Handcuffs
Handcuffs , also handcuffs or hand closing , the former police and prison service as a fetter pliers called (for beidarmige bondage), colloquially eight or eight called, are used to tying the hands of people. They consist of two metal rings connected to one another, which are placed around the wrists. In modern variants, the security takes place by engaging in a locking mechanism , which is unlocked again by turning the key.
history
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In the Middle Ages , handcuffs consisted of a semicircular curved iron band, which were fixed with locks or simple mechanical devices (such as hammered rivets ) and connected with a chain. While handcuffs with an external folding lock with spring-loaded screw thread (so-called Darby-type shackles ) predominated in Europe (especially Great Britain) in the 19th century , in the United States of America from the early 1860s more and more handcuffs with "modern “Lock mechanisms introduced. Inventors and manufacturers such as John J. Tower and Edward D. Bean did pioneering work here. The first handcuffs with multiple locking positions also appeared in the 19th century.
On February 20, 1912, the still current principle of the bow arm, which swings around a pivot point through a double bow firmly attached to the lock housing, was patented in the USA .
Handcuffs currently used in professional use are mainly based, in technical terms, on a US patent dated August 23, 1932 by Harold Wesson / Peerless . In this case, the internal mechanism has been redesigned compared to the older patent, simplified and made more resilient. The locking mechanism for the locked clamp (double-lock) , which has often been used in unchanged form, was also presented here for the first time. The outer shape of the modern handcuff, which is still common today, was also significantly shaped by this concept.
Executions
Handcuffs for professional use by the police, in the penal system and in the security area usually have two symmetrical (left-right-different) cuffs. The connection of the two clamps is made in the standard version with a chain usually consisting of two links . Handcuffs with chains have all degrees of freedom (any position of the cuffs to each other), so the handcuffed person has a certain freedom of movement and comfort, especially when putting on in front of the body. With various models (e.g. Ralk ), a single chain link is used as standard to minimize this freedom of movement; if necessary, this configuration can also be supplied by other manufacturers. Above all, this reduces the risk of unauthorized “climbing through”, especially in the case of women with regularly lower muscle or body mass and correspondingly greater mobility of the limbs. The hands, which are initially tied behind the back, are moved forwards under the body or by twisting the arms above the head. For certain applications (very overweight people or shackling to objects), handcuffs with three or more links are also supplied (e.g. Peerless Model 700B-6X ; TCH Model 820-7L ).
According to the NIJ standard, standard models have a minimum diameter of 50 mm and can be opened from 165 mm at the narrowest setting to a maximum of 200 mm at the widest setting. These dimensions are chosen so that standard handcuffs will fit around the wrists of most people. Nevertheless, it can happen that standard handcuffs do not fit the person to be handcuffed if they have either particularly thin or particularly strong wrists. Some manufacturers offer clamps with a larger inner diameter to restrain people with a correspondingly strong build, which mostly consist of regular ankle cuffs, but which are supplied with a short connecting chain (e.g. Smith & Wesson Model 110 ). The American Handcuff Company (AHC) has developed its model JN-105 for people with particularly thin wrists. It was their standard model N-105, which is provided with extra wide brackets so that the restraint can be tightened overall. This model, also known as the Juvenile Handcuff , was developed especially for the restraint of juvenile offenders. After the closure of AHC, there is currently no comparable model on the market. As the M-1, Smith & Wesson has developed a clamp with specially shaped temples that are designed to fit both thicker and narrower wrists. This universal model is also manufactured as the M-1H with a hinge joint. If in individual cases no suitable handcuffs are available, the intervening officers often use cable ties as disposable handcuffs.
Another frequently encountered embodiment has a connection via a hinge joint . Handcuffs with a hinge connection (e.g. German police trademark ) leave less room to move with only one degree of freedom, namely tilting around one axis (or around two parallel axes), in contrast to a chain connection, since it is not possible to twist the hands against each other. Articulated handcuffs are therefore considered to be relatively safe, because if you put them on with the keyholes facing your body, i. d. Usually you cannot get out of it yourself, even if you have the right key. The German military police ( Feldjäger ) used z. B. standard the type Alcyon 5020 in this variant. Otherwise, these models are often used primarily in the penal system.
