Handcuffs is the correct name. Use of handcuffs by private security guards (110375). From clothesline

Handcuffs are an essential attribute of representatives of security and law enforcement agencies. Proper use of these special means allows you to quickly limit the physical ability of a detainee who is physically resisting or committing unlawful acts. Classic handcuffs are two metal bracelets connected by two welded chain links. The locking part of the handcuffs allows them to snap into place without the use of a key, and also to fix the latch from further pinching.

Handcuffs: metal rings connected by a chain, worn on the hands of criminals, prisoners

Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

In 1912, a revolution took place in the manufacture of handcuffs. Before that, they, frankly, most of all resembled a padlock. But the Peerless engineers decided that this was not enough, and in order to shackle a person securely, you need individual approach. So there was a design with a shackle that turned through. Now the handcuffs could be adjusted to the size of the hands of each individual person. In addition, a ratchet mechanism was used in the handcuffs, the principle of which is based on the fact that the upper shackle of the handcuffs could freely rotate only in one direction, and vice versa only if the ratchet is held by the key.

What are handcuffs?

Classic handcuffs are two metal bracelets connected by two welded chain links. The locking part of the handcuffs allows them to snap into place without the use of a key, as well as to fix the latch from further unnecessary and even dangerous pinching.
The size of the handcuffs allows them to be used on an arbitrarily small hand (we are talking about adults), because. in the extreme position, the arms are compressed to an oval with sides of 5 and 4.5 cm, but they can also be snapped on the wrists enough big size or even at the ankle. When worn on a belt, a case is used to carry handcuffs.

Handcuffs "BR-S", "BR-S2", "BKS-1", "BOS" are included in the list special means used in private security activities.

Conditions for use and storage of handcuffs:

Operate at temperatures from -30 to + 40°C; the product must be stored in a package in a closed room with an air temperature of +5 C to +40 C and a relative humidity of not more than 80%

Avoid joint storage with acids, alkalis and other substances that are aggressive towards metals;

During operation, one should take into account the degree of rigidity of the structure and the reliability of fixing each type of handcuffs, determined by the type of locks and connecting devices between the bracelets.

How to put on handcuffs

Ways to use handcuffs are determined in the decision process specific tasks, for example, when delivering (escorting, escorting), hands are shackled. Other, more restrictive measures of restraint may be used to prevent violent behavior, including shackling the arms, legs, and torso. As a rule, handcuffs are put on the hands behind the back (when delivering the offender by transport, handcuffs are put on in the front position).
Putting on handcuffs is used, as a rule, after painful holds and throws or under the threat of a firearm.

Handcuffs can be worn on the opponent in a standing, lying, kneeling position.

When putting on handcuffs, regardless of the position of the enemy, a number of rules must be observed:

1. before putting on handcuffs, you should use forceful measures or the threat of force to force your opponent into a position that is convenient for their use and makes it difficult for him to attack you
2. the opponent must be tightly pressed with his chest and stomach to the ground, wall, etc.
3. to put on handcuffs, hands are alternately wound behind the back, and they are subjected to pain
4. when putting on handcuffs, it is necessary that the locking device is adjacent to inner surface wrists, and the sector turned in such a direction as to exclude the possibility of it catching on clothes or the body

Putting on handcuffs, you must be on the side of the enemy, out of reach of the legs. It is dangerous to handcuff only one hand of the detainee while holding the other in his hand, as he can use this position to strike.
For a more reliable restriction of movement, the following hand positions are used when handcuffing (tying):

• hands behind the back, hands one above the other
• hands behind the back, hands pressed one to the other with the back side

Special means in strict accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation are objects, devices, mechanisms, substances and animals that can be used in the process of performing service-combat and other tasks related to law enforcement or security activities.

Handcuffs are special means with a passive effect, made as two rings with a lock (bracelets), which are connected to each other. Handcuffs are typically used by law enforcement officers or private security guards to restrict the movement of detainees or escorted persons. Basically, all handcuffs are metal and are worn on the wrists.

History of handcuffs

It is believed that handcuffs first appeared at the time of the invention of metalworking. Then it was heavy shackles, which were closed and removed only in the forge. These were the so-called "handcuffs" without a key. Prior to this, ropes or other suitable items were used to bind the hands of the detainees. All of these items had many shortcomings. Revolutionary changes took place at the beginning of the 20th century, when a mechanism was invented with reusable in the form of bows. They turned freely, and the handcuffs themselves were adjusted to the size of the wrists of people.

