How Are Handcuffs Used?
Handcuffs are one of the most important tools of the trade for security officers and police workers. They provide a way for law enforcement and security personnel to restrain a person who might otherwise cause damage to themselves or others. Officers are trained in the proper use of handcuffs as one of the most basic and important skills of their profession.
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Knowing When to Use Handcuffs
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Anyone who is going to use handcuffs in their line of work must learn when they should use them, and how to use them properly. Learning when to use them is important because liability issues can arise if handcuffs are used incorrectly or at the wrong time. There are basically three times when the use of handcuffs is justified. These are when the person with the restraints is in danger, when the person she want to restrain is going to hurt himself or when the person is going to harm others. If any of these three situations are present, then restraints should be used.
Liability Issues
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It is still very important that care be taken to apply handcuffs properly. Failure has resulted in cases like that of Dr. Angelo Gousse, a neurosurgeon whose ability to operate was compromised by improper cuffing. Dr. Gousse successfully sued the LAPD for more than 14 million dollars. The case was further complicated because Dr. Gousse was wrongfully arrested. He was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle, although he had rented the vehicle. Officers did not allow him to show his rental papers and arrested him on the spot, causing the damage to his hands. The rental car company was also named in the suit and had to pay damages in excess of 18 million dollars.
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Maintain Control
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One of the most difficult parts of using restraints safely is that the person who is being cuffed is often non-compliant. The person must be safely controlled before you try to use restraints. Control the offender first, then remove the restraints from your belt and apply them.
Application and Double Locking
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It is very important that handcuffs are double locked after they are placed on a person. While the handcuffs cannot be opened, if they are not double locked they can tighten on the wrists. It is this tightening effect that can cause damage and injury. This can lead to lawsuits against police departments and officers. A key is used to double lock the cuffs. The mechanism makes sure that they do not tighten.
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References
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- Photo Credit handcuffs image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
