A handcuff cover is a plastic or metal cover that can be placed over 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.
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]
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] However, some models come with angled ends which allows hands and arms to relax in an appropriate posture, therefore reducing physical stress on the individual being transported.[9]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains | |
| Sisco Handcuff Security Cover Demonstration | |
| BOA Handcuff High Security Transport Box Usage Instructions |
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".[10]
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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. -
Sisco handcuff cover with angled ends
- ^ US 5007257, Thompson, Charles E., "Safety shield for double-lock handcuffs", published Apr 16, 1991
- ^ Nichols, Alex R. (2002). A Guidebook to Handcuffs and other Restraints of the World. Kingscourt. p. 192.
- ^ US 3740977, J, Cullip & K, Stefansen, "Handcuff cover assembly", published Jun 26, 1973
- ^ "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". candssecurity.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-12. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". www.candssecurity.com. Archived from the original on 2016-06-11. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ "Collection 2". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ a b c d US 5732576, Moore, Eddie G. & Bray, Jerrell, "V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs", published March 31, 1998
- ^ "THE INFAMOUS BLACK BOX". Forgotten Majority. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ "From the Founder". www.siscorestraint.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ "PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY ILLUSTRATING ITEMS IN USE". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.