Heavy coats / long sleeves, and handcuffing...

[Sabre]

We know that a large percentage of officers are assaulted while attempting to handcuff a suspect. I've also been trained that one of the biggest officer safety points of handcuffing is speed of application. That is, getting them on quickly once you make contact because a significnat percentage of assaults begin the moment the first cuff is applied.

That considered, what is the best way to deal with people wearing long-sleeved coats that interfere with the cuffs? All of my training has been with people wearing T-shirts. With coats, I tend to fumble around, trying to get the sleeve out of the way and get the cuff to "click". This seems like it takes several seconds.

How do you guys deal with sleeves that obstruct the wrists?

[jakflak]

About 9 out of 10 people I arrest is wearing a parka and gloves. The first cuff is easy, push up the sleeve and click. For reasons I've never quite understood, the second one is always harder. I keep a good hold on the chain with one hand while pushing up the sleeve with the other. If they decide to not be nice at this point, twisting that chain a little forces them to turn away from me. If that doesn't convince them, a quick pull and they're on the ground complaining that their wrist hurts.

You have to be careful with this one, you can break a wrist. But, the golden rule of LE: go home safe at the end of the shift.

[Sabre]

If that doesn't convince them, a quick pull and they're on the ground complaining that their wrist hurts.

You have to be careful with this one, you can break a wrist. But, the golden rule of LE: go home safe at the end of the shift.

I think you are talking about what PPCT calls the "iron wristlock takedown". Ya, 'tis nicely effective :D

I believe that I understand the method you are talking about. I've been trying to grab the hand with my weak-side and cuff with the strong side, as trained, while using the single-bar of the cuff to push the sleeve up a little before application. It hasn't worked so well.

[SRT936]

Right hand on the cuffs holding the chain, both single straps facing out. As you step in to apply, use your reaction hand to grab the upper sleeve/shoulder area of the jacket and pull up. This opens up a gap on wrist. Apply first cuff. If they start to get squirrelly its a straight push to the ground with the added leaverage of the cuffs. By having your hand high on the shoulder, you can feel the increased muscle tension just prior them acting. If all goes well, repeat the process for the follow up hand.