Standing Handcuffing

a) Concepts

Use the double twistlock to turn him around into the rear escort double-twistlock position.

He can be escorted (in and out of handcuffs) with this joint lock.

Be heads up to threats, including objects thrown at you.

PRO TIP: maintain the double twistlock and have him assume the standing compliant handcuffing position:
– feet separated widely apart to deter mobility
– toes pointing outward to lock his hips/spine (making headbutting, kicking, and movement in general difficult)
– have him bring his free arm to his rear waistband to keep it visible, lest he grab a weapon or contraband

Try standing in this arrest position to see how it complicates, if not eliminates, an ability for an arrestee to kick, headbutt, or run from you.

Compliant arrestees can be softly controlled easily using the double-twistlock escort position (which can be quickly converted to a bent-arm bent wristlock if desired).

This single-handed control technique allows for easy adjustment of clothing at the wrist (including obstructive jewellery).

PRO TIP: the Fawcett Wrench takedown can be used at anytime when resistance is encountered during the handcuffing process (and even during a walking escort).

Adopt a split stance behind his free arm such that your advanced (outside) leg is touching his (inner) near-side leg for an extra element of control.

Lower his seized arm slightly and pull it to away from his back to allow an unobstructed access to his wrist with the first handcuff (i.e., the bottom cuff is top-loaded and applied first using the pistol grip).

PRO TIP: a “pistol grip” ensures that the cuff base is pressed both against the second baby finger joint / outer palm base (bottom cuff) and the second index finger joint / web of hand (top cuff), thereby creating stabilizing handcuff tension via the tension in the chain.

Those with big hands, let the top part of your hand overlap the upper cuff for later readjustment).

With the lower cuff touching the wrist, briskly pull his wrist into the bottom cuff and simultaneously push the cuff onto the wrist (double push) to give it the best chance of engaging without the need for injuriously hammering it on.

Bare his wrist(s) of clothing (and possibly obstructive jewellery).

Handcuffing over clothing is not recommended as it can allow him to later slip out of the cuffs when such clothing is manipulated free.

Clothing can also impede the cuffing process if it gets caught up in the ratchet thereby jamming it.

Apply the cufflink lock and use your free hand acquire a proper handshake grip on his other hand (i.e., do not grip his wrist).

Apply the second handcuff.

Then search his waistband immediately, retaining the double twistlock if desired.