AP01 Introduction to Handcuffing

Question 1

Under which circumstances may you handcuff a person?

Answer 1

The overriding question around use of mechanical restraints is, “In the particular
circumstances what possible risks are posed by the person?”
Considerations include:
 the nature of the charge or the reason for detention
 the likelihood of the person trying to escape
 the ability of police to apprehend should they abscond
 your own safety, and that of everyone else involved
 factors which may elevate or reduce the risk to the detainee (age - youth or elderly,
mental health, physical health including HIV, hepatitis, asthma, pregnancy, obesity,
heart condition)
 the person’s criminal history (previous behavior) is unknown
 knowledge of the person’s previous behaviour
 the person behaving in a manner that suggests they may be dangerous to police
or any other person
 whether the circumstances around the arrest suggest it is a situation of some risk

Question 2

List two Acts that give police officers the legal powers to use force;

Answer 2

Crimes Act 1961 (s39, s40, s41, s48)

Search and Surveillance Act 2012

Question 3

When do you need to submit a Tactical Options Report (TOR) for handcuffing?

Answer 3

• With pain compliance
• Without pain compliance, but only when handcuffs are used with another reportable tactical option

• a spitting hood
• a combination of either a rear wrist and ankle restraint, or a waist restraint
belt and ankle restraint, whether linked by plastic ties or not
• a restraint chair.

Question 4

Describe three circumstances where the risks posed by the person warrant using mechanical restraints;

Answer 4

1 The person is behaving in a manner that suggests they may be dangerous to police or any other person

2 The circumstances around the arrest suggest it is a situation of some risk

3 The person’s criminal history (previous behavior) is unknown.

Knowledge of the person’s previous behaviour

Question 5

Identify risks to a person from handcuffing;

Answer 5

1 Risk of damage to the radial nerve when applying the ‘bottle top’ technique contusions
2 Cuts
3 Nerve damage
4 circulation restriction

Question 6

Identify three factors which may elevate or reduce these risk to the person;

Answer 6

1 Physical health issues (including HIV, hepatitis, asthma, pregnancy, obesity, heart condition)

2 Mental health

3 Youth or elderly

Question 7

Identify risks to the officer from handcuffing;

Answer 7

Reduced reactionary gap to apply handcuffs (proxemics)

Transfer body fluids

Physical assault

Difficulties monitoring subject

Response options limited when hands are occupied using cuffs

Question 8

How do you clean cuffs?

Answer 8

 Scrub off any surface dirt with a brush
 Place the handcuffs in the sink
 Spray with Virkon spray
 Leave for no longer than 10 minutes
 Rinse off under running water and dry with a paper towel

Question 9

What biohazards are there with cuffs?

Answer 9

 Body fluids and tissues present health hazards

 Transfer bacteria

Question 10

What should you check regularly with cuffs?

Answer 10

 alignment of gate/blade
 blade edges, for dents
 locking mechanisms, for faults or sticking
 key fitment and operation
 operation of double locking mechanism
 any rust

Question 11

When do you need to replace your handcuffs?

Answer 11

 the gate alignment is out
 the locking mechanism is faulty
 the gate guides are compressed
 they have rusted from salt water

Question 12

What are handcuffs and what are they for?

Answer 12

Handcuffs are a temporary restraint for people in custody. They are employed to prevent injuries to officers, the subject or any other person, or when there is a risk of the subject escaping