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Shock Handcuffs

44 visible archived posts · 44 preserved total · topic ID 3889

Damon Shields 07 Jan 2011

I saw this on the internet. The company is asking for imput. The original Taser company spent thousands on R&D and spend hundreds of thousands on lawsuits and lawyers. I understand the concept but once the cuffs are on a bad guy it is implied and assumed that there is a level of control. Maybe in a high risk correctional facility or transports it would help?

Damon

The company wrote;

"We are taking indications of interest for sets of handcuffs that you can remotely deliver a shock to. We have 2 patents pending and wanted to see what the level of interest was in the marketplace. Please email me with any feedback, thoughts and level of interest. The shock can be dialed up to the equivalent of touching live 110v wires....and a person can be shocked from over 100' away."

Steve Santini 07 Jan 2011

Given that broad sweeping European laws are being put in place to outlaw the use of any device that can be used for "torture", as these cuffs could, I doubt there would be much demand. At least not from "civilized" law enforcement professionals.

See this link

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/Find ... /2010/2685

Jack.Tanis 07 Jan 2011

Hello,

The shock feature of these handcuffs indeed is uncivilised. Its use on persons already restrained themselves would constitute torture in all save a negligible number of instances. For those instances, legitimate alternatives already exist. It is unjustified to invoke the lowest common denominator concept and sink to the level of the violent criminal. Additionally, nearly all studies of electroshock delivery show a desensatising effect upon the person administering the shock.

Cheers,

Jack
http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/collectibles.htm

Unknown / guest 07 Jan 2011

Hello,

The shock feature of these handcuffs indeed is uncivilised. Its use on persons already restrained themselves would constitute torture in all save a negligible number of instances. For those instances, legitimate alternatives already exist. It is unjustified to invoke the lowest common denominator concept and sink to the level of the violent criminal. Additionally, nearly all studies of electroshock delivery show a desensitising effect upon the person administering the shock. This product is bad for all and good for nothing.

Cheers,

Jack
http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/collectibles.htm

Anonymous 07 Jan 2011

It is no different than the use of a Taser when a criminal (such as one who rapes your daughter or murders your parent) gets out of control.
If not for the use of a less than lethal device, the alternative might be to apply lethal force.
If you think pushing the remote button is tramatic to the cop in charge of it, think about how troubled he would be when he is put on administrative leave, questioned by numerous inquiry boards and know that he contributed to the family's gathering at the bad guy's funeral, when he pulls the trigger of his Glock.
No, it is not torture when an arrestee goes beserk and is a danger to himself as well as those in control of him and others around him.
A vertually small shock to get him to comply IS good and proper to get him to settle down and comply.
Everyone goes home afterwards and there is no physical harm done as would be the case of a 40mm bullet in his center mass.

Ron Spitz 07 Jan 2011

This is not a new idea. Check out patent # 4089195 May, 16, 1978.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=YAk5AA ... e&q&f=true

Years ago I tried to contact the inventor and received no reply.

Ron

Joshua 07 Jan 2011

I doubt it is intended to replace your everyday cuff that an officer would make use of. However, in certain enviroments this may be a good tool to use. With all do respect Mr. Tanis you stated that the use of these would be "uncivilized"...well these are not intended to be used on civil individuals. In a prison setting where an inmate is extremely out of control in his cell the officers are forced to rush the cell and take him down with extreme force. I can imagine placing a set of these cuffs to keep such inmate in check may be a suitable temporary method. As stated, if the use of taser guns are an acceptable method...then this should not be an issue. As always discretion and judgement need to be used as it is with any weapon or tool used by officers or prison guards. We trust these gentleman with loaded guns, taser guns, tonfas, mace and much more...heck a pair of handcuffs that send a ruly shock should not be considered any more dangerous or uncivilized.

Anonymous 07 Jan 2011

Quote:

"We trust these gentleman with loaded guns, taser guns, tonfas, mace and much more...heck a pair of handcuffs that send a ruly shock should not be considered any more dangerous or uncivilized."

The problem is, these same "gentlemen" you mention Joshua have shown time and time again thier willingness to abuse they weapons they already have at thier disposal.

Year after year and month after month innocent people are abused, beaten, shocked, and even killed all in the name of law, order, and the protection of a "free" society.

An equally stern problem is what these cuffs will be used for when they are order by, and fall into the hands of a brutal military regime or police state who does not even bother to offer up the illusion of a democratic government.

S.S.

