Disclosed is an improved restraining device which restrains a prisoner in a seated position with the hands and arms clamped in a position restraining the prisoner. The device may include back and head support structure as well as a seating area and a pair of pedestals each of which is designed to restrain one of the arms. Mechanically or electromagnetically activated clamps are associated with the pedestals and are provided to releasably clamp the wrists and hands of the prisoner.