Instruments of restraint
33. Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, chains, irons and
strait-jacket, shall never be applied as a punishment. Furthermore,
chains or irons shall not be used as restraints. Other instruments of
restraint shall not be used except in the following circumstances:
(a) As a precaution against escape during a transfer, provided that they
shall be removed when the prisoner appears before a judicial or
administrative authority;
(b) On medical grounds by direction of the medical officer;
(c) By order of the director, if other methods of control fail, in order
to prevent a prisoner from injuring himself or others or from damaging
property; in such instances the director shall at once consult the
medical officer and report to the higher administrative authority.
34. The patterns and manner of use
of instruments of restraint shall be decided by the central prison
administration. Such instruments must not be applied for any longer time
than is strictly necessary.
Information to and complaints by
prisoners
35.
(1) Every prisoner on admission shall be provided with written
information about the regulations governing the treatment of prisoners
of his category, the disciplinary requirements of the institution, the
authorized methods of seeking information and making complaints, and all
such other matters as are necessary to enable him to understand both his
rights and his obligations and to adapt himself to the life of the
institution.
(2) If a prisoner is illiterate, the aforesaid information shall be
conveyed to him orally.
36.
(1) Every prisoner shall have the opportunity each week day of making
requests or complaints to the director of the institution or the officer
authorized to represent him.
(2) It shall be possible to make requests or complaints to the inspector
of prisons during his inspection. The prisoner shall have the
opportunity to talk to the inspector or to any other inspecting officer
without the director or other members of the staff being present.
(3) Every prisoner shall be allowed to make a request or complaint,
without censorship as to substance but in proper form, to the central
prison administration, the judicial authority or other proper
authorities through approved channels.
(4) Unless it is evidently frivolous or groundless, every request or
complaint shall be promptly dealt with and replied to without undue
delay. Contact with the outside world
37. Prisoners shall be allowed under necessary
supervision to communicate with their family and reputable friends at
regular intervals, both by correspondence and by receiving visits.