At the same time, for the first time, the product was endowed with a ratchet mechanism, which meant that the upper arms in handcuffs could easily make turns in only one direction. AT reverse direction the ratchet was held by a key. The handcuff bracelets were connected to each other with welded steel chain links. The product created then has come down to us practically unchanged.

In Russia, private security companies have now been allowed to use certain types of handcuffs: BR-S and BR-S2, as well as BKS-1 and BOS. For wearing on the belt, a special case for handcuffs is used.

Use of handcuffs

When deciding on the use of handcuffs, the expediency of their use is primarily determined. Is it worth it to release the handcuff case at all? They are mainly used during transportation or during the escort of offenders, as well as in the process of escorting convicts or when conducting court hearings in premises unprepared for these purposes.

How to handcuff

Basically, handcuffs are put on the wrists from the “hands behind the back” position. However, delivering offenders to vehicles, "bracelets" are allowed to be worn in the position of the hands in front. The actual process of putting on handcuffs should take place after a warning command for the offender that it is possible to use force against him in the form of the use of techniques. hand-to-hand combat or special equipment. In cases of malicious disobedience, even the use of weapons is not ruled out.

Procedure for handcuffing

Before use, the handcuff cover is opened, in which the locking device of the product remains unlocked, in its primary position.

1. In order to put on handcuffs, you need to hold them with your hand in the area of ​​the locking device. Further, applying a sector to the wrist of the offender, press on the locking device so that the sector rotates along its axis by one hundred and eighty degrees and passes into the locking device. Then, squeezing the sector in the direction of movement with such force that the possible extraction of the hand or excessive squeezing of the wrist, which can lead to circulatory disorders, is excluded, put on the handcuff;
2. After handcuffing and after establishing required size(the bracelets should fit snugly around the wrists, and the hands should easily turn and fit snugly against the fixed handcuffs), the locking mechanisms are transferred to the fixed positions. For these purposes, in BR type handcuffs, a key is inserted into the locking mechanism, which is turned clockwise, and in BR-S type handcuffs, the tail part of the key must fix the repulsor.

How to remove handcuffs

Before removing the handcuffs, the handcuff key must be turned to the “open” position. In BRovsky handcuffs, you should turn it twice in the opposite direction from the clockwise direction. Further, while holding it in this position, the locking mechanism is uncoupled from the toothed half-brackets. In BR-OSV handcuffs, the key is first turned counterclockwise (to remove from fixation), and then in the opposite direction. With this retention of the key, the process of uncoupling the locking mechanism from the toothed half-brackets takes place.

After the removal of special means, they must be immediately and carefully folded into the handcuff case.

Rules for putting on special equipment such as handcuffs

Handcuffs may be placed on offenders in their standing, lying and kneeling positions. In this case, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Before putting on handcuffs, using force or threatening to use a weapon, force the offender to take a position convenient for the guard, excluding the possibility of an attack on his part;
• The offender must be pressed by the body body close to the surface of the earth, floor, wall, etc.;
• To put on handcuffs, the arm is alternately bent behind the back with a painful effect;
• Avoid the possibility of hooks by locking mechanisms for the elements outerwear or the offender's body;
• To handcuff, being on the side of the offender, being out of reach of his legs;
• Do not put the product on only one limb of the offender, holding the other in your hand. Being in this position, the offender without special difficulties can strike unexpectedly.

Rules for the use of handcuffs

Handcuffs are operated at temperature conditions from - 30 to + 40 ° С. Products must be stored in packages in enclosed spaces with temperature regime from +5 C to +40 C, and relative humidity it should not exceed 80%. Recommended periodic cleaning and lubrication of products in accordance with the instructions of manufacturers. Keyless handcuffs are saved. To wear special equipment in the service, the instructions recommend using a special case for handcuffs.

When it is forbidden to use special means in the form of handcuffs

It is forbidden to use special means in relation to pregnant women, with obvious signs of pregnancy, to the disabled and minors, except when they offer armed resistance or commit a group attack that may threaten the health or life of a security guard.

In circumstances where it is not possible to avoid the use of special means, the guards are obliged to show composure and equanimity, act calmly, soberly assess the current situation and the goals and objectives that must be achieved, with a minimum possibility of causing damage to their health and inflicting minimal bodily injury offender.

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

Part 1. Device and types of handcuffs. Ways of putting on and interaction when putting on handcuffs.

