Editing Handcuffs (section)

{{Short description|Restraint devices}}
{{About|the restraint devices}}
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[[File:Handcuffs01 2003-06-02.jpg|right|thumb|Hiatt type 2010 handcuffs. {{circa|1990s}}.]]
[[File:Person handcuffed behind back.jpg|thumb|A person handcuffed behind their back.]]
'''Handcuffs''' are [[Physical restraint|restraint]] devices designed to secure an individual's [[wrist]]s in proximity to each other.<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Fetters and Handcuffs|volume=10|page=296}}</ref> They comprise two parts, linked together by a [[Link chain|chain]], a [[hinge]], or rigid bar. Each cuff has a rotating arm which engages with a [[ratchet (device)|ratchet]] that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist. Without a key, handcuffs cannot be removed without specialist knowledge, and a handcuffed person cannot move their wrists more than a few centimetres or inches apart, making many tasks difficult or impossible.

Handcuffs are frequently used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to prevent [[Suspect|suspected criminals]] from escaping from [[Arrest|police custody]].