In this short video, Michael from ASP covers everything you need to know about choosing your next set of handcuffs. ASP is an industry leading manufacturer of expandable batons, restraints and other police gear. For more than forty years, ASP has had a single-minded focus on providing law enforcement officers with the finest tools for the safe performance of their duties and industry-leading training on the proper use of those tools. Learn more about how to use police handcuffs here.
Video Transcript
I'm Michael from ASP and we partnered with TacticalGear.com to talk you through everything you need to know about handcuffs and other law enforcement restraints.
Handcuffs are among the most-used tools on a police officer's duty belt. The form and function of the handcuff remained largely unchanged for the better part of a century, but recent years have brought real innovation and advancement in restraint design. Law enforcement professionals now have access to handcuffs that are faster, smoother, lighter, more precise, more user-friendly and safer than ever. Let's take a look at some of the things you want to consider when buying your next set of cuffs.
As with all police equipment, materials matter. Modern handcuffs are available in steel, lightweight aluminum, or a combination of both. These ASP ultra cuffs, for example, have a unique frame made of forged 7075 T6 aluminum — the same alloy used to make patrol rifle receivers — giving them an optimal combination of strength, precision and light weight. Bows are available in steel or forged aluminum for those who want to shave a few more ounces.
Handcuffs generally take one of three forms: chain, hinge, or rigid. Chain cuffs, the most common of the three, are the easiest to apply because they can be moved independently in any direction. The tradeoff is that this same free movement allows more mobility for the subject. Hinge cuffs move on just one axis, so they reduce subject mobility but they require a little more skill and practice to apply quickly and smoothly. Finally, the less common and more specialized rigid cuffs maximize subject control but require additional training and practice to apply.
Handcuffing injuries, like neuropathy, are among the most common and costly sources of law enforcement liability. So when selecting handcuffs, look for features that minimize the risk of subject injury or discomfort. Choose handcuffs with smooth surfaces and rounded edges, along with bows that accommodate a wide variety of wrist sizes. Also, bows with flat contact surfaces are easier to apply safely and accurately. Also think about the double locks. This is a critical step in the cuffing process and one that should never be skipped. Inadvertent overtightening, or intentional overtightening by the detainee, almost guarantees serious discomfort or injury. So you want handcuffs that are fast and easy to double lock, and that make it easy to verify double lock status.
Other features that make the officer's job safer and easier are dual-sided keyways, as well as construction that minimizes the possibility of picking or shimming. Some cuffs also offer color coded frames to help make sure you get your property back or to help with subject identification.
Yet another option is single use, disposable restraints, like these ASP tri-folds. These flexible, polymer restraints are ideal for large scale incidents where mass arrests are likely. They are compact and lightweight, fast to apply and low cost so that departments can inventory and deploy them in large numbers. Another benefit that's been a big deal lately is the fact that single-use restraints are ideal where surface-borne pathogens are a concern. In this day and age, every officer or patrol car really should have at least a few.
Like all the gear you carry, handcuffs have lots of accessory options, including a wide variety of cases and keys, so you can put together a restraint system that's perfect for the way you work. Most officers carry at least two handcuffs, either on the rear hip wings or front of the belt, or on a vest. And always carry at least two or three keys: one clipped to a pocket, one on a keyring, and if you have an ASP cuff case, in the special pocket on the back.
Check out all the handcuffs and accessories on TacticalGear.com, and as always make sure to get good and regular training in restraint application and anything else that will keep you safe.