Should leg irons be placed snugly on the inmate's ankles?

Leg irons should not be placed snugly on an inmate's ankles because their primary purpose is to prevent escape and ensure safety, not to cause discomfort or injury. They should be applied with enough room to allow for circulation and to avoid chafing or injury to the skin. If leg irons are too tight, they can lead to serious physical problems, including nerve damage or restricted blood flow, which could result in significant harm to the inmate.

Moreover, corrections protocols often emphasize the importance of humane treatment of inmates, and excessively tight restraints would violate these standards. Proper application involves ensuring that inmates can move within their confines without being at risk of injury, which promotes safety for both inmates and staff. Balancing security needs with humane treatment is a key principle in corrections.