| Modern day Handcuffs are available in different | | | | Handcuffs are made to ensure that the person |
| styles, and made by several companies. The | | | | does not escape, although some still try. There |
| design remains the same throughout. Sturdy, | | | | are certain companies that even make Handcuffs |
| metal "bracelets" devised to keep a criminal | | | | in a wide range of colors. It's not unusual to see |
| restrained. The key the officer has is the only | | | | these in yellow, red, blue, green, purple, pink and |
| way to open them once they have been placed | | | | orange. |
| on the wrists. Some of the Handcuffs are | | | | Police officers take care to see that the |
| attached to a chain that is placed around the | | | | Handcuffs are not too tight, although some |
| waist of the prisoner, and often is also attached | | | | criminals may state loudly that the cuffs hurt and |
| to a set of leg shackles that are placed around | | | | they are too snug. If a prisoner has been |
| the ankles. Often, you will see some Handcuffs | | | | handcuffed with his hands behind his back, the |
| that will have a security plate over the lock to aid | | | | officer must take notice that he or she does not |
| in the prevention of being "picked" open. Maximum | | | | have some type of device they can use to open |
| effort is often needed to restrain some of the | | | | them. This is why many police officers prefer to |
| worst criminals who have a known history of | | | | cuff the person in the front. The chain link |
| trying to escape. | | | | restraints are used quite often when the question |
| The Handcuffs can be made from various metals, | | | | of whether a prisoner will actually try to get out |
| including aluminum, carbon steel, or stainless steel. | | | | of the Handcuffs and attempt to run. The length |
| The bracelet of the cuffs is often adjustable to | | | | of chain attached to the leg irons will prevent this |
| prevent one from slipping them off. Some come | | | | quite easily. |
| in larger sizes for someone with a bigger than | | | | For added security, some law enforcement |
| average wrist. Some Handcuffs are linked | | | | agencies will resort to what is known as a double |
| together with a short chain, while others are rigid, | | | | locking system on the Handcuffs they use. The |
| or fixed. Still others may have a hinge between | | | | same key is used to employ the double lock. It |
| the two cuffs. This type of cuff is generally | | | | just requires an extra turn in the opposite |
| preferred because it restricts any arm | | | | direction after the cuff has been locked the first |
| movement, and is actually safer for the officer to | | | | time. This makes it even more difficult for a |
| use. Different manufactures use various styles in | | | | prisoner to get out of them, but in spite of |
| their designs. One thing is certain, however. All | | | | everything, some of them will still try. |