The first handcuffs were handcuffed by one person to another immediately after iron was invented. And the first mass batch of steel bracelets came out at the beginning of the 16th century. By the way, then the handcuffs were called "Darby", in translation - "hand shackles". This model of handcuffs survived well into the early twentieth century. Darby could be put on both hands and feet. It was not very easy to get out of such bracelets, but they had one significant drawback - the size was not regulated.
A person with small hands could easily slip out of Darby. Therefore, manufacturers were forced to eventually launch the production of at least three different sizes. The largest ones (they were produced in the largest batches) were, of course, intended for men, the medium ones for women, and finally the smallest ones for juvenile delinquents. By the way, children's handcuffs were also used to shackle fragile women with thin brushes.

In 1912, a revolution took place in the manufacture of handcuffs. Before that, they, frankly, most of all resembled a padlock. But the Peerless engineers decided that this was not enough, and in order to shackle a person securely, an individual approach is needed. So there was a design with a shackle that turned through. Now the handcuffs could be adjusted to the size of the hands of each individual person.
In 1932, Peerless and Smith & Wesson finalized the design of the new handcuffs. Since then, they have been used by police all over the world. For example, in Russia, NPO Spetsmaterialy from St. Petersburg produces a copy of the Peerless model. In Russia, these handcuffs are wittily called "Tenderness".

Handcuff device

Classic handcuffs consist of two locking devices, with gear sectors rotating on an axis, interconnected by a two-link chain and a key. The locking part of the handcuffs allows them to snap into place without the use of a key, and also to fix the latch from further unnecessary dangerous pinching.
The size of the handcuffs allows them to be used on an arbitrarily small hand, because. in the extreme position, the arms are compressed to an oval with sides of 5 and 4.5 cm, but they can also be snapped on to fairly large wrists or even to the ankle.

Sector 2 should rotate freely counterclockwise. To fix the sector in the engaged position with the locking device, it is necessary to sink the pusher 5 into the locking device with the tail of the key.

To open the handcuffs, it is necessary to insert the key 4 into the keyhole and turn it counterclockwise, which will allow the locking device to be released from the fixation, then turn the key 4 clockwise to disengage the sector from the locking device.

Preparation of handcuffs for putting on consists in the fact that the sector is engaged with the locking device and is installed on the last tooth. The locking device must be in the unlocked position (the pusher is not recessed).

Before handcuffing, the opponent's hand must be brought to a comfortable position (release the wrist). To put on handcuffs, it is necessary, while holding the locking device, to attach the sector to the wrist and sharply press the locking device so that the sector turns on the axis by 180 degrees and enters the locking device. Then it is necessary to squeeze the sector in the direction of movement so tightly to exclude the possibility of extracting the hand and excessive squeezing of the wrist, leading to circulatory arrest.
To fix the sector in this position, it is necessary to drown the pusher in the body of the handcuffs with the shank of the key.

Types of handcuffs

Currently, quite a lot of companies produce handcuffs that differ in shape and design. All of them can be used by police officers and private security companies, therefore, in the manual it makes sense to consider the main, most famous and common models.

Darby- translated as "hand shackles", it was this type of handcuffs that was the world standard for about 300 years. In some US states, such handcuffs are still used by the police. Similar handcuffs can be found in the museums of our country; they belong to the tsarist period. HIATT production. This firm still produces them for collectors. They are opened by screwing in a key, which is a tube with internal thread. The key is screwed onto the latch ending with a thread, and after pulling it out, the lock opens. No key required for locking.
The presented model does not fit the size of the wrist and the manufacturers were forced to produce handcuffs of different sizes, there were separately for men, women and even children.

peerless("incomparable") - famous and widespread American handcuffs, patent 1912, design 1932. In the 1970s. the patent has lost its validity, and now companies around the world are repeating them. They have anti-squeeze pins and a groove on the arc. They have a latch that allows you to block further movement of the arc and prevent possible over-tightening. The latch is activated by pressing the pin on the side with a pin on the key specially designed for this.
The Russian analogue of this model of handcuffs called "Tenderness" is widely used among law enforcement officers.

"Tenderness-2"- production of NPO Spetsmaterialy St. Petersburg. The halves of the handcuffs are connected instead of a chain with three metal earrings, which only allow them to turn (fold) a little, which provides a more rigid fixation of the hands and does not allow, for example, to get into a pocket located on the other side of the shackled hands. They have anti-squeeze pins and a groove on the arc. They have a latch that allows you to block further movement of the arc and prevent possible over-tightening. The latch is activated by pressing the pin on the side with a pin on the key specially designed for this.

