Handcuff cover

A handcuff cover is a piece of plastic or metal that can be placed around a pair of handcuffs. It consists of a hinged, box-like assembly locked over the handcuff chain, wristlets and keyholes.[1]

The first handcuff cover was invented by J.D. Cullip and K.E. Stefansen[2] and patented in 1973.[3] It is made from high-strength, high-impact ABS plastic[4] and is still distributed by C & S Security Inc. as "Black Box" handcuff cover.[5] Other companies sell similar devices, e.g. CTS Thompson ("Blue Box" handcuff cover) or Sisco restraints.

A handcuff cover has two key purposes:[6]

  • It converts a pair of standard chain link handcuffs into rigid handcuffs, providing a rather more severe restraint.
  • It covers the keyholes of the handcuffs for further security.
front stack position

In most cases, a handcuff cover is used in combination with a martin link belly chain which fixes the handcuffs at waist level. This provides a rather uncomfortable restraint and may result in injury to the individual if maintained for an extended period of time.[7] When using a handcuff cover in combination with a belly chain, the hands may be cuffed in a parallel or in a stacked position.

In the stacked position, the shackled person's freedom of movement is strongly restricted and the arms are kept in a rather unnatural position which may cause discomfort or even pain[8] because in this arrangement, the individual's wrists are restrained in close proximity to the torso.[7]

parallel position

In a parallel position, the restraint will cause the wrists to spread outwardly in an angular relationship.[7] As the handcuff cover provides a rigid structure, the individual's wrists may be bruised or cocked, restricting blood circulation.[7]

External video
Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains
Presentation and demonstration of "Falcon" handcuff cover

A handcuff cover can also be linked with a connector chain to a pair of leg irons. Individuals with a handcuff cover fitted over their handcuffs can also be restrained together for transportation using so-called "gang chains".[9]

  • CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover
  • The handcuffs are put into the plastic box.
  • The box is closed and fixed with the metallic slider.
  • Prisoner in handcuffs with a CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover, secured with a belly chain around the prisoner's waist.

References
  1. , Thompson, Charles E., "Safety shield for double-lock handcuffs"
  2. Nichols, Alex R. (2002). A Guidebook to Handcuffs and other Restraints of the World. Kingscourt. p. 192.
  3. , J, Cullip & Stefansen K, "Handcuff cover assembly"
  4. http://www.got-webdesign.com, Got Web, Inc. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". candssecurity.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  5. http://www.got-webdesign.com, Got Web, Inc. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". www.candssecurity.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  6. "Collection 2". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  7. , Moore, Eddie G. & Jerrell Bray, "United States Patent: 5732576 - V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs"
  8. "THE INFAMOUS BLACK BOX". Forgotten Majority. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  9. "PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY ILLUSTRATING ITEMS IN USE". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
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