For explorers, do they use the cuffs themselves, or do they just carry them so the sworn officers can ask them for spares if they run out? I was under the impression that explorers had no enforcement authority and aren't directly involved in arrests (so an explorer wouldn't be going up to anyone and putting handcuffs on them, even with a police officer supervising).

Always get covered cuff cases. IMO open top and those simple cuff snaps look really unprofessional.

I know I'm a little late to the party, but as a former Explorer and CSO, and a current LEO, I would definitely say get the Accumold.

 

You don't want more than two cuffs on you at once, the belt is gonna get heavy and you don't need back problems later in life or problems catching some guy if you're in a foot pursuit. Also, if you need more than two sets of cuffs, its probably best to wait until you have at least one other person with you before you do ANY cuffing, and they will be bringing cuffs.

 

I also carry several sets of plastic zip-tie style cuffs in my "bail out" bag, which could be used in situations where I need more, they are readily accessible and not weighing you down. 

 

Lastly, I get that the keeper style ones look pretty cool, but if you have them hanging down into your back pocket, its just going to take you longer to get to them when you need them, which may be the difference between getting into a fight or being able to control someone before they decide to act. The keeper ones will also rattle around and you won't be quite as sneaky, which may come in handy if you plan on being a cop at some point.

 

Just my two cents worth....

 

 

*SIDE NOTE* For those of you wondering about exactly what an explorer can/can't do...it varies WIDELY by which state and even which department you are an explorer for. I was regularly cuffing as an explorer, and occasionally doing more than that, while some departments aren't even allowed to get out on traffic stops.

Edited February 11, 201511 yr by GeorgeJetSam

For explorers, do they use the cuffs themselves, or do they just carry them so the sworn officers can ask them for spares if they run out? I was under the impression that explorers had no enforcement authority and aren't directly involved in arrests (so an explorer wouldn't be going up to anyone and putting handcuffs on them, even with a police officer supervising).

 

There are national and statewide competitions as well as weekly meetings where we have role play scenarios on calls that police officers face. That's when we use them. 

A bit off-topic, but... Lord.. They allow explorers and volunteers to participate in actual law enforcement? Investigate accidents? Transport prisoners? The U.S. must be a law enforcement heaven

 

They allow Community Services Officers to do those things, not explorers. Community Services Officers are not volunteers.

Based on my personal experience, stay away from ASP cuffs. I've seen too many videos and in person demonstrations of people unlocking or breaking them with minimal effort. I trust plastic for a lot of things, but not for handcuffs.

 

Now do you see what i mean mcawesome? I Told you this. Yet you still disagreed.

But yes. Johnclark, I Have to agree with you here. ASP Cuffs.. are.. ehh.

(You might be thinking, "What the hell does Taylor Swift know about handcuffs?" Don't ask. Move along..)

Always get covered cuff cases. IMO open top and those simple cuff snaps look really unprofessional.

 

Unprofessional? Could you explain a bit more?

 

I know I'm a little late to the party, but as a former Explorer and CSO, and a current LEO, I would definitely say get the Accumold.

 

I also carry several sets of plastic zip-tie style cuffs in my "bail out" bag, which could be used in situations where I need more, they are readily accessible and not weighing you down. 

What do you mean by your bail out bag?

I also carry several sets of plastic zip-tie style cuffs in my "bail out" bag, which could be used in situations where I need more, they are readily accessible and not weighing you down.

We use Plasticuffs during public order duties, since we often run out of speedcuffs and rarely book the suspects in, meaning if we did use our speedcuffs we would be unlikely to get them back.

 

As stated by George, make sure the plasticuffs are concealed, as they can be more easily used on you should criminality get there hands on them than your standard-issue cuffs. Definitely a sound idea to carry at least 4 (I always use 2 on 1 detainee) should you decide to get some.

Unprofessional? Could you explain a bit more?

 

What do you mean by your bail out bag?

 

Its a small bag that I carry in the front seat of my radio car. Its a pretty common practice at least for LEO's on the west coast. Its got a few extra pistol/rifle mags, and extra slug rounds for my shotgun, as well as a few things like flex cuffs and a HOBBLE. Stuff I may need if I get in a hairy situation and don't have a lot of time to react.

 

It looks like this:

We use Plasticuffs during public order duties, since we often run out of speedcuffs and rarely book the suspects in, meaning if we did use our speedcuffs we would be unlikely to get them back.

 

As stated by George, make sure the plasticuffs are concealed, as they can be more easily used on you should criminality get there hands on them than your standard-issue cuffs. Definitely a sound idea to carry at least 4 (I always use 2 on 1 detainee) should you decide to get some.

 

I don't have any need for any flexcuffs. When I become an officer I will probably invest in some, but that's not for like 4 more years.

I don't have any need for any flexcuffs. When I become an officer I will probably invest in some, but that's not for like 4 more years.

 

*DISCLAIMER* not trying to sound like a jerk here....

 

If you don't have a need for flex cuffs, you definitely don't have a need to be carrying three pairs of cuffs on your belt.

*DISCLAIMER* not trying to sound like a jerk here....

 

If you don't have a need for flex cuffs, you definitely don't have a need to be carrying three pairs of cuffs on your belt.

 

I beg to differ.