What should an officer do when handcuffing an unruly prisoner?

When dealing with an unruly prisoner, handcuffing the individual’s hands behind their back with leg restraints if necessary is the best practice for maintaining control and ensuring safety. This technique effectively secures the individual in a way that minimizes the risk of escape or further aggressive behavior. Handcuffing behind the back restricts the prisoner’s range of motion, making it more difficult for them to perform actions that could lead to harm to themselves or others.

The addition of leg restraints may be critical in situations where the individual continues to exhibit violent or unruly behavior, allowing officers to prevent the potential for kicking or running away. This comprehensive approach addresses both the need for control and the safety of all parties involved.

While calling for backup can be appropriate in many situations to ensure safety, it should not delay the process of securing a potentially dangerous individual. Training emphasizes that officers should aim to secure and control the situation efficiently. In contrast, using only handcuffs without leg restraints or handcuffing in front can leave the officer and others vulnerable to harm, particularly with individuals who may already be exhibiting aggressive behavior.