§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the UK police or prison services use oversize cuffs; and what research and policy guidelines the Police Scientific Development Branch has issued on the standards of handcuffs, oversize cuffs and other restraining equipment. [98540]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The purchase of handcuffs and other equipment is an operational matter for chief officers of police. I understand that the handcuffs normally in use are rigid speedcuffs, sometimes known as quick-cuffs. The Police Scientific Development Branch has not issued guidelines on standards for handcuffs or other restraining equipment, but guidelines on the use of handcuffs has been issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
I understand that each Prison Service establishment in England and Wales is issued with two sets of oversize cuffs for use as necessary with prisoners with exceptionally large wrists.