Handcuffing

1. HANDCUFFING
TECHNIQUES

2. HANDCUFFS
- is a device use for “temporarily restricting” a
subject’s movements.
- This is the best method of restraint. If applied
properly it is good preventive measures; if
improperly applied it could be dangerous.
- Arresting officers can and will handcuff suspects
or prisoners to ensure the officer's safety, the
safety of the public or the safety of the
suspects at risk of endangering themselves.

3. What are the importance?
• Help the officer on how to effectively use
handcuffs.
• Help the officer to make a successful and safe
apprehension.
• Reduce injury to officers and subject
• Increase performance and speed when
applying handcuffs.
• Increase safety.

4. TYPES OF HANDCUFFING POSITIONS
- The four main positions used to place handcuffs on a subject
are the
1. Standing position 2. Kneeling position
3. Prone position 4. Wall supported

5. HANDCUFFING Techniques
Standing Position - the arresting officer instructs the
subject to do the following:
1. “Stop or Freeze”
2. “Police, you’re under arrest.”
3. “Hands all the way up.”
4. “Turn around slowly 3x.” (Visual Inspection)
5. “Spread your feet apart, Further apart”
6. “Slowly bring your hands behind your back”.
7. Apply the tactical handcuffing.
8. Search.
9. Recite the miranda doctrine.

6. WALL SUPPORTED - The use of cars or walls is not the best way to
control the subject. The subject choose to resist he use walls,
cars, etc. as balance and gain power by pushing off. Officers
normally use this technique to “corner” or “confine” the subject.
1. “Stop or Freeze”
2. “Police, you’re under arrest.”
3. “Hands all the way up, spread your fingers.”
4. “Turn around slowly 3x.”(Visual Inspection)
5. “Spread your feet apart, Further apart”.
6. “Put your hands on the wall”.
7. “Put your head on the wall.”
8. “Slowly bring your hands behind your back”.
9. Apply the tactical handcuffing.
10. Search.
11. Recite the Miranda doctrine.

7. KNEELING POSITION
1. “Stop or Freeze”
2. “Police, you’re under arrest.”
3. “Hands all the way up, spread your fingers.”
4. “Turn around slowly (3x).”(Visual Inspection)
5. “Kneel down”.
6. “Cross your ankle”
7. “Slowly bring your hands behind your back.”
8. Apply the tactical handcuffing.
9. Search
10. Recite the Miranda Doctrine.

8. PRONE POSITION
1. “Stop or Freeze”
2. “Police, you’re under arrest.”
3. “Hands all the way up.”
4. “Turn around slowly 3x.” (visual inspection for weapons)
5. “Kneel down”
6. “Walk your feet back towards me and lie down.”
7. “Extend your arms straight out to your side, point your
thumbs down.”
8. “Cross your ankles, bend your knees.”
9. “Slowly bring your hands behind your back, thumbs up.
10. Apply the tactical handcuffing.
11. Search.
12. Recite the Miranda Doctrine.

9. Search - to look into, over, or through
something thoroughly in order to find
something.
Three types:
1. Standing
2. Kneeling
3. Prone
Principles:
1. Consider the area.
2. Always assume that the subject is armed.
3. No violence or unnecessary force applied.
4. Maintain security.

10. 5. Control the situation.
6. Cephalocaudal search.
7. Conduct same gender search.
8. Properly document all the contrabands found.
Awareness during handcuffing:
• Always be mentally prepared.
• Expect resistance if subject is under the influence of
alcohol.
• Always double lock the handcuffs using the width of
little finger.
• Move the subject to a standing position.
• Never pick a subject up by the handcuffs.

11. • Issues clear and concise verbal commands.
• Holsters weapon before approaching a
subject.
• Moves the subject to a safe area.
• Remove weapons (if any) and sensitive
evidence from the subject.
• Controls and escorts the subject to a
detention area.
• Handcuff properly and search thoroughly.

12. DON’T’S:
1. Don't be unnecessarily rough.
2. Don't let the offender delay or make excuses.
3. Don't grant any requests until the search is completed.
4. Don't stand too close to an offender when you are
armed-the offender may grab your gun.
5. Don't talk too much.
6. Don't permit anyone to come between you and the
offender.
7. Don't allow offenders to separate; keep them together.
8. Don't permit the offender to face you. If you think he
or she is dangerous, make the offender turn away from
you.