ASP and Handcuffs Question

[stuka88]

I've just been hired by a department here in Texas and will be entering the academy on February 11. The department will supply all of my equipment except for the following items: (1) ASP; (2) second set of handcuffs if so desired; and (3) flashlight.

My question is two-fold and is in regard to the ASP and the handcuffs.

First, what size ASP does everyone use and what would you all recommend. I'm 5'7" and have a small-to-medium size upper torso, so I'm not sure if a smaller ASP would be more comfortable to wear or not.

Second, I've always been under the impression that a second set of cuffs on my duty belt would be appropriate. Can anyone see any reason not to carry a second or to reinforce my decision to go with a second set?

Thanks for all of the input.

AJH

[kels]

The second set of handcuffs is a good idea.
HOWEVER, you probably wont need them till
after the academy.
I would wait until you graduate. Then get another
set of cuffs like the ones you are issued. Not all
cuffs use the same size key. It is better to have
cuffs that use the same size key. Also have your
name or id number engraved on them. That way
if the jail is busy, you get your own handcuffs back.
Someone else will have to comment on the ASP.

[Signal_9_CPD]

Go with the 26" ASP, I have both the 21" and the 26"...the 26" is much more effective.

I carry 2 sets of cuffs on my belt (1 regular, 1 hinged) and have 2 sets on the spotlight handle in my car...I can fit 4 in the back if I have to! Plus on a felony stop there is no such thing as too many cuffs.

[JHP]

Signal_9_CPD,

I am from the old school, a box full of flexi-cuffs in the trunk is always handy not to mention a tire iron . LOL

Seriously though, couple cuffs fine, flexicuffs great, just in case, pepper spray definately, stun gun if you got it preferably xr5000,
baton or PR24 if available, all the tools of the trade have handy and readily accesible! NEVER FORGET A BACKUP WEAPON or a VEST! I must add if you think your in trouble, do not doubt it, You are, deal with it swiftly as hopefully have been trained!

Stay Safe,

:bounce: JHP

[DelC]

You definitely need 2-sets of cuffs on your duty belt. Very often you will run across someone that is so muscular or so overweight that their arms won’t go far enough behind their back to accommodate being handcuffed, thus you link two sets of cuffs together to get the job done. Most all brand name cuffs use the same type key. Often, the off-brand names don’t. So, it’s not necessary to purchase the same brand name as you’re issued to have the key work both. Also, having an uncommon key will prevent a perp from escaping with his own key. Keep in mind; sunlight is an enemy to plastic cuffs. If exposed to sunlight or very high temperatures for an extend period of time, it will cause them to become brittle and break when flexed or bent. You need to check them often to see if they have become brittle. Forget the PR24, unless it’s issued to you by your dept, as you have to do continues training to be proficient with it. I highly recommend the 26-inch ASP. I also highly recommend the spring-loaded type, opposed to the friction type. The spring loaded have a button to press to retract it. Otherwise, you have to beat it on a hard surface, (which isn’t always available) to get it to retract. I also recommed a 7-9 inch "Mag-lite" type flashlight for your duty belt and a full sized "Mag-lite" to carry in your cruiser. You should have both before hitting the street. Re-chargeable are excellent for both. Good Luck in the academy and enjoy.

[stuka88]

Excellent information! Thanks and I'll be sure to take every bit of this advice to heart . . .

[nclawdawg2001]

I carry two sets of cuff's both are peerless 1 chained, 1 hinged, the hinged get used the most, good way to take someone to the ground if you can get one on them and they go to fighting.

As for the ASP, go with the 26", and if you can get the Autolok, easy to release and you don't have to beat it against the ground.

Just my .02 cents

[Kojak]

26" baton.
At least 2 sets of cuffs are essential. Consider getting Smith's Model 1 (for the 'larger wrists') as a second pair. Also worth considering a set of hinged. But essential you have proper training for whichever type/types of cuffs you use.

[PonchIUP]

I would recommend getting the ASP 26" baton. I carry 2 sets of Peerless handcuffs. I know a lot of people like to carry a set of hinged and chained. I like use just regular chained cuffs. I don't like the fact that if your fighting with someone hinged are hard to get on cause they are not as flexible. As for flashlight I have a Stinger it is a very nice light. It is a little on the costy side but it's worth it. Hope this post wasn't too late.

[nsedet]

I only carried one set of cuffs when I was in uniform, but only because I am thin...which means very limited belt space when you start adding in your weapon, magazines (I carried three spares--one two-mag holder, and one single holder), ASP, flashlight, radio, OC, and belt keepers...not a lot of free belt space (esp. when you figure that you need to keep the space at the small of your back clear of ANY gear for your own safety). I kept three spare sets of cuffs in my vehicle, plus flex cuffs (I prefer the nylon rope kind over the plastic, because you can throw them in your pocket). I do recommend two sets if you have the belt space.

On the ASP, go with the 26". When we went to the ASP, agents were given the choice of either the 21" or the 26" model, and those that selected the smaller version were unhappy...26" is better for tactical purposes, and is not really any more difficult to use.

[Surlyfritz209]

Definately go with 2 sets, whether it be a double case, or 2 singles, carry 2 sets. And speaking of ASPs...for those of you that remeber, back in the day I was talking about an ASP proposal that I submitted to my department's Director. (security, not the poooolice) I even sent a copy to a member on the board. I can't remember his name, but I know he is a cop iin the south. Dude, if you're still on the board, send me a PM and tell me what you thought.

Fritz :acop:

[stuka88]

I guess I should get back to all of you and let you know what I decided on. I went with the 26" ASP, two sets of cuffs on the belt and then one set of hinged in the car. I'm hoping that this will work out well, which I'm sure it will.

Thanks again for all of your input and keep safe!

[Kojak]

OK with the ASP, but have you had proper instruction with the hinged cuffs?
I always carry a set of hinged, but it's a different technique from using chained cuffs to be able to use them safely and efficiently.
Proper training cannot be underestimated.

[stuka88]

I'm just beginning the academy, so I'm sure I'll get the proper instruction. I've already done some messing around with them and have seen firsthand just how different they are to handle and put on someone as compared to the chained.

[Kojak]

"Proper training cannot be underestimated."
Keep safe out there.

[Samurai004]

I am currently in the academy and I have a 21" ASP baton and I love it. Some of the other people have 26" batons but are planning to buy the 21" after practicing close quarter emergency openings. A few people who are 6'2" or 6'3" in our class have no problem with the bigger baton though. I would talk to your academy and ask them what they recommend, I imagine different teaching styles favor different sizes. Also, Don't go with rubber grips they get slippery.

Hope this helps and have fun,
James

[kennethm3]

I carry two sets of hinged cuffs (S&W) on my duty belt but when I anticipate needing more I carry two sets of flexi-cuffs through the belt loops under my duty belt with the locking end (fat end) near the buckle so that they are easy to pull out. In my camelback I have six pairs of flexi-cuffs all tied together and ready to go with an additional pair of S&W handcuffs. Nothing like daisy-chaining a group together!

[gaboy]

One last bit of advice. Your second set of cuffs need a cuff case too. This seems obvious but alot of guys are still just sticking the extra cuffs down the small of their back. This only looks good on TV and the movies.