Law enforcement, prohibits use of four-point restraint

SB 16 prohibits Alabama law enforcement officers from using the four-point restraint (also known as the hog-tie position), where an individual is face-down with hands and legs tied behind their back. It requires all law enforcement agencies to update their policies to ban this technique and mandates that officers not place individuals in positions restricting oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck. Violating this ban would be a Class A misdemeanor. The law applies directly to officers and agencies, taking effect on October 1, 2025.