Montreal police announced an internal directive on September 17, 2026 that bans the use of the hogtie restraint technique by its officers. The order requires all members of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) to cease employing the method immediately.
The decision follows a review that linked the hogtie maneuver to the death of a man in Montreal last year. The fatality prompted scrutiny of the practice, which has faced criticism for its potential safety hazards. Police officials cited the incident as a key factor in moving to eliminate the technique from standard procedures.
The hogtie method, which involves securing a suspect's wrists and ankles together behind the body, has been used by Montreal officers in the past. Critics have argued that the position can restrict breathing and increase the risk of serious injury, especially when applied to individuals who are agitated or under the influence of substances. The internal directive reflects the department's response to those concerns and aligns with broader calls for safer restraint practices.
SPVM leadership did not release details about the internal review process, but the directive signals a shift in operational policy. Officers are expected to adopt alternative restraint methods that comply with departmental guidelines and prioritize the safety of both detainees and law enforcement personnel.
The ban comes as other police agencies across Canada and internationally evaluate their own use-of-force policies. While the SPVM has not announced further changes beyond the prohibition of the hogtie technique, the move underscores an ongoing reassessment of policing tactics in response to incidents that raise public safety questions.
The directive will be circulated to all units within the Montreal police force, and compliance will be monitored through internal oversight mechanisms.