Completely rigid bondage models have also been used at all times and are currently gaining importance in police operations. Early examples are the so-called British Figure 8 handcuffs or the German Hamburg 8 (shackling forceps) from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which are still used occasionally in various countries today. The modern Hiatt Speedcuffs (or the successor model TCH Rigid Handcuff Model 840 ) are currently being used increasingly . B. used in the UK in daily police operations. Rigid handcuffs have the advantage that a greater leverage effect can be achieved with them than with chain or hinge models. A disadvantage of rigid handcuffs, however, is often felt that they are relatively bulky compared to models with chain or hinge connections and z. B. are harder to stow at the service paddock. With the Ultimate folding rigid handcuff, Hiatts has developed a rigid handcuff that can be folded in the middle for transport. It can be opened quickly if necessary. After the lock of the folding joint has engaged, it can only be folded up again using a handcuff key. TCH currently manufactures this restraint under the model number 850. Other manufacturers such as ASP also have such collapsible handcuffs in their range.
Otherwise the same models can appear in different material and surface variants, mostly versions with nickel coating and those made of stainless steel are differentiated. For use in military operations, matt black or burnished versions are mostly used, which prevent light reflections. Clamps in different colors are increasingly being used, especially in the US penal system, e.g. B. the model Peerless 750B , which u. a. in pink, orange, blue, yellow and red.
Handcuffs are used together with ankle cuffs or belly chains as part of connected bondage combinations e.g. B. used in prisoner transport. Most handcuffs and ankle cuffs from the individual manufacturers use standard keys that are interchangeable between different copies, even from different manufacturers. In addition, padlocks are often used in the penal system to secure prisoners, which can also be operated with the regular standard keys. There are also high security handcuffs and corresponding ankle cuff counterparts with individual cylinder keys, e.g. B. Model Peerless 710B .
In the USA in particular, safety locks made of hard plastic are widespread, which are placed around the handcuffs and locked with a metal bolt. This combination is secured with a padlock and, if necessary, with a belly chain . Well-known manufacturers are C & S Security Inc. with the Black Box and CTS Thompson with the Blue Box . This has the advantage that the keyholes are covered and the handcuffs can only be removed if the padlock is opened beforehand. A fairly secure bondage is achieved with relatively simple means; Prisoners cannot release the shackles themselves, even if they have a standard handcuff key. One disadvantage, however, is that freedom of movement is severely restricted and the ankles quickly begin to hurt due to the unnatural position of the arms. The use of such security locks is therefore occasionally discussed under the aspect of the prohibition of cruel and inhuman treatment.
In addition, there is at least one historical collar made for professional use. This was brought to the market by Bean from the USA at the beginning of the 19th century. In a catalog, the manufacturer advertises it as a “more humane alternative to the conventional straitjacket”, with the neck cuff additionally connected to two bean handcuffs with short chains. Also to be found thumb cuffs are not used in the professional sector because of the high risk of injury and are in the BDSM situate range.
Common manufacturers of handcuffs for professional use are Smith & Wesson , Peerless, Alcyon, Clejuso (Clemen & Jung, Solingen), Safariland (formerly Hiatt), TCH (Total Control Handcuffs - models by Hiatt), Walther (Carl Walther GmbH) and Ralkem.
features
Modern handcuffs usually have the following properties:
- Multi-toothed - partly also multi-row - ratchet (pawl), which accordingly mostly engages in several teeth of the bracket at the same time, which increases safety or increases the range of adjustment options.
- Chain fastened with pivot bearings (with corresponding models) so that the two clamps rotate against each other and the chain links cannot tilt. This means that it is not necessary to pay attention to the correct position during application.