P.S. Even here in Canada, a country largely considered to be rather "humane", numerous people are killed or injured every year by unjustified Police beatings and Tazer attacks.

Steve Santini 07 Jan 2011

Is mine.

I forgot to fill in the name feature.

S.S.

Joshua 07 Jan 2011

#10

Steve,

I can't deny that the police and/or military have abused they're power. I can't say that for any collective group of individuals...priests, teachers, police officers, Canadians etc...

However this is not meant to be a political debate certainly not between a Republican and a Canadian. More a discussion of whether or not this cuff would be an applicable tool for law enforcement to use. I believe it is indeed a neat concept that may have it's place. Furthermore, considering it inhumane or relating it slavery is a bit extreme. I would certainly think using a handcuff that sends a shock to control someone is far better than using bullets to stop them...right? I guess we could always ask the criminal to please stop.

Edgeplay_Cgo 07 Jan 2011

#11

I would certainly think using a handcuff that sends a shock to control someone is far better than using bullets to stop them...right?

I don't much care about that mope. He chose his fate, and shootings in those conditions are extremely rare.

I'm concerned about the cop "testing" it just for the hell of it, or using it to teach someone a lesson. I'd rather not put this tool in their hands.

Vince 07 Jan 2011

#12

...would be cuffs that automatically get tighter upon the prisoner's wrists if and when they try to squirm, struggle or "walk-thru" causing pain and or suffering, thusly causing compliance. That's something R&D $$$ should be spent on.

(((snickering)))

"oh wait!, they already have those....... the're called lazy officers who 'forget' to doublelock".

(((more snickering)))

--Vince

Vince 07 Jan 2011

#13

...One more thing,

If they ever go into production, I wonder how the frequencies would be managed so only the intended inmate would be targeted?

-SCRATCH THAT- Actually a better alternative would be a "permanant" locking anklet with shock capability, if a riot breaks out, everyone on the tier gets zapped. As well certain 'cliques' could be pre-programmed into such a system so the COs could look at their captives and say for example; "Those Crips look awful agressive today", and get 'em all with a single mouse click!

--Vince

PS. If a rep from Taser reads this, please contact me for the mailing address for the royalty check!

IKMurray 08 Jan 2011

#14

Putting aside the Ethical/Moral questions, (HELLO NUCLEAR WEAPONS etc.)...Where did these photos come from ? This appears like a "finished" production model, or good photo-shopped repesentation of same. The more I look at the Pics., I see what is really a product with a lot of developement details, and most importantly a smooth conventional design, like current rigid and folding cuffs, ie. Asp,& Hiatt..No Buck Rogers wires, antennae or "black boxes". Available soon (or now ?) at your Local Detention Facility ?

Steve Santini 08 Jan 2011

#15

I also did not intend it to be a political debate.

And, BTW, nowhere in my postings did I mention anything about "slavery."

You did.

Since this discussion is obviously swinging towards a discussion about the restraint and it's design, allow me to point out the obvious and the logicial.

The obvious:

Going by the drawings/promo images, the handcuff is not a swing through design.

This alone would limit it's use and acceptance.

And now the logical:

If you are able to get an inmate, any inmate/prisoner, into cuffs, why then do you need those very restraints to have the ability to shock them into submission?

There are very few scenarios I can imagine in which a pair of cuffs in combination with a belly chain with Martin Link or a restraint belt would not be sufficient in "controlling" the most savage of inmates.

Meaning,... if you can get them into cuffs and then other restraints, why in the Hell do you need one of them to be a shock device that punishes them in compliance?

Hands shackled to the waist and a set of leg irons works very well thank you.

They cannot swing thier arms, they cannot run, they are done.

S.S.

Joshua 08 Jan 2011

#16

Cmon Steve look at the previous posts when referencing "slave" albeit it was not your reference.

I do agree that there is perhaps a very limited basis when this would be practicle.

Bruce Thomson 08 Jan 2011

#17

Would not want these for work myself, but there should be mention by someone here that just because the handcuffs are on doesn't mean the subject automatically becomes docile. We have had incidents where the subject fought against the arresting officer, got handcuffed then fought against my co-workers, fought all the way to the holding room, fought being cuffed to the restraining bar and then fought the police who came to pick them up. I would not be surprised to find they fought all the way to the Public Safety Building, then to the remand center, then all the way to the court hearing and now probably fight the corrections staff.
We have handcuffs, and now we have 'spit hoods' for those who feel they can continue fighting after being handcuffed. I wonder what the next tool is that we will be offered, and how long after that the moral mouthies will be on the DOJ to get it banned as unfair or cruel.

