In 2022, Deputy Smith, serving as a School Resource Officer, was involved in an incident where he handcuffed a ten-year-old student with disabilities at a local elementary school. The student, identified as D.L., was placed in seclusion and then handcuffed, despite not posing an imminent risk of serious injury. This action led to a lawsuit alleging excessive force and violations of the Fourth Amendment. The court found that the allegations, if true, could constitute a violation of D.L.’s constitutional rights. The case highlighted concerns about the use of mechanical restraints on young students with disabilities and the need for proper training and policies regarding such situations. The outcome of the lawsuit is not specified in the available information.
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