A lawsuit alleges New York City police kept a mentally ill homeless man shackled to a bed for 26 days at Jacobi Medical Center, ignoring psychiatrist orders to remove restraints. The man, arrested on outstanding warrants, awaited arraignment in the locked ward. His lawyers say the lengthy immobilization ended only after a court filing, and all criminal charges were later dropped.

Police guidelines require restraints unless a doctor requests removal, which lawyers say is almost never granted. A recent Legal Aid Society analysis found hospital-held arrestees face disproportionately delayed arraignments. Psychiatrists from Mount Sinai argue in a brief that such practices cause severe physical and psychological harm, often triggering the aggression they aim to prevent.

The case, heard by the state Court of Appeals, challenges whether police or hospitals hold jurisdiction over restraints in psychiatric wards. The city argues its safety protocols are necessary, while the Mental Hygiene Legal Service contends the practice violates state mental hygiene law. The court's ruling could redefine restraint policies for thousands of detainees citywide.