canada about restraint practices and accountability in law enforcement. Authorities in other jurisdictions have similarly examined the safety of the technique, with some already having prohibited its use. Montreal’s latest move aligns with these trends and reflects a shift toward more medically sound restraint methods.
No further details about the individual case that prompted the coroner’s conclusion were released at the time of the announcement. The police department and coroner’s office have not provided additional commentary beyond the factual findings and the resulting policy change.