why would that ever be okay? >> reporter: sumner is also accused of handcuffing a 9-year-old girl, also a special needs student, on two separate occasions last fall. the lawsuit charges that both children were unlawfully restrained and handcuffed at school with excessive force and without necessity. >> sit back down. >> reporter: sumner's attorney told a local newspaper that he handcuffed the children because they were placing themselves and other people in danger and that's what the book says to do. the attorney also called sumner one of the best and most highly trained school officers in the state, adding that the former teacher is totally devoted to kids and schools and education. >> do you want the handcuffs off, you're going to have to behave and ask me nicely. and if you're behaving, i'll take them off. but as long as you're acting up, you're not going to get them off. >> reporter: jean casarez, cnn, new york.