Police1 recently received information in the form of an officer safety tip submitted by Police1 member Ofc. Travis Thornton of Alamo Heights (TX) PD and emails from members with a forwarded email written by Lt. Jeff Vance with the Federal Reserve Police in San Francisco. These officers expressed concern over the potential for a suspect to remove a particular model of handcuff manufactured by ASP, Inc.
In a Video (mpg player required) clip shared by Lt. Vance (featured below), a cuff is shown being picked open using a knife blade. According to Ofc. Thornton, picking the lock of this early model version of the ASP cuff “can easily be accomplished with almost any object that will fit (paper clip, tip of a pocket knife, nails, mechanical pencil tips, etc.)”
In response to these concerns, Police1 contacted ASP Director of Sales, Terry Naughton, whose response we share below. In addition to offering to allay any safety concerns officers who carry the ASP cuffs in question may have, Naughton also shares several tactical reminders worth noting.
As you read this material, remember that although Police1 wholeheartedly agrees that the cuffs you use should provide a high level of security, we also believe that the truest form of protection comes through a combination of quality cuffs and tactically sound cuffing techniques. As with many elements of police work, the act of handcuffing may become commonplace, which can lead some into dangerous complacency. Take a moment to candidly review your current approach to cuffing and make sure that you’'re utilizing sound tactics.
For valuable reminders on cuffing, check out the following Police1 articles:
In the Officer Safety Tip posted January 7, Officer Travis Thornton of the Alamo Heights, TX Police Department stated:
- “ASP tactical handcuffs have a dangerous weakness to picking even when they are double-locked. One can use something to push down the hasp or “pawl” of the handcuff and see a silver piece of metal moving in either keyway of each handcuff. Picking the lock can be easily accomplished with almost any object that will fit (paper clip, tip of a pocket knife, nails, mechanical pencil tips, etc.) between the center pin of the keyway and the visible part of the hasp /lock bar (aka “pawl”) in the keyway by placing the pick object on the upper downward - the hasp almost immediately releases. Double locking the handcuffs prevents the lock from being picked in this manner - unless the double lock itself is picked - which is just as easy.”
An email message written by Lt. Jeff Vance with the Federal Reserve Police 12th District in San Francisco was forwarded to us from Police1 members. His message was sent with a video attachment. In his message, Lt. Vance writes:
- “I recently received a pair of Handcuffs manufactured by ASP. These Handcuffs are being marketed nationwide by many groups and sold by GALL’'s here in California. I tested these cuffs and found them to have a severe weakness to picking. I could pick these cuffs with the blade of a pocket knife. Please view the video clips attached - this is me in the clips picking these cuffs. There are many Officers out there that have purchased these cuffs based on some slick features and the good name of ASP.” Video (mpg player required)
ASP Director of Sales Terry Naughton provided Police1 with an email he wrote in response to an officer’'s inquiry regarding Lt. Vance’'s email and video. In his email, Mr. Naughton explains:
I appreciate that you are giving us an opportunity to respond rather than continuing to deliver this information across the Internet. If you have not had an opportunity to see the video that accompanied the letter, I can tell you that three things are important in all handcuff training that are not found in this video. In fact, the lieutenant in the video has stated that the situation is “not 100% accurate.” In this scenario, he has one hand cuffed in front of his body, the double lock is not engaged and he is holding a large tactical knife. As you can see, this is a very disadvantaged situation for an arresting officer and against everything that is taught in training. Here is what I feel is important:
1. ASP does not suggest that people are handcuffed with the hands in front of the body.
2. ASP always suggests to lock the double lock.
3. An officer should never leave a suspect with a sharp object such as a knife while restrained.
The cuffs in question were of an early production lot, and we have since changed the Lock Set which we believe makes the ASP handcuff the most pick resistant cuff on the market. In fact, all cuffs coming off the production line incorporate this new feature.
As you know, ASP places officer safety first. We manufacture using the finest materials available and back each product we make with a lifetime guarantee. If you are not confident with the set of cuffs you have purchased, I would be glad to exchange them for a new set for you.
Terry Naughton
Director of Sales
ASP, INC
This email was part of a press release provided by Mr. Naughton Full Press Release from ASP
To have handcuffs updated at no charge under the ASP lifetime guarantee, they should be sent to:
Armament Systems and Procedures, INC
Technical Support Section
2511 E Capitol DR
Appleton, WI 54911
Questions may be directed to ASP at (800)236-6243