Handcuff cover

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.

front stack 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]

parallel position

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 video
video icon Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains
video icon Sisco Handcuff Security Cover Demonstration
video icon 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]

  • CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover
    CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover
  • The handcuffs are put into the plastic box.
    The handcuffs are put into the plastic box.
  • The box is closed and fixed with the metallic slider.
    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.
    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
    Sisco handcuff cover with angled ends

References
  1. US 5007257, Thompson, Charles E., "Safety shield for double-lock handcuffs", published Apr 16, 1991
  2. Nichols, Alex R. (2002). A Guidebook to Handcuffs and other Restraints of the World. Kingscourt. p. 192.
  3. US 3740977, J, Cullip & K, Stefansen, "Handcuff cover assembly", published Jun 26, 1973
  4. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". candssecurity.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-12. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  5. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". www.candssecurity.com. Archived from the original on 2016-06-11. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  6. "Collection 2". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  7. US 5732576, Moore, Eddie G. & Bray, Jerrell, "V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs", published March 31, 1998
  8. "THE INFAMOUS BLACK BOX". Forgotten Majority. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
  9. "From the Founder". www.siscorestraint.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  10. "PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY ILLUSTRATING ITEMS IN USE". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
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