Brand new programme-

FEDS Training have recently launched the newly accredited one-day APRTM training programme, which teaches delegates how to use plastic restraints effectively, safely and within the strict rule of law.

The use of handcuffs and restraints-

There has been much debate over the years as to whether security operatives should use handcuffs or the new plastic restraints that are now available when effecting lawful arrests of violent people.

There is nothing in the law that says that security operatives can use handcuffs for restraining people, but nothing that says they cannot. Provided that they are only used when effecting a lawful arrest, and only on violent detainees, when they are absolutely necessary, to prevent escape or injury, then it is perfectly legal to use them.

The use of handcuffs is obviously a ‘use of force’, and therefore must be properly justified. Justification is achieved through establishing not only the legal right to use such equipment (ie when effecting a lawful arrest), but also through good objective grounds for so doing, in order to show that what was done was reasonable and necessary in the circumstances. The use of restraints by security personnel may well have to be justified to the police, the courts and possibly in civil actions.

The APRTM programme uses the "Key-Cuff" plastic restraints from the US. These are ideal for security operatives over here because they are light, easy to carry, easy to use, effective, relatively inexpensive, and they look less aggressive than the normal metal handcuffs that the police use. They also have the added advantage over the old-style 'plasticuffs' in that they have a lock on each strap, which means that they can be re-used time and time again, as opposed to having to be 'cut' off. The keys that open these restraints are exactly the same as the keys that the police use, so once you have arrested someone you can just hand them over the police still in restraints, safe in the knowledge that the police will be able to release the prisoner back at the police station using their own handcuff keys.