Standing Handcuffing

b) Key Points

Handcuff his wrists back-to-back to keep him from grabbing at the you or the second cuff and to subsequently make using them in tandem difficult.

Apply constant wrist torque to maintain continuous control of him.

The Fawcett Wrench takedown can be applied at any stage in the handcuffing process (even after the handcuffs have been applied, but special care must be given to keeping him from falling onto his face).

Bare his wrist and pull his forearm away from his back (and lower it) as to allow unfettered access to it.

Apply a cufflink lock and bare his second wrist, then apply the second handcuff after you shake his hand (to keep your fingers away from this wrist, as the cuff needs to go there).

PRO TIP: remember that handcuffing an arrestee is done for reasons of safety, prevention of flight, or to preserve evidence, NOT because of Departmental policy or protocol (justifying this minor use of force is not onerous, but it stills needs justification).

Under these common prescribed conditions, handcuffing is neither negotiable nor avoidable when you are making a lawful and skillful arrest.

As with the application of every use of force, you must be justified in doing so, even when using handcuffs.