A recent investigation by the Illinois Answers Project has revealed concerning practices at Coles County Jail in Charleston, Illinois regarding the use of electrified “stun cuffs” on restrained individuals. The investigation found that individuals like Brice Fritz, who was strapped to a chair and shocked with 80,000 volts, were subjected to extreme and harmful treatment. The jail used restraint chairs more than a thousand times per year from 2019 to 2023, with multiple incidents of shocking individuals before or after restraint, and even shocking individuals with Tasers while restrained. Additionally, the jail failed to report some uses of the restraint chair to the proper state oversight unit.
Under former Sheriff James Rankin’s leadership, the jail vowed to reform and cease the use of stun cuffs. However, the investigation found that the promises have not been fully implemented, with ongoing issues stemming from a lack of leadership, medical, and mental health resources. Advocacy groups also received complaints about the jail’s improper use of restraint chairs and violations of policies, with one group warning that the jail’s actions were unconstitutional.
In response to these findings, current Sheriff Kent Martin acknowledges the shortcomings and expresses commitment to upholding reforms. Organizations like Equip for Equality have outlined the dangerous implications of using restraint chairs as punishment, noting that it may violate detainees’ constitutional rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite these concerns, the investigation found that the Coles County Jail continues to use these controversial methods, raising questions about the treatment of individuals in custody.
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