"BR-S"- the main model of handcuffs, coming into service with domestic employees of the internal affairs bodies.
"BR2-M"- a simplified version. There is no anti-squeeze and no lock. The latch is similar to the "Tenderness-1" mechanism. The smallest in size of the chain. The secrecy of the castle leaves much to be desired, because. there is no pin preventing access to the lock mechanism, the keyhole is made much large sizes than it should. A turnkey hole is made on the opposite cheek, which is also the reason for the decrease in secrecy.
"Crab" Arcs of handcuffs of the big size. Due to the large teeth on the closing arc, only one tooth is made on the latch of the mechanism. The latch protrudes outward, which allows them to be fixed without the use of a key, unlike many other models. The anti-squeeze groove is made only on one side of the arc. The key is bent from a flat metal plate. Unlike other fixed models, the lock is released when the key is turned in the same direction as for opening.
Finger cuffs. These handcuffs are worn not on the wrists, but on the fingers. Very light and easy to carry in your pocket. Opened with a standard key. They have a lock, which is also activated by pushing in a pin on the key or by turning the key.

How to put on handcuffs

Ways of using handcuffs are determined in the process of solving specific problems, for example, when escorting, handcuffs are shackled. Other, more restrictive measures of restraint may be used to prevent violent behavior, including shackling the arms, legs, and torso. As a rule, handcuffs are put on the hands behind the back (when delivering the offender by transport, handcuffs are put on in the front position).
Putting on handcuffs is used, as a rule, after painful holds and throws or under the threat of a firearm.

When putting on handcuffs, regardless of the position of the enemy, a number of rules must be observed:

1. before handcuffing, you should, at gunpoint, force your opponent to take a position that is convenient for their use and makes it difficult for him to attack you
2. the opponent must be tightly pressed with his chest and stomach to the ground, wall, etc.
3. to put on handcuffs, hands are alternately wound behind the back, and they are subjected to pain
4. when putting on handcuffs, it is necessary that the locking device adjoins the inner surface of the wrist, and the sector rotates in such a direction as to exclude the possibility of it catching on clothes or the body

Putting on handcuffs, you must be on the side of the enemy, out of reach of the legs. It is dangerous to handcuff only one hand of the detainee while holding the other in his hand, as he can use this position to strike.
Threatening the use of service weapons, you can demand from your opponent that he handcuffed himself. To do this, without approaching a dangerous distance, throw the handcuffs under his feet and demand: “Take it and put it on!”.

For a more reliable restriction of movement, the following hand positions are used when handcuffing (tying):

• hands behind the back, hands one above the other
• hands behind the back, hands pressed one to the other with the back side

Sometimes two detainees are tied together. In this case, the hands of the second offender are passed through the handcuffed arm of the first offender (they are turned behind the back), and then they are also fixed with handcuffs from behind in the position with the palms outward.

It is necessary to check the clamping of the wrists with handcuffs every two hours. Otherwise, it is possible to loosen the locking lock and, as a result, release the person being escorted from the handcuffs.

Handcuffing while lying down

First option

Sequencing:
- threatening with a gun, command: “Stop! - I'll shoot! - Hands up! - Around! - Hands behind head! - Cross your fingers! - Get on your knees! - Lie down on your stomach! “Hands behind your back!”
- sit on the back of the opponent astride, legs on his knees, with his left hand, grab the brush of his right hand from above with a direct grip (take on submission hold“Squeeze the brush”), and with the right one - rest against the elbow; with both hands, increase the arm opening, exerting a painful effect on it, put the pistol in a holster, grab the opponent’s hand with the right hand

Put right leg on the foot so that the elbow (shoulder) rests on the shin (block the arm with the shin)

With the right hand, release the wrist, pushing the sleeve on the opponent’s arm, get the handcuffs and take the first locking device with the sector up
- take away with the left hand right hand opponent, bringing her into a position convenient for putting on the locking device, put the locking device behind her wrist from below and put it on

With the left hand, release the wrist on the opponent’s left hand, pushing the sleeve away, holding the wrist with the right hand, without releasing the handcuffs
- with the left hand, grab the brush and take the opponent's hand away
- with the right hand, put the second locking device behind the wrist from below, complete the handcuffing

Boost and fix sectors

This method of putting on handcuffs can be applied using combat fighting techniques: bending the arm behind the back, including in interaction, any transfers to the prone position (throw, dump, for example, using the lever of the arm outward, etc.).

