We deliver Level 2 handcuffing courses to the private security industry, NHS staff, private nursing and police. This can be a Level 2 BTEC, if required, at an additional cost.
We cover Human Rights, Health and Safety, Manual Handling and the law in relation to Handcuffing as well as handcuffing, escorting and restraint techniques.
This is 1 day course.
Can either be delivered at our training premises or if you prefer a bespoke course at your own premises please contact us for details.
The Law in relation to Handcuffing:
Being in possession and the use of handcuffs, providing their intended use is for lawful purposes, handcuffs are not an offensive weapon nor are they prohibited in any way. Many areas of the UK encourage the lawful use of handcuffs sanctioned by local police forces; in some cases training is also provided by the local law enforcement teams.
In some circumstances handcuffing is regarded as a preferable restraint practice, particularly where alternatives such as group restraint may pose a threat to the welfare of the person being restrained. When applying handcuffs the subject should be sitting back on their feet and the restraints should be applied within 30 seconds. At all times positional asphyxia should be at the forefront of consideration.
- Safety of the public
- Your own safety
- The safety of the detainee
When should handcuffs be used?
- To prevent a violent offender / violent patient from assaulting or injuring you or a member of the public.
- When you judge it necessary to prevent the offender’s / patient’s escape from the scene.
- During the transportation of the offender / patient either by vehicle or during restrained escorting duties.
- As a prevention tactic to stop the offender / patient from harming themselves, you or members of the public.
Officer may employ the use of handcuffs on reasonable grounds when:
- The offender is likely to commit an act of violence against the arresting officer/s or bystanders.
- There are reasonable grounds to suspect that the offender is likely to escape custody.
The term ‘Reasonable Grounds’ is defined by the circumstances of individual cases applied as an objective rule based on the decision that the offender / patient is likely to commit an act of violence or will attempt to escape.In the case of juveniles, women or the elderly the consideration of reasonable grounds and exceptional circumstances should be carefully applied.
The justified use of handcuffs is governed by Section 3 of the Criminal Law act which clearly states:
- A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in prevention of a crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large.
Common Law and use of Force
In the UK the use of force on an individual is considered unlawful unless the following circumstances prevail:
- As an act of self defence
- To save a life
- Lawful arrest is the only option
- The prevention of a crime or further criminal acts
- Preventing an intended Breach of the Peace
Justified use of restraint
- Force used in any confrontation MUST be seen as REASONABLE based on the likelihood of the suspect’s resistance.
- Other options to calm the situation have failed.
- When a potentially volatile situation provides no further option.
