Handcuffs-- a great crime prevention tool
2008-08-13

Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. While handcuffs are of course most commonly method of restraint used by law enforcement and the military, they can also be a useful tool for anyone looking for a way to stop someone from being able to get away. This simple method of restraint comprise two halves, linked together by a chain, hinge or in the case of rigged cuffs - a bar. Each half has a rotating part which engages with a ratchet which is closed around a person's wrist. Without the key, the person cannot move their wrists more than a few centimeters (inches) apart, making many tasks difficult or impossible. Although simple in their design, they are still the most widely used and effective devices used in the prevention of someone caught engaging in any sort of criminal behavior, from burglars in the midst of home invasion, muggers trying to run away, anyone caught - anyone who is under arrest, from having the full use of their hands and or legs- period. Handcuffs may be manufactured from various metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum, or from synthetic polymers. Styles There are three types of contemporary metal handcuffs: one in which the cuffs are held together by a short chain, and another, of more recent origin, which uses a hinge for this purpose. A third type, the rigid handcuff, has a metal block or bar between the cuffs. Various accessories are available to improve the security or increase the rigidity of handcuffs, including boxes that fit over the chain or hinge and can themselves be locked with a padlock. Double locks Handcuffs with double locks have a lock-spring which when engaged, usually using the top of the key, stops the cuff from ratcheting tighter to prevent the subject from tightening them. Tightening could be intentional or by struggling, when tightened the handcuffs may cause nerve damage or loss of circulation. Double locks also make picking the locks more difficult. Keys  Most modern handcuffs in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Latin America can be opened with the same standard universal handcuff key. This allows for easier transport of prisoners and keeps one out of trouble if one loses one's keys. However, there are handcuff makers who use keys based on different standards. Maximum security handcuffs require special keys. Handcuff keys usually do not work with thumb cuffs. Recently, a number of padlocks have been marketed which use this same standard key. How to Handcuff a Person Whether you are a police officer, bail bondsman, or security guard, handcuffing people may be a daily occurrence. However, no one would want to handcuff a person and find out that the person can get out of the handcuffs. The following steps will ensure that anytime you use your handcuffs, the people you are handcuffing, and you, are secure. Steps Gather your handcuffs, either from retrieving them from your handcuff case or being given them. Pull the persons hands behind their back, or in front of their stomach, depending on the person’s behavior and medical condition. Push the "bow" (the part of the handcuff in which pivots to secure and unsecured a hand) against the left wrist of the person, which will pivot the bow and allow securing through the various tracks in the bow. Push the bow on the right side of the handcuffs against the right wrist of the person which, too, will pivot the bow and allow securing through the various tracks in the bow. Use the double locking mechanism, if your handcuffs have one, to "double lock" the handcuffs from being tampered with. Handcuff with backs of hands facing each other.  Tips Always use the double lock if your handcuffs have one, to avoid the handcuffs lock getting picked and also to ensure safety of the person in handcuffs, as well as yourself. Use best judgment on deciding whether to handcuff the person in the front or the back. Anyone who is pregnant, suffers from a serious medical condition, or is a juvenile might need to be handcuffed in the front of their body, instead of the back. Warnings Although the handcuffs must securely fasten on the person, do not cut off the circulation of the persons hand and wrist. This may cause injury to the handcuffed person. Double locking will prevent accidental tightening of handcuffs on the wrist by the officer or the subject. Things You'll Need Person needing handcuffing Handcuffs Key for Handcuffs (to open and double lock)