After carrying out any tricks, it is necessary to transfer the opponent to the “lying on the stomach” position and block the arm with the lower leg (see the figure above).
This method of blocking is much more effective than the usually recommended holding of the hands with the hips. In this case, the opponent's hand is securely fixed on the painful hold and the possibility of its withdrawal is excluded. In addition, in the event of an attempt by the enemy to leave this position and counterattack, the employee can easily get up and act further according to the situation.
In this variant and directly putting on handcuffs is the most optimal. The introduction of locking devices behind the wrist with the sector upwards ensures free rotation of the sector outward, excluding its snagging on clothing.

This method of putting on handcuffs can be recommended for use in the position of the opponent "standing" and "kneeling, pressed against the wall."

Second option.

For a more reliable blocking of the enemy, he can be taken for two painful receptions - on the leg and on the arm.

Sequencing:
- threatening with a gun, demand: “Stop! - I'll shoot! - Hands up! - Around! - Hands behind head! - Cross your fingers! - Get on your knees! - Lie down on your stomach! “Hands behind your back!”
After the opponent has taken the “lying on his stomach” position with his hands behind his back, you need to:
- demand: "Bend your right leg at the knee joint!"
- perform a painful hold
- pinch the calf muscle
- put the gun in a holster, get the handcuffs
- with the left hand to block the right hand of the enemy, exerting a painful effect on it, put on handcuffs

If the enemy resists, it is necessary to act according to the situation: increase the impact of pain techniques, strike with handcuffs, jump up and run away, use a pistol.

Putting on handcuffs after detention in the position of the opponent "kneeling, pressed against the wall"

Sequencing:
- threatening with a weapon, demand: “Stop! - I'll shoot! - Hands up! - Around! - Hands behind head! - Cross your fingers! - Come to the wall! - Closer! - Spread your legs! - Wider! - Stand on your knees! - Get on the wall! - Thicker! “Hands behind your back!”
- approach the enemy from behind, put left leg between his legs, take a lunge position, put the left hand under the knee and press the opponent’s knee against the wall, with the left hand block his right hand, exerting a painful effect on it
- put the gun in a holster, get the handcuffs and put them on

For convenience, you can stand on your right knee.

In case of opposition, act according to the situation: increase the impact of the pain technique, hit the calf muscle with the heel from above, hit with handcuffs, run away, use a pistol.

Putting on handcuffs after detention in the position of the opponent "standing with hands on the wall"

More complicated (in terms of security) is the way of handcuffing with a gun threat in the position of the opponent “standing with hands on the wall (roof passenger car etc.)". In this situation, the enemy has more opportunities to counteract, since he is on his feet.

Sequencing:
- command the offender: “Stop! - I'll shoot! - Hands up! - Around! - Hands behind head! - Cross your fingers! - "Come to the wall!" Not reaching one step: “Stop! - Put your hands on the wall! - Spread your legs apart! - Wider! “Put your right hand behind your back!”
- put your left foot between the opponent's legs and press him tightly against the wall with your thigh, and with your left hand block his right hand, exerting a painful effect on it
- put the gun in a holster, get the handcuffs, put them on

Handcuff interaction

Tactical and technical actions with the use of physical force in different situations service and combat activities are carried out, as a rule, by two or more employees in cooperation. The most typical situations requiring the use of physical force in interaction are the detention of persons who oppose the lawful demands of a police officer, during special operations, the detention of persons who have committed a crime, the carrying of persons who provide passive resistance, the separation of grips from persons forming a chain, and in other situations.
An analysis of the special literature showed that the issue of interaction between police officers in similar situations extremely insufficiently lit. Therefore, to help police officers, we offer an arsenal of technical and tactical actions together to suppress illegal actions and detain those who committed them, using handcuffs.

Forceful retention in interaction can be carried out depending on the situation and tactical design when approaching from the front, from behind, one from the front and the other from behind.

Conventionally, when describing actions, employees are designated: No. 1 - performing receptions on left hand, No. 2 - performing tricks on the right hand and putting on handcuffs.
Actions No. 1 can be carried out by blocking the left hand by grabbing it with both hands, performing a painful hold on it, grabbing the enemy’s neck or head with the shoulder and forearm when approaching from behind and from the side for a suffocating and painful hold, as well as throws or stalls.
Action number 2 consists in holding painful techniques: bending the right hand behind the back, throws or stalls, followed by transfer to the prone position and the transition to putting the hand behind the back, as well as putting on handcuffs.

Let's consider the options for detaining and handcuffing by two police officers with the transfer of the enemy to a prone position and a standing position.

If the detention is carried out with the transfer of the opponent to the prone position, then first it must be turned over to the prone position and the hands should be taken to the painful hold with the lever of the arm inward.

