A review of the history of the term and practice of "passive restraint" is followed by a discussion of passive restraint principles incorporated into State regulations. In the latter case, regulatory language defines passive restraint in accordance with the social service policy principle of the least restrictive alternative; this involves the least amount of force necessary to manage a behavioral situation. In addition, defining language usually includes the phrase, "nonviolent intervention," including the prohibition of "pain compliance" behavioral management practices, such as the use of pressure points or bone-locking techniques that induce pain. One section of the article advises that current get-tough policies have the potential to erode the philosophy of passive restraint and the use of staff training in the application of passive restraint techniques. The model from which passive restraint stems recognizes the importance of early intervention before behavior escalates to a crisis. Recommendations are offered for passive-restraint training policy, and liability issues and institutional policies on interventions are discussed.