Steve Santini 08 Jan 2011

#18

Logic has been missed... again.

If you can actually cuff and iron someone to the point that they are incapable of using thier limbs, they are helpless as far as the limbs are concerend. And, there are more than enough extant products out there to make this happen.

Bringing up spit hoods and other additional devices does not address my original comment(s) that if a persona if fully restrained you do not need to shock him/her via a handcuff. Batons and Tazers will do the rest should it be needed.

S.S.

Steve Santini 08 Jan 2011

#19

For anyone out there who thinks that a pair of shock cuffs is the solution to unruly behavior, please be reminded that there have been prisoners on PCP and other drugs who have merely laughed when pepper sprayed or hit with a batton.

Even when Tazered.

Once again... there are plenty of restraints and such things as spit hoods that work very well when a person is truly out of control.

Speaking of spit hoods, how are "shock cuffs" going to stop anyone from spitting, peeing in thier pants, etc?

They are not.

S.S.

Joshua 08 Jan 2011

#20

I mean I wouldn't spit on someone if I got my a** shocked each time I did it. I think we found a good challenge for you Steve. Create an escape that would involve you using such cuffs. More as a way to debunk the effectiveness of them. I would attempt it myself but I'm a big sissy lol.

Anonymous 08 Jan 2011

#21

"The problem is, these same "gentlemen" you mention Joshua have shown time and time again thier willingness to abuse they weapons they already have at thier disposal.

Year after year and month after month innocent people are abused, beaten, shocked, and even killed all in the name of law, order, and the protection of a "free" society."

So your thought is to eliminate a tool that will protect the public officials in charge of the criminal and the public all around just because a very small minority of those public officials might shock their prisoner without just cause.

With that line of reasoning, maybe we should also have our medical surgeries performed without anesthesia because there are a few doctors that are addicted or misuse these drugs and if we take them all away, it will stop the problem.

Bruce Thomson 09 Jan 2011

#22

There may be more products besides handcuffs, but not all of them can be used.
Even with hands behind the back with wrists facing outward and cuffs double locked with the keyways facing upward, many law enforcement people have still had a fight on their hands. Handcuffs alone only restrict arm movement, they don't do a damn thing about legs, knees, elbows or heads. When someone spits on you they are assaulting you, you have no idea what their saliva contains.
The fight continues and the dangers are there long after the hands are cuffed.
As for shock cuffs, I just can't see using them.

Atame 09 Jan 2011

#23

Imagine these things having a malfunction and starting to shock accidentally, even worse without stopping. It would be very difficult to release the prisoner of the restraints in case that something like this happens.

Best regards,
Guenter

Bruce Thomson 09 Jan 2011

#24

It would (from the outside) look like a three stooges bit.

Dorson 13 Jan 2011

#25

I have been following this thread and at times shaking my head. Let's get real here, life itself is a risk, we are born to die at some point. Not all those in custody are violent people, but for those with a propensity for violence or have demonstrated it, it may not be a bad idea. Almost any tool out there can be used properly or not, depends on the person using it. Ice picks can be used on a ice block or they can be used to stab and/or kill someone. So basically it comes down to the human factor. Yes I know it has electronics in it and things could go wrong. Circuits can be designed with fail safe systems of some sort here. And no you don't have to point out the scenarios of what could go wrong because as an engineer, we do look for worse case scenarios in design work. So do they have a legitimate use, yes they do. It will be up to the each individual law enforcement dept., corrections dept., etc. to decide for them selves whether or not to use it and how it should be used. They have to asses the risks involved and decide if they are acceptable risks. As far as keeping it out of the hands of those who would use them to abuse and torture, there can be some safe guards, like controlling exportation, restricting sales only to law enforcement, etc. Is there a perfect solution, heck no, take a look around you, do you see any?

-Dorson

Atame 13 Jan 2011

#26

Dorson wrote:
"Yes I know it has electronics in it and things could go wrong. Circuits can be designed with fail safe systems of some sort here. And no you don't have to point out the scenarios of what could go wrong because as an engineer, we do look for worse case scenarios in design work."

And as an programmer I believe in Murphy's Law - "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong".

