\n I want the reader to look at the illustration attached as Exhibit A. Now ask yourself, under what circumstances could bending a human being\u2019s fingers back against the natural band of the joints and knuckles be considered \u2018reasonable\u2019 preventive force. And usually it is applied against a person already restrained in handcuffs and shackles.<\/p>\n \n Imagine this finger-bending technique (FBT) being used against you. It\u2019s terrifying, painful and almost guaranteed to cause permanent injury.<\/p>\n \n Here at Red Onion the FBT is frequently used, and not merely to subdue a struggling prisoner, but whenever a guard even speculates that a prisoners may<\/em><\/em> be about<\/em><\/em> to become disruptive. And \u201cdisruptive\u2019 can mean anything or nothing. The guards have absolute discretion to make the call. All the provocation they need is a sarcastic remark, or being in a foul mood, or resentment against a given prisoner. Often, racial resentment is enough in a prison that pits a 98% rural white staff against an 85% non-white prisoner body.<\/p>\n \n And how can such a technique be applied with limited or restrained force under the stress and excitement of subduing a struggling person? Especially one who suffers mental health problems. Try it, matter of fact, if you can find a willing partner\u2014preferably someone you can trust not to get too carried away\u2014try it while you\u2019re completely at ease. Your first reflex, like a reaction to having your eyes gouged at, will be to become <\/em><\/em>combative, to resist and pull away. These are instinctive and intelligent responses to the pain, and to protect fragile, sensitive and precious parts of the body. Self preservation.<\/p>\n \n Ever jammed a finder playing sports? That\u2019s the least<\/em><\/em> amount of pain you\u2019ll fell. And what\u2019s worse, it\u2019s not a brief experience, like jamming a finger. When guards apply the FBT, they don\u2019t let up!<\/em><\/em> The initial grab for your fingers is done suddenly, without warning, and with force, so you don\u2019t have the chance to ball your hands up. The finger bending then continues for minutes at a time. Typically no less than 5 minutes.<\/p>\n \n And when\u2014not if<\/em><\/em>\u2014you resist in response to the shock and pain, they apply more<\/em><\/em> force often until your fingers touch the back of your wrist. It\u2019s a lose-lost situation. Your options: cry out or suffer silently (both of which eggs them on more), or try and twist away (which increases the risk and extent of injury), or try to fight them off (a highly dubious option, where the victim is typically cuffed behind his back, leg-shackled, and contending with multiple guards\u2014all grabbing at and bending your fingers and worse).<\/p>\n \n Often, abusive guards initiate the FBT solely to make<\/em><\/em> a prisoner react. To make him appear belligerent or combative, so greater force is then \u2018justified\u2019 to \u2018control\u2019 him.<\/p>\n \n In any case, the result is dislocated and\/or broken fingers. I\u2019ve had mine dislocated six times no less. Once for committing the grave offense of questioning guards about racially discriminatory practices against us.<\/p>\n \n Due to permanent ligament damage caused by the FBT, my right thumb now spontaneously dislocates under moderate pressure and impacts. A mild tug pulls it right out the knuckle socket. It\u2019s also lost about 25% range of motion at the middle joint.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rashidmod.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/finger-torture.jpg\" "\\"finger-torture\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nBreaking Prisoners\u2019 Fingers \u2013 A Control Technique?<\/h3>\n