Then #2 does the following:
- puts the opponent’s right hand behind his back and sits astride his back, putting his left leg on his knee, and his right on his foot (either the knee of his left leg rests on his back, and puts his right on the foot, with his left hand he grabs the right hand from above with a direct grip, and right by the elbow; with both hands increases the institution of the arm, exerting a painful effect on it

Puts the right foot on the foot in such a way that the elbow (shoulder) of the opponent rests on the shin (to block the arm with the shin); releases his wrist with his right hand, pushing the sleeve on the enemy’s arm, takes out the handcuffs and takes the first locking device with the sector up

With his left hand, he withdraws the opponent’s right hand, bringing it to a position convenient for putting on the locking device, winds the locking device behind her wrist and puts it on

The right hand grabs the second locking device sector up

- No. 1 brings the left arm of the opponent behind his back and frees the wrist by pushing the sleeve
- No. 2 grabs the hand with the left hand, with the right hand winds the second locking device behind the wrist from below, completes putting on the handcuffs and presses and fixes the sectors

The presented variant of putting on handcuffs is the most optimal. The enemy is securely blocked. The introduction of locking devices behind the wrist with the sector upwards ensures free rotation of the sector outward, excluding its snagging on clothing.

If the handcuffs are put on in the standing position of the opponent, after the detention, it is necessary to bring the opponent to the wall, car door, etc. A little before reaching her, No. 2 demands: “Spread your legs! Wider!", presses him tightly against the wall.

and with his right hand puts handcuffs on the opponent's right hand.

#1 helps get his left hand behind his back, and #2 cuffs his left hand.

The first thing a person encounters when he finds himself “on the other side of the law” is handcuffs. First of all, criminals are associated with this accessory of unfreedom, but in the last year, many 20-30-year-old city dwellers, participants in civil protests, managed to get acquainted with it. Details about the symbol of unfreedom.

It is difficult to separate the punishment from the supplement in the form physical pain. What would be non-corporal punishment? So, in the modern mechanisms of criminal justice, there is a trace of public "torture" executions - a trace that has not been completely eliminated.

Michel Foucault. "Supervise and Punish"

What is a prison in the view of the layman? A gloomy house filled with criminals and scoundrels. Fences with barbed wire, bars on the windows and the sky only in the "cell". But there is another symbol of this place - small, compact, which is literally "always with you." While you are under arrest, no matter where you are: in an ambulance, like Sergei Magnitsky, or at the announcement of the verdict, like the girls from the Pussy Riot group, handcuffs will always remind you of your status.

Worst of all, when handcuffed are led up the stairs - it's time to panic. Not even the hour, stumble or slip: you can fall and hurt your hands, even break - because you can neither group, nor even lean on your hand. But handcuffs will create a lot of inconvenience for you everywhere you go. Their use is the statutory duty of the escort, but it is also a way of psychological pressure on the prisoner.

It is unlikely that the author will be able to remember when the handcuffs were first fastened on his hands, but he will never forget the moment when these handcuffs were removed from him for the last time: you could finally stretch your stiff hands, put them in your pocket or fold them on your chest, you can just not to think that cold metal does not allow you to feel free, at least within the boundaries of your own body.

Ringing shackled

It is believed that the first handcuffs appeared after iron was invented, but long before that their function was performed by wooden blocks, which, even after the appearance of iron handcuffs and shackles, did not disappear anywhere and were used, for example, in Russia until 1827. The first mention of stocks - in the Utrecht Psalter - dates back to about 820. So the pads have worked for about a thousand years.

The prisoners were chained right in the cells. So, in 1775, Emelyan Pugachev was kept in stocks in the Butyrka prison (one of the towers of the Butyrka prison castle is still called Pugachevskaya). In the first half of the 19th century, stocks in Russia were canceled due to the frequent deaths of prisoners, and to mid-nineteenth century majority European countries refused to use them.

The first mass batch of iron handcuffs, vaguely reminiscent of modern ones, was released at the beginning of the 16th century, and until the 19th century they were iron fetters in which a person literally chained - hence the expression "to chain in bracelets." The hands were placed in iron rings fastened together with a chain, the steel pin was heated and the rings were riveted tightly with a hammer. Prisoners wore such shackles all the time, and it was impossible to get rid of them without the help of an outsider armed with a chisel and a hammer.