Best regards,
Guenter

Joshua 13 Jan 2011

#27

Round and round we go. I too am an engineer and as such I spend time designing and over designing things with "fail safes" or contigencies just in case things go wrong. With that said I will always have job security due to Murphy's law. Anything and everything used as a tool in any field can and will malfunction. Any tool in any field can and will be abused at some point. You can what if this all day long.

It still strikes me as a little odd that this receives bad reviews based on it's potential to harm someone. Officers often carry taser guns that shoot spikes into your chest and shock the piss out of you...which is an alternative to using BULLETS or feeling the wrath of a steel baton. But hey a pair of cuffs that emit a shock, now that's going too far...really? Soooo, should cops not carry guns, tasers, or steel batons? If I picked up a stick and sharpened the tip it would be a more dangerous weapon than a pair of shock cuffs...seriously, think about it. Perhaps these are not practical as I'm not a cop or a prison guard I wouldn't know. I do know that it's practicality should not be based on the worst case scenario...because if that was the case officers would be left with just whistles.

Joshua

Dorson 15 Jan 2011

#28

Over this past year in my area, a Frederick County, MD deputy used a taser on someone and killed them. There are cases where not so bright officers will hog tie a suspect and toss them in the back of the police car. And arrive at the jail and open the door and find them dead from positional asphyxia. Yeah, Murphy is a bear at times but what do you do.... Since some of you are engineers, then you know you design for worse case scenario and hope for the best.

IKMurray 15 Jan 2011

#29

Damon; Your initial Post of Jan. 7th. has produced spirited and diverse debate(s). However we could use some help, something is missing !
Both Steve Santini and myself requested information on the original source of this internet post. It is hard and rather unfair to "critique" a controversial subject such as the described Shock Handcuffs without access to the full background and current knowlege of the subject.
It would be most appreciated if you would provide a "Link" or other guide that would enable us all to gain the most info. on these 'cuffs.
Thanks; Ian (the other one from Canada)

Damon Shields 15 Jan 2011

#30

Ian- The original post was on the internet and showed up in a search for handcuffs. Here is the web address.

http://centralmich.backpage.com/SportsE ... fs/5374249

I was certain that I had seen something like this before and I found this handcuff which was known as a Stun Cuff and is at least several years old. Obviously it is not a new idea just a bad one.

Damon

Nils 15 Jan 2011

#31

sick, sick, sick.

Tasers (not used by the police over here, btw) may, I believe only be used as a means to subdue a violent suspect. It is somewhere between mace and the use of lethal force.

Using a taser on suspect that is in custody can will, in my eyes, constitute excessive force. Same goes for these handcuffs. These things just beg to be abused, let alone in some third world countries. Restraints are meant to protect the officer as well as the suspect.

Some things need to be banned, at least from official government use.

That said, I'd like a pair.

Paul Davies 15 Jan 2011

#32

Unresolved image reference ↗

Atame 15 Jan 2011

#33

I think, no police offer has to change the type of cuffs he is used to use on duty. If he wants to add a little bit of shock therapy to an arresting procedure, he can just carry some of these in his car:

Radio controlled locking shock collar
Material: Aluminium ( AlCuMg1 / AlMgSi1 )
Inside diameter of collar in photo = 130 mm, about 5.1 inches. Other sizes available.
Height = 7 layers x 8mm = 56 mm, or about 2.2 inches

E-Collar (R2)
Radio controlled locking shock collar
Material: Aluminium ( AlCuMg1 / AlMgSi1 )
Inside diameter of collar in photo = 135 mm, about 5 5/16 inches. Other sizes available.
Height = 7 layers x 8mm = 56 mm, or about 2.2 inches
Weight of this size collar is near 2Kg.

Regards,
Guenter

Unresolved image reference ↗

Ian McColl 15 Jan 2011

#34

I guess with this new handcuff, it save costs for institutions like the written about one below. There is no justification for mans inhumanity to man, at any level.

Ian McColl

http://breakallchains.blogspot.com/2010 ... raint.html

Torture not Treatment: Electric Shock and Long-Term Restraint in the United States on Children and Adults with Disabilities at the Judge Rotenberg Center is the product of an investigation by Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI) into the human rights abuses of children and young adults with mental disabilities residing at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) (formerly known as the Behavior Research Institute) in Canton, Massachusetts, United States of America (US).

This report is an urgent appeal to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture or other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, by Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI).

We request that the Special Rapporteur initiate an inquiry into the abusive practices perpetrated against the residents of JRC and licensed by the State of Massachusetts. MDRI contends that the severe pain and suffering perpetrated against children and adults with disabilities at JRC violates the UN Convention against Torture. US law fails to provide needed protections to children and adults with disabilities.

