{{Short description|Law Enforcement security device}} thumb|Front stack position thumb|Parallel position {{External media | float = right | width = 225px | video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_4xnzwyg40 Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains] | video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtFYnsDVJ_4 Sisco Handcuff Security Cover Demonstration] | video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwB82sQV-Aw BOA Handcuff High Security Transport Box Usage Instructions] }}
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.<ref name=":0">{{cite patent|title=Safety shield for double-lock handcuffs|pubdate=Apr 16, 1991|inventor-last=Thompson|inventor-first=Charles E.|country=US|number=5007257}}</ref>
The first handcuff cover was invented by J. D. Cullip and K. E. Stefansen<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Guidebook to Handcuffs and other Restraints of the World|last=Nichols|first=Alex R.|publisher=Kingscourt|year=2002|pages=192}}</ref> and patented in 1973.<ref>{{cite patent|title=Handcuff cover assembly|pubdate=Jun 26, 1973|inventor-last=J|inventor2-last=K|inventor-first=Cullip|inventor2-first=Stefansen|country=US|number=3740977}}</ref> It is made from high-strength, high-impact ABS plastic<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://candssecurity.com/5th_model_handcuff%20cover.html|title=Handcuffs Gang Chains |publisher=C&S Security Prisoner Transport |access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2016-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812171742/http://candssecurity.com/5th_model_handcuff%20cover.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is still distributed by C & S Security Inc. as "Black Box" handcuff cover.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.candssecurity.com/about_us.html|title=About: C&S Security Prisoner Transport|website=www.candssecurity.com|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611222523/http://candssecurity.com/about_us.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other companies sell similar devices, e.g. CTS Thompson ("Blue Box" handcuff cover) or Sisco restraints.
A handcuff cover has two key purposes:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.alexhandcuffs.com/section_1.2.htm|title=Collection 2|website=www.alexhandcuffs.com|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2017-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819171408/http://www.alexhandcuffs.com/section_1.2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 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.<ref name=":1" /> When using a handcuff cover in combination with a belly chain, the hands may be cuffed in a parallel or in a stacked 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<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://forgottenmajority.net/index.php/2014/11/21/the-infamous-black-box/|title=THE INFAMOUS BLACK BOX|newspaper=Forgotten Majority|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2017-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321063608/http://forgottenmajority.net/index.php/2014/11/21/the-infamous-black-box/|url-status=live}}</ref> because in this arrangement, the individual's wrists are restrained in close proximity to the torso.<ref name=":1">{{cite patent|title=V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs|pubdate=March 31, 1998|inventor-last=Moore|inventor2-last=Bray|inventor-first=Eddie G.|inventor2-first=Jerrell|country=US|number=5732576|}}</ref>
In a parallel position, the restraint will cause the wrists to spread outwardly in an angular relationship.<ref name=":1" /> As the handcuff cover provides a rigid structure, the individual's wrists may be bruised or cocked, restricting blood circulation.<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=From the Founder |url=https://www.siscorestraint.com/category-s/1830.htm |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=www.siscorestraint.com |archive-date=2023-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612130657/https://www.siscorestraint.com/category-s/1830.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
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".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.alexhandcuffs.com/inuse.htm|title=PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY ILLUSTRATING ITEMS IN USE|website=www.alexhandcuffs.com|access-date=2017-01-15|archive-date=2017-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424190415/http://www.alexhandcuffs.com/inuse.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
<gallery widths="200" heights="200"> File:Blue Box 4.jpg|CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover File:Blue Box 2.jpg|The handcuffs are put into the plastic box. File:Blue Box 3.jpg|The box is closed and fixed with the metallic slider. File:"blue box" handcuff cover.jpg|Prisoner in handcuffs with a CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover, secured with a belly chain around the prisoner's waist. File:Sisco prisoner transport restraint.jpg|Sisco handcuff cover with angled ends </gallery>
== See also == * Hiatt speedcuffs—A similar device.
== References == <references />
Category:Law enforcement equipment Category:Penal imprisonment Category:Physical restraint