- A device for manually locking the clamps after they have been put on (so-called doublelock) prevents them from tightening any further (in the picture above, “locking device”). This prevents the prisoner from being injured, be it through unintentional pulling shut, for example when trying to remove the handcuffs, or deliberately in order to be able to prosecute the person carrying out bodily harm. A disadvantage of this lock is that the handcuffs are not ready for use without delay in the event of (accidental or unauthorized) activation in the rest position. The lock can usually be activated without a key and must always be deactivated with the aid of the key before actually releasing the pawl.
scope of application
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Handcuffs are used in the context of personal custody by the police , in the penal system , by customs authorities and private security services. They are mostly used as a direct constraint when carrying out arrests , transfers and evacuations , which mainly serves to protect themselves against potential attacks and to prevent unauthorized actions by the person in custody. In contrast to most weapons, private possession of handcuffs is not prohibited in Germany , as there is no immediate danger of harm to life and limb at close range or from a distance. Handcuffs are also used in special sexual practices ( BDSM ).
The High Court of Namibia ruled in July 2020 that the use of handcuffs was "cruel, degrading and inhuman" and therefore unconstitutional.
Arrests
The principle of proportionality must be observed in the case of arrests with the help of handcuffs . The use of handcuffs is however, according to current case law, in any case, due to the always necessary self-protection of the person performing the measure, viewed as fundamentally proportionate. In some areas, for example in the context of criminal proceedings , the use of handcuffs may be mandatory or ordered by the judge . An arrest using handcuffs is also generally permitted by private individuals if the conditions are met (see Arrest for Everyone ), but may, under certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offense of deprivation of liberty .
In Austria, Section 26 (2) of the detention order stipulates that it is permissible to handcuff an arrested person if, based on certain facts, there is a risk that the person concerned will 1.) endanger himself or others; 2.) damage other people's things not only of minor value; 3.) flee; 4.) try to thwart an official act in which he has to participate. According to Section 26 (3) of the Detention Order, there is a presumed risk of escape if the detainee is suspected of committing a crime within the meaning of Section 17 of the Criminal Code or could use a situation that is favorable for escape in the event of execution or transfer and if there are no special reasons that make an attempt to escape unlikely.
Penal system
In German law, the use of handcuffs in prison is regulated in Section 90 of the Prison Act (StVollzG) (wording: "As a rule, shackles may only be put on the hands or feet. In the interests of the prisoner, the head of the institution can use another type of restraint The restraint is temporarily loosened, as far as this is necessary. "). The decision whether to use handcuffs in this case is at the discretion of the staff, again taking into account the principle of proportionality. In the penal system, too, the use of handcuffs is generally considered to be proportionate due to the need for self-protection.
In Austria, Section 103 of the Prison Act (StVG) regulates the putting on of shackles as a special safety measure. Shackles may only be put on a prisoner according to § 103 Abs. 3 StVG, except for executions and renditions, if he has threatened, prepared or attempted acts of violence against persons or property, suicide or escape, there is a serious risk of repetition or execution and other safety measures Certain circumstances are not possible or not sufficient. The shackles are to be placed on the hands, but if the purpose of the bondage cannot otherwise be achieved, also on the feet.
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BDSM
Handcuffs are also used in the context of BDSM , especially in bondage activities. In this context, improper use harbors considerable risks and can lead, among other things, to injuries and permanent nerve damage, especially if inferior restraints are used that do not meet current safety standards.
In addition to the specific practical application, handcuffs are also used iconographically , sometimes in miniature, as chains or key rings.
Application variants
As a rule, both hands are closed on the target person:
- In front of the body (on the stomach), so that the natural position of the hands leaves a considerable radius of action , especially when using handcuffs with the frequently used two-part connecting chain. If possible, the handcuffs should therefore also be fixed in front of the body with a belly chain or a bondage belt when they are closed. Even when using hand-ankle cuff combinations, the hands can be closed in front of the body because of the associated restriction of movement. Otherwise - especially in the case of arrests - your hands should be closed on your back if possible for safety reasons; this corresponds to the practice of the police in the USA and increasingly also in Germany and Austria.
