Handcuffs are restraint
devices to secure an
individual’s wrist close
together. They comprise two
parts, linked together by a
chain, a hinge, or rigid bar.
Each half has a rotating arm
which engages with a ratchet
that prevents it from being
opened once closed around a
person’s wrist. Without the
keys, the handcuffs cannot be
removed and so the handcuffed
person is unable to move his
or her wrists more than a few
centimeters/inches apart,
making many tasks difficult or
impossible. This is usually
done to prevent suspected
criminals from escaping police
custody. Handcuffs with double
locks have a lock-spring which
when engaged stops the cuff
from ratcheting tighter to
prevent the wearer from
tightening them. Double locks
also make picking the locks
more difficult. Plastic
restraints, known as wrist
ties, riot cuffs are
lightweight, disposable
plastic strips resembling
electrical cable ties. They
can be carried in large
quantities by soldiers and
police and are therefore
well-suited for situations
where many may be needed, such
as driving large-scale
protests and riots.
