I just wanted to point out that this is something we all need to think about. I was taking a seminar from Ayoob many years ago where he pointed out that off-duty officers should always have a set of cuffs with them if they are armed. His logic was that if you did get in a shooting, the plaintiff's attorney (or DA Earle) might try to argue that you only shot him because you had no other way to restrain him.
As many have pointed out, if you are alone and untrained, it is best to not go near a suspect to cuff him. They have been known to turn and attack in the middle of being cuffed, even with multiple officers present. They will usually wait until you get one cuff on them because this makes the cuffs a weapon as the swing that arm.
But, if you are carrying a weapon, you need to know what to do with the person IF you do get him to stop and surrender. While the sitting with the legs crossed works, I would probably prone him out as recommended by the NRA. This is police training too. A second good choice would be have him kneel down and then cross his ankles behind him with his hands on his head. It also has the tendency to inhibit his rapid response to anything. As soon as you can get him down, move to a position where he is not watching you (behind him if possible). This will let him worry about you and what you will do, while you can keep an eye on him.
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Return to “Can civilians carry handcuffs?”
- Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:49 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Can civilians carry handcuffs?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 23579
- Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:11 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Can civilians carry handcuffs?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 23579
For all of you who are truly anti-cuffs, let me pose a situation to you:
You have just come home and found the front door kicked in. You draw your weapon and your cell phone to call 911. As you are dialing, a man comes running out the front door towards you. You aim at him and tell him to stop. He complies, dropping the property he was carrying and raising his hands.
OK, you got him. Now what are you going to do with him?
Sort of like the question about the dog chasing the car.
On a more serious side, having cuffs available will at least give you an option. Obviously, you need a partner who also knows how to handcuff (which is not hard) and to stay out of your line of fire. I took one course from Ayoob several years back where he said all off-duty cops should also have their cuffs on them. Otherwise, a warped prosecutor or plaintiff's attorney is going to ask if you shot him simply because you could not secure him any other way. I am not sure I buy into that argument, but I have to admit the possibility of it.
You have just come home and found the front door kicked in. You draw your weapon and your cell phone to call 911. As you are dialing, a man comes running out the front door towards you. You aim at him and tell him to stop. He complies, dropping the property he was carrying and raising his hands.
OK, you got him. Now what are you going to do with him?
Sort of like the question about the dog chasing the car.
On a more serious side, having cuffs available will at least give you an option. Obviously, you need a partner who also knows how to handcuff (which is not hard) and to stay out of your line of fire. I took one course from Ayoob several years back where he said all off-duty cops should also have their cuffs on them. Otherwise, a warped prosecutor or plaintiff's attorney is going to ask if you shot him simply because you could not secure him any other way. I am not sure I buy into that argument, but I have to admit the possibility of it.