What is your experience with flexi-cuffs?

[Nawu]

I'm doing research on flexi cuffs for use in restraining suspects.
I'm seeking some real-world feedback from LEOs that have used some form of flexible cuffs (zip ties) to restrain suspects.
Any inputs or feedback from retailers are also welcome.

I'm interested in the following:

1. What kind have you used? (normal zip ties, specially designed for restraining, brands, etc).
2. How effective are/were they in your experience?
3. Do you prefer them over traditional metal cuffs?
4. How did/do you remove them from the suspect? (knife, scissors, side cutters, seatbelt cutters, etc?)
5. Were you issued these or did you buy yourself and what did they cost per unit (if you know)?

Any other comments you have on using them.

Thanks.

[Dylanm]

I'm doing research on flexi cuffs for use in restraining suspects.
I'm seeking some real-world feedback from LEOs that have used some form of flexible cuffs (zip ties) to restrain suspects.
Any inputs or feedback from retailers are also welcome.

I'm interested in the following:

1. What kind have you used? (normal zip ties, specially designed for restraining, brands, etc).
2. How effective are/were they in your experience?
3. Do you prefer them over traditional metal cuffs?
4. How did/do you remove them from the suspect? (knife, scissors, side cutters, seatbelt cutters, etc?)
5. Were you issued these or did you buy yourself and what did they cost per unit (if you know)?

Any other comments you have on using them.

Thanks.

Nawu, I am not a LEO but I keep 3 sets of cobra cuffs with me incase I need them. There is a youtube vid where they review them. Pretty hardcore cuffs that you will suffer to get out of even when cuffed up front.
I purchased some from rescomp a while back.
I understand there are cable ties with reinforcing but I reckon these cobra cuffs will be easier to use when the suspect is jumping and squirming around like an insect.

[Todor]

They are effective, but as with any mechanical restraint technique counts and restraining movement versatility is vital - hands behind the back, wrists away from locking mechanism etc.

There's the dual-loop purpose-made ones ( http://thespecialistsltd.com/files/black_zip_cuffs.jpg ) and the oversized cable ties as (rarely) issued by the SAPS. Since they aren't re-usable I still resort to my metal cuffs unless dealing with multiple suspects.
Easiest way to get them off is with a serrated knife. I have have heard stories of suspects being able to break them, but haven't witnessed it myself and all the videos on youtube only demonstrate breakage when the suspect is cuffed from the front so back to technique.

This is the SAPS issue cable tie next to a G26. I've heard of people being able to purchase similar size black ones, but not sure where from - if you know, I am all ears. Anything smaller is pretty easy to break with some wrist twisting.

[long range]

1.Specially Design
2.Very effective
3.Yes, can carry many of them with minimum space and wight how ever cost is a factor since the metal ones can be re used
4.Side cutters
5.Issued

[Nawu]

Just to clarify: I'm not doing research for myself. The research is part of a research project to see what the best type of restraint is to issue to our operational members.

There are various problems with current metal cuffs: Cost, sanitation, members losing cuffs when suspects are handed over, etc.


Todor: Have you tried other methods of removing the ties? I have to look at a "safe" method of removal. Knives close to suspect's wrists open up too much room for injury. It seems seat belt cutters are used by some (like ResQ tool), but I'm not convinced they will actually cut the tough plastic easily enough. Will test this with Cobra Cuffs tomorrow as part of evaluation.
Do you use one ziptie on a suspect or do you tie two together (one per wrist)?

Dylanm: Thanks, yes I've done a fair bit of research on the Cobra Cuffs. They look really good and I've got a sample set to test. I have some reservations on some aspects which will be tested but my biggest concern at the moment is safe removal of the ties by members. This will be true for all ziptie-like cuffs so any good ideas on this will be much appreciated.

[Todor]

Todor: Have you tried other methods of removing the ties? I have to look at a "safe" method of removal. Knives close to suspect's wrists open up too much room for injury. It seems seat belt cutters are used by some (like ResQ tool), but I'm not convinced they will actually cut the tough plastic easily enough. Will test this with Cobra Cuffs tomorrow as part of evaluation.
Do you use one ziptie on a suspect or do you tie two together (one per wrist)?

I guess side cutters will work, and yes - the knives are close calls some times. Spring steel shims or thin screw driver in the locking mechanism are another way, but if you are looking to standardise you'll have to do some experimentation.

I generally use one per suspect, but have come across some rather large gentlemen who have trouble bringing their wrists together behind their back so you may end up using two or more.

[Nawu]

I guess side cutters will work, and yes - the knives are close calls some times. Spring steel shims or thin screw driver in the locking mechanism are another way, but if you are looking to standardise you'll have to do some experimentation.

I generally use one per suspect, but have come across some rather large gentlemen who have trouble bringing their wrists together behind their back so you may end up using two or more.

Thanks, appreciate the info.

[ikor]

No matter what sort of cuffs you use, you must always remember that they are only temporary restraining devices. I doubt there was ever a cuff design (including flex cuffs) that no one could get out of...not to mention those lanky-asses who can step thru them, thus bringing them in front. 'Proper Technique' with hands back to back, etc. is great...so long as your guy will hold reasonably still for you and you have no other persons or situations to distract you...but what if you do? (and often you will)

The guys in SA have not yet been plagued with the levels of lawsuits like the boys in the states have to contend with, but your day is coming. SAPS has consistently had far more suits than they will admit every year. Then, how tight are you gonna chinch them? How do you know when 'tight' is TOO tight? (which can cut off blood flow and cause injury) What training have your guys had? And how about the lads with the huge wrists or the females with tiny ones? Do you teach speed cuffing and if so, do you recertify yearly?

Good quality steel double-locking handcuffs are the standard for a reason, and despite the problems you have mentioned (and others as well) no one has yet come out with a better system. IMO flex cuffs are certainly not it, at least at the current state of the art. They work for emergency use with large numbers of people, etc. and can be stuck under belt keepers or other gear already on the belt so they don't get in the way badly, but as a primary tool for handcuffing? No.

Most US cops keep two sets of steel, double locking handcuffs...hinged models are best and also usually can handle larger wrist sizes...on the duty belt and a couple more handy in their gear bags plus good quality, flex cuffs (Safariland makes some good ones and they also make the double-looped models as well). Side cutters will work, but ASP makes a cool tool to cut flex cuffs safely and does it better...here http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail....mber=ASP-56225

Like ear and eye protection for the range, no one has come up with a perfect system for issuing handcuffs, making sure the guys bring them to work, and then get their own cuffs back if someone else transports a prisoner.

[Nawu]

Ikor: Thanks, you make some very good points.

My research will look at all the options and how to best address the problems. Unfortunately cost plays a massive role when outfitting close to 3000 members with any piece of kit and our department has not issued metal cuffs in many years. I understand cost was the major factor and the standard blue single cable tie (seen in the third post from the top) is all that has been issued since.

The idea is to see what solution is acceptable for our department on an operational and financial level. Ideally two pairs of metal cuffs with flexicuffs for backup, but the costs would be prohibitive.

Do you know if US agencies have any policies in place for dealing with contamination (blood, excrement, etc) of metal cuffs or is it up to officers to keep them clean?

[krieger]

Flexi, tie or zip cuffs are temporary and you must have direct, hands on control of the person.
They are way too easy to get out of by breaking or cutting.

I can break them; it doesn't matter if I am cuffed front or back. Same for cutting them.