AT early XIX century, the English company Hiatt produced the first handcuffs with a lock and key called Darby. The mechanism of these handcuffs was very simple and resembled latches on door locks- the handcuff shackle snapped into place with the help of a spring. In Russia at that time, arrested prisoners were kept in shackles. “It is clear that the sovereign loves music, because he tied such chimes to me,” Decembrist Mikhail Lunin, who died in prison in 1845, joked. Darby type handcuffs were used until the 21st century by police in third world countries, mainly in India and Pakistan.

A significant disadvantage of this model was that the size of the bracelets could not be adjusted, there were several modifications of three diameters: large for men, medium for women and small for children. The first company to manufacture and patent adjustable size handcuffs was the American firm Tower in 1862. The appearance of such handcuffs allowed law enforcement officers to carry only one set of them, and not several different options.

Later, the Americans from the Bean company upgraded these handcuffs by adding a fuse against unauthorized fastening - a button to turn on the lock, which allowed the handcuffs to be worn closed, but not latched. The technology boom in this industry occurred in 1912, when engineers from the Peerless company from Springfield developed a completely new model bracelets. From now on, the design acquired an upper bow, which scrolled through the handcuff, if there was no hand in it, which suggested an individual approach to each of the arrested. For the first time, it became possible to adjust the size of the handcuffs - the mechanism allowed the shackle to "go" forward, and the latch blocked the backward movement. This universal scheme is in use to this day, and all modern models are varieties of the first Peerless Handcuffs.

Well, what was the city house of the thirties of the last century? Brick walls, tin orshinglesroofs, attic wood and floors. So, the designers of ZAB-500 provided for an explosion at an altitude of 300 meters. At the same time, 300-gram thermite balls gained speed sufficient to break through both tiles and roofing sheet. The air defense officer on duty with tongs and a box of sand was powerless against them - the products created in 1939 by the specialists of NII-6 of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition burned for 18-20 seconds, developing a temperature of 2000 to 2500 degrees Celsius. It is enough to take care of everything that could burn.

"Weasel" or "Crab"?

How many now in the world exist various variations handcuffs is hard to say. Stan Willis, an American who got into the Guinness Book of Records, has collected about 1,500 handcuffs at his home. different types, and claims that his collection continues to grow due to the appearance of new specimens.

Almost in every major country produced their own models, and even several. The main producers of "means to restrict mobility" are the United States, England, Germany, France, Spain, Korea and Russia. One of the domestic manufacturers of handcuffs is NPO Spetsmaterialy, where special products are given unusual names, such as "Tenderness" or "Weasel". There are also samples that are called more severely: "Crab", "Mole" or "BOS". average cost handcuffs about 650 rubles.

The first domestic handcuffs of a modern design were made in the 30s and were called "BR" - hand bracelets. They were modified several times, but in general there were no major changes. Russian handcuffs are operational and escort. Operational handcuffs differ from escort handcuffs in appearance, and most importantly, in the way the shackles are fastened together.

In simple operational handcuffs, which are usually used by police officers, the arms can be freely moved, they can even be folded on their knees. Convoy handcuffs are connected by hinges instead of a short chain, which severely restricts freedom of movement. In escort "butterflies", as prisoners called them for appearance hands must be kept in the same position at all times. Hands often swell from such handcuffs, mechanical damage appears on the wrists, since the edges of the bracelets are quite rough.

Watch your hands

Let's say you're in a bad situation and handcuffed - let's say it was done by street hooligans. First and foremost, don't try to pull your hands out of clasped bracelets. You can injure yourself, in addition, some models tend to tighten more when trying to free themselves. We must remember something else: in most cases, the keys to the handcuffs are the same and can open any product of this series.

If you don’t have a key, then you can try to open them with the help of improvised means - wire, a steel clip or a flattened pin. In order to make a master key, you need to take a piece of steel wire or a simple paperclip, bend its tip (literally 2-3 mm) at 90 degrees - a kind of letter "g" - and stick it through the keyhole.

After that, you need to be patient and start slowly turning the hook around the pin - like a key when opening a lock. Gradually, your efforts will be crowned with success. There is another way: you need to flatten a large pin and insert this iron strip between the bracelet itself and the fastening arc.

So you can press the latch, and the shackles will automatically collapse. If you find yourself in handcuffs, but have not lost the opportunity to use construction tool, then you can open the handcuffs using the set useful gadgets: hacksaws for metal, hydraulic shears, autogenous or "grinder".

Although there are people who can simply break the chain between the bracelets.