This urgent appeal documents human rights abuses at what is called a special needs school. The fact that the intentional infliction of pain to punish students for certain behaviors is called treatmen - for children and adults with disabilities - does not render these practices acceptable, necessary or legal. At JRC, pain is the treatment. JRC practices a form of aversive therapy that is unique in the United States. JRCs practices are based on a theory of behaviorism that mental disabilities can be extinguished by an elaborate system of rewards and punishments for acceptable or unacceptable behavior. To implement this program, authorities at JRC intentionally inflict severe pain on children with disabilities entrusted to their care. The maltreatment of children and adolescents with disabilities at JRC constitutes both physical and psychological abuse, couched in the name of treatment. The treatment at JRC is punishment. Children are subject to electric shocks on the legs, arms, soles of their feet, finger tips and torsos in many cases for years, and for some, a decade or more. Electric shocks are administered by a remote-controlled pack attached to a childs back called a Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED). The shocks, which last 2 seconds each, are so strong as to cause red spots or blisters to the skin. Some students have received dozens even hundreds per day.

Steve Santini 16 Jan 2011

#35

Another terrifying and unacceptable example of "justice" in America.

Comply,(no matter how unreasonable or illegal the request), stop resisting, or suffer.

More typical day by day.

S.S.

Anonymous 16 Jan 2011

#36

Nonsense, all of it.

We have franchise stores that sell dog collars that shock dogs when they bark too loud or go off the front porch and the public buys them up and sticks them on their dog's neck like nobody's business.

I would rather see some piece of s%^t shocked by a bailiff or jailer when he acts unruly (or by the custodian while having fun with him) than to see Fido getting zapped doing what he does naturally.

Jack.Tanis 16 Jan 2011

#37

Hello,

I had not anticipated a second post to this interesting yet nearly endless subject. For anyone who wants a deep understanding, study the 1960s Milgram Experiments, read Milgram's 1974 book, Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View, or both.

The ABC's of this subject are Accept, Believe and Conform, constituting a slippery slope that does not stop until it slides everything into an abyss of evil, however subtle or rationalised.

Big Brother still is Watching. His vigil is constant.

That a pair of shock handcuffs is better than a bullet in the chest does not negate that those handcuffs originated from the dark side of human nature. To think otherwise is to be disingenuous or naive.

Cheers,

Jack
http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/collectibles.htm

anonymous 25 Jan 2011

#38

very interesting I'd buy them

Franky 25 Jan 2011

#39

...can you give me an adress or number or something?

Greetings

grant guess 13 Jul 2011

#40

i had the same idea and would be very interested n investing n ur plan feel free to contact me at anytime 6202820878 heres my number sincerlyy grant guess thank u

Anonymous 14 Jul 2011

#41

There is no need for this device. Someone cuffed is under control.

If a cop is too lazy to control a cuffed individual, then maybe they're not in the right line of work.

MICHAEL LEE 14 Jul 2011

#42

I have many friends in the law enforcement field, Im not sure how many of you on this form 'Truly understand What it takes to do the job, day in & day out ,These folks are faced with murders , rapist , domestic calls , disordelery conduct ( Drunks, etc ) and numerious othet totally " Insane " situations confronted daily .
The media will always /only report on the bad apples of thre bunch ...typical ! ....seeing the good/ positive is always an effort.

Most cops as a rule are Decient men & women doing the best to serve the public.

Handcuffs alone only restrict arm movement, they don't do a damn thing about legs, knees, elbows or heads. When someone spits on you they are assaulting you, you have no idea what their saliva contains.
Before anyone speaks can I suggest you try the job for a day ,just to see how your outlook would change, im told it just takes a day or two.
It could well be an effective tool and if used properly , I for one sure as hell think this would "chill your ass out ' .. but quick !

This is going to be a tough call.....

ML

Mr. Spock 14 Jul 2011

#43

So Mr. Lee,

You are saying that a person with cuffs on behind thier back will spit at an officer and one wearing shock cuffs will likely not?

Quite illogical.

MICHAEL LEE 14 Jul 2011

#44

Im saying that somone wacked out of there mind don't give a dam about pain if there intent is to harm others.

Try giving a warning to someone on drugs ( Good Luck ) it goes in one ear and out the other. Im saying this may be a useful tool to law enforcement.

ML