- Behind the body (on the back), so that arms and hands are largely fixed in their position outside their natural range of motion and the tied person has only a minimal radius of action. Because of the anatomy of the shoulder joint , the arms can only be moved slightly beyond the back. The effective freedom of movement for unauthorized action or resistance is largely eliminated in this way. However, the radius of action can be reduced even further by turning the palms of the hand of the handcuffed person outward during the handcuffing. To make it more difficult for the tied person to manipulate the keyholes, the keyholes should face upwards. Depending on the position of the other person, there are essentially three different tactics that can be used to handcuff a person behind the back:
- Standing: The other person has to turn around and put their hands behind their back. The hands of the other person are then fixed with one hand and the handcuffs are put on with the other hand. Alternatively, the other person can be ordered to clasp their hands behind their heads. This position minimizes the risk of being attacked by the other while putting on the shackles. This risk can be further minimized if the other person has to bend forward (e.g. on a bonnet) or if he is standing facing a wall.
- Kneeling: The other person must slowly kneel on the floor with their hands raised and cross their legs. Then the other person should cross their hands on the back or neck. This position further minimizes the possibility of attack compared to the standing position and is particularly useful when arresting potentially violent people.
- Lying down: The other person must lie flat on their stomach and stretch their arms and legs to the side or - especially in the case of resistance - is brought to the ground by the person entering and then fixed in the prone position. After fixing in the prone position, one arm is gripped with an extension lever and the handcuff is placed around the respective wrist. After closing one wrist, the handcuff is then closed around the other wrist. When handcuffs are placed in the lying position, most control can be exercised over the other person. In particular, people who are uncooperative, violent or armed are closed when lying down.
- Above the head (with the clamps attached to a solid object), so that the further the arms are stretched upwards, the less radius there is for movements of the body. The target person's spatial freedom of movement is completely eliminated in this variant.
A further restriction of the effective freedom of movement can always be achieved with the first two variants by using rigid cuffs , joint cuffs or handcuffs with only one chain link, as well as by using ankle cuffs , belly chains or connected bondage combinations. In the third variant, this can be done by fully stretching the arms and additionally securing them with tight ankle cuffs (so-called Hobble clamps, e.g. CTS-Thompson Model 9108 XOS ), which can also be attached to an object for further enhancement. In this way, the tied person can also be secured while standing on the toes in order to almost completely prevent the body from moving. Due to the risk of damage to the musculoskeletal system (so-called arrestant paralysis , see below), this should only be done for a limited period of time and under continuous supervision if the handcuffed person is tired.
Furthermore, the freedom of movement of the arms and hands can be practically completely eliminated, especially when tied on the back, in that the tied person is additionally guided in a handle by one or two supervisors. On the one hand, this can be done by the handcuff itself being held by a supervisor, as is often the case with rigid models (rigid cuffs). Alternatively, for models with one or more chain links as a connecting element z. B. a short guide chain with handle can be used, which is fastened there with a lockable snap hook or padlock . On the other hand, the handcuffed person can also be guided by one or two supervisors on both arms in such a way that the freedom of movement of the arms and hands is almost eliminated. The securing by handcuffs in the manner described is often further increased in practice by additionally placing footcuffs on the target person , which limit the maximum possible stride length for the person concerned.
The target person can also be attached to a suitable solid or heavy object with one or both hands. The target person's spatial freedom of movement can be canceled in any application variant by locking both hands behind a solid object (e.g. lattice wall, mast , tree), with the arms surrounding it. This is possible in the same way when the feet are tied with the same result.
Furthermore, two target persons can be connected to one another by one hand each: on two different hands or, in order to additionally restrict freedom of movement, on two identical hands. If there are several pairs of cuffs, several target persons can also be connected with one another with arms looped into one another.
As a rule, securing the arresting or leading person is not carried out in professional practice, as this can always create a considerable risk situation for them, for example through an abrupt jump of the target person during an attempt to escape or with suicidal intent.