From steel to plastic

The use of special equipment in Russia is regulated by the law "On Police", in accordance with Art. 21 police officers have the right, if necessary, to use handcuffs. However, this need is determined by the situation and, in essence, remains at the discretion of the employee. For example, a refusal to enter the police station can be qualified both as resistance and as an attempt to hide. And on the example of the dispersal of the action on May 6 on Bolotnaya Square, one can also note another reason for the use of handcuffs: in order to suppress mass riots and other illegal actions. Or "to limit the mobility of a person committing an administrative offense."

In the world, there are several options for the behavior of police officers during detention. In an interview with The New Times, Eric Sisko, a foreman of the investigative department of the gendarmerie of Paris, said that unlike, say, America, where handcuffs are used all the time, in France they are worn only in extreme cases, when the detainee poses a danger to the police. There can be no question of using them in court at all - this is expressly prohibited by the instructions. It is not allowed to photograph or publish photos of those arrested in handcuffs, unless they are already convicted - this would be a violation of the presumption of innocence.

According to Monsieur Sisko, police officers sometimes use handcuffs to physically influence detainees, although this is prohibited. The courts often deal with lawsuits by detainees against police officers, alleging that the handcuffs were used illegally or were fastened too tightly so as to cause pain while moving. “To avoid such cases, the police try to use handcuffs as little as possible: this is not a tool of torture, but the protection of the police officer from violence by the arrested person,” says Petty Officer Eric Sisko.

The Anglo-Saxon model of police behavior is different: handcuffs can be put on a person if this is prescribed by law and police regulations, which oblige police officers to take care of their own safety. For example, in America, detaining citizens suspected of committing minor crimes - say, petty hooliganism or driving a car in drunk, the policeman most likely always uses bracelets, but plastic ones. They essentially perform the same function as handcuffs. But they are cheaper and lighter. AT last years Plastisuffs have become popular with riot police during demonstrations where it is theoretically possible a large number of detainees.

In Moscow, in Lefortovo, at the Vvedensky cemetery, there is a grave, the fence of which is hung with shackles. Fyodor Petrovich Gaaz, the chief doctor of Moscow prisons, is buried here, who went down in history as a man who sought to make life easier for prisoners. Including achieved the abolition of shackles for the sick and the elderly. Thanks to him, lightweight "Gaaz" shackles appeared, lined with leather from the inside. Today, former prisoners go to his grave and bring flowers, and during the funeral in 1853, almost 20 thousand people went to the Vvedensky mountains behind the coffin.

There is even a legend that the monument on the grave of the "holy doctor" was erected with funds raised by former convicts. Surprisingly, one of the holders of the Dr. Haaz medal is a man whom the prisoners called the “doctor of death” - Dmitry Kratov, deputy head of SIZO-2 “Butyrka” for medical purposes. He is one of those who are guilty of the fact that the lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in prison. Died in handcuffs.

Immediately after iron was invented, the very first handcuffs appeared. Prior to this, the detainees simply tied their hands with a rope, and then put on shackles or shackled them in stocks. The first shackles with locks were known in Antiquity - they were iron bracelets, the halves of which were fastened together with rivets, hammered. In the XIV century, such shackles gained wide popularity in Western Europe and prompted an unknown inventor to create a simpler model of shackles that would simplify the detention process.

In the first half of the 16th century, the first handcuffs, called Darby-style handcuffs (“hand shackles”), saw the light in England. They looked like bracelets, which were connected by a short chain and fixed with a spring-loaded latch, which could not be opened without a key. This design of handcuffs lasted until the 19th century.

At the beginning of the 19th century, handcuffs with a built-in lock were invented by Hiatt, but such handcuffs soon changed. In 1862 in the USA, thanks to W.V. Adams, the first customizable handcuffs appeared. Their bracelet rotated 90 degrees relative to the chain, the lock became more compact, and a large number of teeth provided greater convenience in adjusting the size.

In 1866 Orson Phelps filed a new patent for handcuffs. Compared with previous model, the new handcuffs had a more complex lock, and the teeth were located on the inner surface of the shackle.

In the 70s of the 19th century, John Tower's handcuffs appeared in the USA, in the device of which there was an innovation - a latch or a double lock. The latch has been moved to the edge of the lock block.

In 1912, the handcuffs changed again - George Kearney, an engineer at Peerless, used a ratchet mechanism, which was based on the fact that the upper arm of the handcuffs freely rotated in only one direction, and could no longer turn back. The handcuffs snapped on easier, it became easier to select them according to the size of the hand of a single person.

In 1932, the design of handcuffs was finally finalized by Peerless, and since that time the device of handcuffs and the principle of their operation has not changed. This is the evolution of the very first handcuffs over several millennia.