Handcuffing: do not let it become automatic

1 October 2026

The methods of handcuffing chosen can have a significant impact on officer safety, says West Midlands Police Federation’s health and safety lead.

Ali Rowe was responding after several incidents where officers have been assaulted by detainees who despite being handcuffed remain capable of using their hands, arms and the handcuffs themselves to resist, strike, spit at, bite or otherwise assault officers and colleagues.

Ali explains: “Every day, officers across the Force have to make dynamic decisions in challenging, and often unpredictable, circumstances. One of the most common uses of force available to officers is the application of handcuffs. While handcuffing may feel routine, it is important that we do not allow routine to replace assessment.

“As officers, we must always be able to justify our use of force. The College of Policing guidance is clear that handcuffing should not be seen as automatic and that any application, including the method used, should be proportionate, necessary and justifiable based on the circumstances presented.”

Ali says before applying handcuffs, officers should ask themselves:

• Why am I handcuffing this individual?
• What risks are present?
• What am I seeking to prevent?
• How does my chosen method best manage those risks?
• Can I clearly articulate my decision-making if challenged later?

He points out the National Decision Model (NDM) remains the cornerstone of effective decision-making but, alongside this, officers should consider the PLAN mnemonic:

P – Proportionate
L – Legal
A – Accountable
N – Necessary

Ali adds: “Applying these principles helps ensure that the decision made is based on risk, threat and circumstance, rather than habit or convenience.”

When considering handcuffing options, officers, he says, should assess factors such as:

• The subject’s behaviour and demeanour
• Their previous violence or intelligence known about the individual
• Their physical strength, size and capability
• The likelihood of them escaping
• The risk of an assault on officers or members of the public
• Environmental considerations
• The subject’s ability to reach, manipulate or use objects, including the handcuffs themselves
• The ongoing need to prevent kicking, punching, biting, spitting or other assaults.

“No two situations are identical, and there is no universal answer to which technique should be used. What is important is that the chosen method is the result of a conscious and justifiable risk assessment,” Ali explains.

“As a Federation, our priority is ensuring every officer goes home safe at the end of their shift. Effective decision-making around handcuffing forms part of that wider officer safety picture.

“Taking a few seconds to consider your powers, policy, training and the specific risks presented can significantly reduce the opportunity for detainees to assault officers or escalate an incident.”

He concludes: “The message is simple: Don’t let handcuffing become automatic. Think about why you are handcuffing, assess the risks in front of you, apply the NDM and PLAN principles, and select the option that best protects everyone involved, including yourself and your colleagues. The use of cuffs, where justified, may protect officers, the detainee and wider members of the public. Stay safe.”