Handcuffs

Question 1

What is the justification of use for Handcuffs?

Answer 1

The decision to handcuff rests with you.

Officer safety is paramount.

Generally, you are justified in handcuffing prisoners only when

they have tried to escape, or

to prevent escape or

injury to themselves or others.

Question 2

What are the handcuffing principals?

Answer 2

APPLY

ADJUST

DOUBLE LOCK

CHECK

Question 3

What are your Handcuff Safeguards?

Answer 3

Always use the following safeguards:

• Approach the subject from the safest angle using the bladed body position.
• Remain alert and prepared for sudden resistance.
• Adopt a tactical position that maximises your safety and control of the subject by keeping them off balance.
• Ensure the handcuffs are double locked by pulling and pushing on the swinging handcuff arm without delay once applied:

– to prevent shimming - when the handcuff is single locked only and the subject inserts a thin piece of metal, plastic or another object between the ratchet and the ratchet pawl. It allows the swing arm to move free from the ratchet pawl and open, enabling the subject to remove their hand from the handcuff

– to prevent the handcuff being over tightened onto the wrist.

Question 4

How should you handcuff a prisoner in a caged vehicle?

Answer 4

Handcuffed to the front - Palms outwards

Question 5

Where should a prisoner being transported in a sedan be seated?

Answer 5

While being transported in a sedan, a prisoner should be seated in the rear seat behind the observer’s seat with their seat belt on.

Question 6

What should you do if handcuffs are exposed to bodily fluids?

Answer 6

If your handcuffs are exposed to body fluids, wash them thoroughly in Hybical, Hexifoam or a similar cleaning solution.

This is not only for your protection but also for that of any future subjects.

Question 7

What is the most dangerous phase of handcuffing?

Answer 7

Application and the removal phases.

Question 8

What are the two types of handcuffs?

Answer 8

Saf-Lok Mk IV (Chained)

Saf-Lok Mk V (Hinged)

Question 9

T/F - You only need to single lock after applying handcuffs.

Answer 9

False - must always be double locked

Question 10

T/F - You need to double lock after applying handcuffs.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

How do you check the tightness of handcuffs?

Answer 11

By the width of your little finger

Question 12

What do you do if subject complains of handcuff tightness?

Answer 12

• Check Handcuffs
• Apply second pair of handcuffs
• Adjust as necessary

Question 13

Who should you briefed on the reason for handcuffing?

Answer 13

Receiving/transporting officer

Question 14

What should you do when receiving/transporting a subject?

Answer 14

Get/Give a briefing from/to the receiving/transporting officer on the reasons why the subject is handcuffed

Question 15

When should you record a reason for handcuffing?

Answer 15

As soon as possible

Question 16

T/F - you do not need to record the reason a subject is handcuffed.

Answer 16

F - Record the reason a subject is handcuffed as soon as possible

Question 17

T/F - you need to record the reason a subject is handcuffed.

Answer 17

T - Record the reason a subject is handcuffed as soon as possible

Question 18

T/F - Never pick up or escort any subject by the chain of the handcuffs.

Answer 18

T

Question 19

T/F - You can pick up or escort any subject by the chain of the handcuffs.

Answer 19

F - Never pick up or escort any subject by the chain of the handcuffs.

Question 20

What not to do when picking up or escorting prisoner in handcuffs?

Answer 20

Never pick up or escort any subject by the chain of the handcuffs.