Common in detention or in prisons in many countries is the so-called hogtie -Fesselung, in which the target person is secured by means of hand and additional leg irons. The hands and feet are closely connected behind the back so that the legs are bent. The target person is very largely restricted in their physical freedom of movement; the spatial freedom of movement is practically eliminated even without securing to a fixed object. Remain on the police practice as well as in prison similar bearing Hobble -Fesselung used, whereby both terms often interchangeably be used. Here, the target person is initially handcuffed behind the back and tight ankle cuffs ("hobble" cuffs, see above ). The ankle cuff is then secured with a longer belt (Police Hobble Strap) in such a way that this z. B. is pulled through under a cell door and attached on the other side. The practical effect is comparable to that of the hogtie.
hazards
The use of handcuffs, especially around the wrists , can damage the nerves . In particular in the case of a permanent tensile load or if the device is applied too tightly, injuries can occur which are often not noticed in the current situation and can lead to months of damage, if not permanent. The nerves of the thumb are particularly often affected, the damage usually being accompanied by a feeling of numbness .
Regulatory requirements
A technical guideline for handcuffs has existed for German authorities since 2004, which contains requirements for material, design, strength, safety, wear and more. This stipulates the tensile and torsional strength , the range of possible internal and external dimensions, guarantee, the number of tumblers, the design and accessibility of the lock, test methods and more. The US American NIJ Standard 1001.00 also applies at international level. (September 2014). Various handcuff manufacturers produce their cuffs according to its guidelines.
See also
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ The bondage tools and their application. Atame's Laxative (atame.info) , accessed July 14, 2013 .
- ↑ Patent US1872857 - Police Officer's Shackle . In: Google Patents , July 18, 2013.
- ↑ See u. a. the page Fastest Time To Bring Handcuffed Hands From Back Of Body To Front in “Recordsetter” for the fastest release from handcuffs placed behind the back; Accessed September 27, 2013.
- ↑ NIJ Standard for Metallic Handcuffs. (PDF) Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ↑ Police say bigger handcuffs needed for bigger “clients”. In: Stuff. Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ↑ Enris: Enris - Smith & Wesson 2 - handcuffs. In: www.handschellen.org. Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ↑ Guenter K .: handcuffs from the USA after 1950. In: www.atame.info. Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ↑ Enris: Enris - American Handcuff Co. - Handcuffs. In: www.handschellen.org. Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ↑ Enris: Enris - Smith & Wesson 2 - handcuffs. In: www.handschellen.org. Retrieved December 19, 2016 .
- ^ Tips and Tactics for Handcuffing Suspects . In: Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews . May 29, 2014 ( tactical-life.com [accessed November 18, 2016]).
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ Marc Springer: Rights of the accused strengthened - putting handcuffs on the accused is unconstitutional. Allgemeine Zeitung , July 21, 2020.
- ↑ a b RIS - Detention order § 26 - Federal law consolidated. In: www.ris.bka.gv.at. Retrieved December 2, 2016 .
- ^ RIS - Criminal Code § 17 - Federal law consolidated. In: www.ris.bka.gv.at. Retrieved December 2, 2016 .
- ^ RIS - Prison Act, Section 103 - Consolidated Federal Law. In: www.ris.bka.gv.at. Retrieved December 2, 2016 .
- ↑ Street Smarts: Restraining Suspects | Preview . In: Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews . March 31, 2014 ( tactical-life.com [accessed November 28, 2016]).
- ^ On the Job: Lifesaving Handcuffing Tactics . In: Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews . December 30, 2014 ( tactical-life.com [accessed November 28, 2016]).
- ↑ TIHK: Proper placement of Handcuffs and Variations . In: TIHK . ( tihk.co [accessed November 28, 2016]).
- ↑ Surviving Handcuffing | Hendon Publishing. In: www.hendonpub.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016 .
- ↑ a b Basic Power and Handcuffing Techniques. (PDF) Retrieved November 28, 2016 .
- ↑ Kneeling Handcuff and Search: Defensive Tactics | Officer.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016 .
- ↑ Prone Handcuffing and Search: Defensive Tactics | Officer.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016 .
- ↑ Hobbling . In: CorrectionsOne.com , July 27, 2013.
- ↑ Police Technical Institute of the Police Leadership Academy: Technical Guideline - Handcuffs lockable ( Memento from January 13, 2006 in the Internet Archive ), as of October 2004 ( PDF )
- ↑ Criminal Justice Restraints NIJ Standard 1001.00. In: NIJ Standard 1001.00. National Institute of Justice, September 2014, accessed January 29, 2019 .
