2-06/030.05 Handcuffing



Handcuffs are one of the most important and frequently used tools by personnel in court. They are the most common restraint used for short trips to court and to the lockup. Handcuffs are only as secure as personnel make them. They are a restraining device to give personnel greater control of an inmate. They do not immobilize inmates, they merely limit their activities and act as a reminder that they are in custody. Every person taken into custody must be considered dangerous until placed in a cell, and generally all persons shall be handcuffed regardless of age, size, or sex.

Handcuffing inmates is a "routine" exercise, but improper procedures could lead to serious injury to the bailiff or another person. To assure safety, it is an advantage to handcuff and search an inmate as soon as possible.

Procedures and precautions for handcuffing:

  • After placing handcuffs on an inmate's wrist, personnel should inspect the ratchets to make sure they are secure. Always double-lock handcuffs.
  • Handcuffs should never be carried double-locked. They will be useless if needed in an urgent situation.
  • Particular care should be taken when searching inmates for objects that may be used to disengage handcuffs. Never assume that the inmate's arms are secured by the handcuffs. Be alert for such items as a secreted handcuff key, paper clip, thin piece of metal, etc. All of these items can be used to disengage the ratchet on handcuffs.
  • Handcuff all single inmates behind their back, unless otherwise dictated by classification of the inmate or physical limitations.
    • Pursuant to California Penal Code section 3407, the following policies and procedures shall be adhered to:
      • All pregnant inmates shall only be handcuffed with their hands in front of their body; no waist chains shall be used. In addition, leg irons or any other leg restraint device such as the “Ripp Hobble”, shall not be used on pregnant inmates at any time;
      • A pregnant inmate in labor, during delivery, or in recovery after delivery, shall not be restrained by the waist, ankles, or both, unless deemed necessary for the safety and security of the inmate, the staff, or the public;
      • Restraints shall be removed when a medical professional who is currently responsible for the medical care of a pregnant inmate during a medical emergency, labor, delivery, or recovery after delivery determines that the removal of restraints is medically necessary;
      • This section shall not be interpreted to require restraints in a case where restraints are not required pursuant to a statute, regulation, or correctional facility policy;
      • Upon confirmation of an inmate’s pregnancy by medical staff, the inmate shall be advised, orally or in writing, of the standards and policies governing pregnant inmates, including, but not limited to: the provisions of this section, P.C. 3407, the relevant regulations, and the correctional facility policies;
      • For the purposes of this section, P.C. 3407, “inmate” means an adult or juvenile who is incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility.
    • Never leave a handcuffed inmate unattended, without the proper safety checks.
    • A lone Deputy or CA shall use the available safety options to handcuff an inmate housed in a cell prior to opening the door.
      • Refer to CSDM, 1-04/060.00 – Handcuffing Port Use and Tactical Employment of All Safety Equipment.
    • Two inmates may be handcuffed with one set of handcuffs.