Public commenters urge council to reject petition to reinstate leg shackles for hospital transports

Dozens of residents and advocates told Allegheny County Council during public comment that officials should reject a petition seeking to restore leg shackling for hospital transports from the Allegheny County Jail.

Speakers said the petition — described in testimony as roughly 1,100 signatures as submitted to council — attempts to overturn the will of voters who approved a 2021 referendum that limited solitary confinement and restricted use of restraint devices, including leg shackles and restraint chairs. Public commenters argued that reinstating shackles would be dehumanizing, medically risky and unnecessary if staff training and leadership are improved.

"They are actively working to overturn the will of the voters," said Mohammed Ali Nasir, who identified himself as an advocacy and outreach worker with HUD Media and a member of the jail oversight board. Nasir asked council to "remember the voters" and the people in custody when considering the petition.

Activist Tanisha Long said the original petition to place restraints and solitary limits on the ballot was backed by roughly 43,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot and later won with about 168,907 votes; she said the smaller petition before council represents a tactical attempt to "chip away" at reforms approved by voters.

Several public commenters described physical harms and mental-health effects tied to shackling. Janice Palmer, a former Allegheny County employee, said leg shackling left her with bruises and lasting anxiety during medical procedures. Eidi (Bridal) Tilley, who said she participates in court-watch efforts, told council that roughly 80% of people jailed are pretrial detainees and argued that shackling people during medical care is cruel.

Heba Siddiqui, a direct-service advocate at a domestic-violence shelter, told council that referendum items are a cornerstone of democratic participation and warned that allowing the petition to succeed would set a precedent of re-opening protections the electorate adopted.

Sharon Bonavoglia, representing the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network, told council that jail data show no increase in escape attempts since the restraints ban and urged council members to respect the referendum outcome. Bonavoglia also said county executive Enemerato indicated she would veto any reinstatement that reached her desk.

Speakers urged council to engage with people with lived experience in the jail when forming policy and to prioritize training and leadership reforms rather than reinstating restraints. Several attendees asked council to block the petition or otherwise prevent implementation of shackling for hospital runs.

Council did not take a final vote on the petition during this meeting; public comment on the petition will factor into upcoming committee and council consideration.