Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) Week 2 Practice Test

Double locking protects the restrained person and you by preventing the cuffs from tightening if the wrists swell or the person struggles. The best time to engage the double lock is once you have the suspect secured and it’s safe to reach the mechanism—typically before moving or transporting them. Doing it at a moment you can safely access the lock reduces the risk of causing injury or losing control, and you can verify the fit and circulation first. Rushing to double lock immediately, waiting until they’re seated, or never applying the double lock aren’t as safe or practical because the safeguard against tightening isn’t in place when it’s most needed.