NCJ Number
95086
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Police officers can use handcuffs as defensive weapons with both overhand methods.
Abstract
In the overhand grip, three fingers are placed on the inside of the cuff's lower half. The index finger is placed on the inside of the upper half and pressure is applied by placing the thumb on the ratchet. Using this grip, the point of the ratchet can be forced into the center of the top of the hand or between any two fingers of the subject's hand. This method causes great pain and can be helpful in control of drug abusers, alcoholics, and mental patients. This grip also can be used to apply pressure to a subject's bicep or armpit, again causing great pain and tending to throw the subject off balance. Holding the cuffs sideways in the overhand grip is useful in fending off punches as well. In the underhand grip, the lower three fingers are wrapped around the shank of the cuff, the index finger is placed on the upper portion, and the hand is secured by locking the thumb over the lower three fingers. By pressing the ratchet into the subject's rib cage or kidney area during a fight, especially in close quarters, the subject can be forced to release his headlock grip. If a suspect has an officer in a bear hug, pressing the point of the ratchet into his spine should force him to release his grip. The underhand grip, using the ratchet in the upper thigh or groin area, also is useful in situations when an officer is held forcibly against a wall or partition. Once a subject is handcuffed, the officer should face him to prevent being snapkicked in the groin. The suspect's shirttail should be wrapped around the cuff chain. This will facilitate moving the suspect. Once the suspect is cuffed, he should be searched thoroughly. Possible places where a suspect may conceal a handcuff key include his watchband, belt, or matchbook. Illustrations and photographs are provided.