"The manual doesn't say that. He posts the literal text of it, although badly formatted which can give you a false understanding of it, and nowhere does it say what he claims. It not once claims that the MRT only exists to enable the hobble. "

This is only because Balko included only sections of the manual as opposed to the whole thing. He also provides a link to said manual.

lawofselfdefense.com/st…

Section 5-316 discusses the Maximal Restraint Technique.

"5-316 MAXIMAL RESTRAINT TECHNIQUE (05/29/02) (06/13/14) (07/13/17) (04/02/18)

I. PURPOSE

To establish a policy on the use of “hobble restraint devices” and the method of transporting prisoners who have been handcuffed with a hobble restraint applied.

II. POLICY

The hobble restraint device may be used to carry out the Maximal Restraint Technique, consistent with training offered by the Minneapolis Police Department on the use of the Maximal Restraint Technique and the Use of Force Policy.

III. DEFINITIONS

Hobble Restraint Device: A device that limits the motion of a person by tethering both legs together. Ripp Hobble ™ is the only authorized brand to be used.

Maximal Restraint Technique (MRT): Technique used to secure a subject’s feet to their waist in order to prevent the movement of legs and limit the possibility of property damage or injury to him/her or others.

Prone Position: For purposes of this policy, the term Prone Position means to lay a restrained subject face down on their chest.

Side Recovery Position: Placing a restrained subject on their side in order to reduce pressure on his/her chest and facilitate breathing."

There's nothing at all in the manual that contemplates the use of the MRT as anything other than a method of applying the hobble.