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 videos
Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains
Sisco Handcuff Security Cover Demonstration
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
• 
  The handcuffs are put into the plastic box.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.