Standard Operating and Handcuffing Procedures

1. It is important to remember that handcuffs are a temporary restraining device. They are not 
intended for long-term immobilization. 
2. It is recommended that periodic checks be made of the subject's hands and wrists to avoid soft tissue or nerve damage. The restrained subject should be considered a threat, even though restrained. The restrained subject should be kept under observation, when possible. 
Handcuffs should be carried in such a manner that they can be accessible and ready for 
immediate use. Store the handcuffs in the "loaded" position by pushing the shackle jaw 
through the ratchet in the body of the cuff, until it is almost through. (1 or 2 teeth remain in 
contact with the shackle jaw.) The tip of the shackle jaw will extend through and beyond the 
body of the cuff. In this position, as applying the cuff to the subject, give a steady and rapid 
pressure and send the shackle jaw the rest of the way through the cuff body. This should 
cause it to swing around the subjects arm and back into the ratchet of the body in the cuffed 
position. Hiatt handcuffs have a unique preloading feature. The design is such that the shackle 
jaw can be swung around backwards and the last two teeth can be "back ratcheted" into the 
preloaded position. In any event, a preloaded handcuff will assure immediate and effective 
use. Make sure that the double lock is not engaged until after the cuff is applied. 
You should always carry two keys with you. One should be readily available for the removal 
of the handcuffs, and the other should be concealed on your person for emergency use. 
In general, handcuff the subject first and then conduct a thorough search. The search 
procedure should insure that there are no weapons or foreign objects which could be used to 
pick the locks (i.e., ball point pens, ink cartridges, pins, metal strips, hair pins, etc.) 
Attempt to keep the subject off balance when applying the handcuffs. Keep yourself in a well 
balanced, alert stance while performing the handcuffing sequence. 
Over tightening can cause soft tissue and/or nerve damage. Perform periodic checks to insure 
the subject's hands are in good condition and to deter any possible escape. 
Never handcuff a subject to yourself, to a fixed object, or to a vehicle. 
There are a wide variety of handcuffing techniques and positions. The method utilized 
depends on a number of variables. These include: the subject's mental state; level of 
cooperation; physical characteristics; physical position; the specific surroundings; and the 
level of support present. In general, the subject should be kept off balance with a restricted 
view of the officer's actions. The officer should remain alert while employing the safest, most 
effective procedure. 
To apply the handcuffs, have the subject position the right hand behind their back with the 
palm facing outward. (thumb up) Maintain control by keeping the subject off balance while 
using an appropriate finger control technique. (holding the subjects top two fingers) Hold one 
handcuff in your free hand with the keyhole facing toward you. 
Place the shackle jaw against the subject's wrist between the base of the hand and the wrist 
bone. (See figure 1) Press the cuff firmly against the wrist causing it to swing through the cuff 
body and re-engage. Tighten the cuff, being careful not to pinch the skin, catch clothing, 
jewelry or other material. 
 
Now have the subject bring the left hand behind the back with the palm facing out. (thumb 
up) Again, using an appropriate finger control technique (top two fingers), position the left 
wrist to accept the handcuff. Again, press the cuff firmly against the wrist causing it to swing 
through the cuff body and re-engage. Tighten using the same criteria as mentioned 
previously. Your handcuff orientation should look like (figure 2) if properly applied. 
 
When properly applied, the backs of the hands should be together, both palms facing out, 
with both key holes also facing out. (Both thumbs up) *NOTE: You need to have the cuffs 
applied with a proper amount of tightness. To test this, try placing a finger between the 
shackle and the wrist of the subject. If you can't get your finger in, it is too tight. 
Immediately double lock the handcuffs by inserting the tip of the key into the double locking 
hole on your specific cuffs. (see figure 3) Smith and Wesson has a sliding lock while most 
others have a button in a hole on the end of the body of the cuff. If your handcuffs do not 
have a working double lock, take them out of service and get a pair that have a fully 
functioning double lock. 
 
Check to make sure that both cuffs are double locked by applying pressure to each shackle. If 
they do not move, the handcuffs are properly double locked. 
Removing handcuffs can present as many possible safety threats as applying them. It is 
important to follow a handcuff removal procedure that keeps the subject off balance and 
discourages an escape attempt or assault. Having other law enforcement personnel present is 
highly recommended. 
Inspect your handcuffs for wear, damage, and malfunction. Any handcuffs that become loose 
working or show signs of wear on the teeth, ratchet, or moving parts should be removed from 
service and replaced. Well used handcuffs are much easier to escape from than new cuffs 
with close tolerances. 
 
  
Much of this material was found in the instruction manuals that comes with each new pair of 
handcuffs. (i.e.; Peerless, Hiatt, Smith & Wesson, American Handcuff)