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Thread: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

  1. #1
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    Question Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs?

    Hi Everyone,

    I was looking at some of the holsters, and one of them have a spot for hadcuffs. Can Private Investigators/Trainees carry handcuffs, because I thought it was illegal for a civilian to carry. Just curious, if anyone knows the answer I'd greatly appreciate it...
    Nate


    The eye in the shadows.

  2. #2

    Hello

    I don't think that you can carry handcuffs you have to remember that in this field that you are not a law enforcement officer. If you were a bounty hunter then that would be different unlike a P.I they do have the power to arrest. Hope that this answers your question.

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    Nathaniel

    I see your from florida. Please note if you are working and are certified to use them the DOA will not have a problem with you carring them. I work for a security company and I have all the equipment law enforcement uses.Handcuffs,pepper spray, firearm.
    Also as a private investigator I occassionally take loss prevention contracts and have to detain individuals.

    Remember you are resposible for injuries to a person you detain. Be careful.

    I hope this helps.

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    Thanks for the info, that answered my question...
    Nate


    The eye in the shadows.

  5. #5
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    handcuffs

    Unless you are in LP or security, I see no reason why you would need handcuffs...you have no arrest powers as a PIl moreiver, you can find yourself in a lawsuit should you illegally detain someone (you are still a private citizen, not a peace officer).
    T civil suit against you may read "false imprisonment" and "IIED" among others...

    I cant understnad why PI's want to equip themselves like cops?
    Jeff Starnes, B.S., J.D.
    Associate Partner
    Noland & Associates
    Private Investigations, Marietta, Ga.

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    This is an interesting topic. Very curios! I would think that you wouldn't really need them doing MOST PI work. And I think I would have to agree with Jeff. You need to be careful if you do carry one because there is definitely the potential for lawsuits. And isn't the process for making a citizen's arrest somewhat complicated anyway?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nathaniel Hernandez
    Hi Everyone,

    I was looking at some of the holsters, and one of them have a spot for hadcuffs. Can Private Investigators/Trainees carry handcuffs, because I thought it was illegal for a civilian to carry. Just curious, if anyone knows the answer I'd greatly appreciate it...
    Nathaniel,

    I moved your question here to keep the website nice and neat. One thing is does a PI really need handcuffs?? They can not arrest anyone. If they are a bounty hunter, that needs to take someone in, they have to have a low officer come with them for an arrest

    Jamie
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    I would have to agree, we should not carry hand cuff's, it's not necessary, unless your job description (ex:bounty hunter) requires it. I also feel that it is good you asked before just doing it, and waisting time and money. Maybe you should look into bounty hunting?

  9. #9
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    smart thinking

    think about a change to bounty hunter.

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    Jeff,
    Good information. Thanks.
    Julie Mercer

  11. #11
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    great question. good info.

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    If you decide to carry handcuffs, be sure you throughtly understand the laws in your state pretaining to false arrest, unlawful detention, lawsuits for these types of volations can be life altering for you and your family.

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    Does the shoe fit?

    Currently I am a US Army Military Police Officer and do have arrest powers, however, I am presently serving as a Protective Services Agent (bodyguard), and I never carry handcuffs. Why? Because in the scope of my current duties, I don't need them. If I have the time to handcuff someone, I should me moving my principal. So after all this babbling, what is the moral to the story? Don't carry anything you don't really need to perform your duties. This not only pertains to handcuffs, but firearms, ASP's, or any other type of "Gucci" equipment. Hope this helps.

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    Very good point. Dominic.

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    Excellent statement Dominic

    Thanks for your post.
    Thomas W Simons
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    Dominic Iannucci -'s Avatar
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    No problem...just trying to help out where I can.

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    Dominic, thank you for your imput. We have to carry enough, without any thing extra. Good luck in all you do.

    Have a wonderful week. Take care.

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    Dominic Iannucci -'s Avatar
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    I agree. Sometimes I think about gaining weight so I can add some real estate with which to put all of the equipment I carry for work.

  19. #19
    Todd Heddleson -'s Avatar
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    i have 6 years training in law enforcement mostly private security, now becoming a private investigator, if you don't need hand cuffs, don't carry them! there is not much of a line between fredom, and jail.

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    hand cuffs

    i have 6 years training in law enforcement mostly private security, now becoming a private investigator, if you don't need hand cuffs, don't carry them! there is not much of a line between fredom, and jail. meaning it is better for you to not use them, then have them used on you!!

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    I will agree with the general consensus. Although I do have training in the use of handcuffs, I have no intention of carrying or using same, since I am not a law enforcement official. I do know that if you do use handcuffs, you need to know how, when, and why to use them, and to be prepared to answer any liability claims that may arise if they are used--whether properly or improperly. If you wish to carry handcuffs, I suggest you review the state laws on how and when to carry and use them, as well as if you are eligible to carry them. (This is not legal advice. If you want legal advisement on the subject, please feel free to consult a practicing attorney.)

    Have a great day.

    John

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    Thanks Fof The Information.

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    Nice, I like that post, it cut right to the heart of the matter.

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    Dominic,
    Not only do you give great advice & info in your posting, you also give me pause for thought, that's what I enjoy so much about learning this way. Thank you!
    Joyce

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    This information is very interesting and educational. Thanks to everyone that has participated in this thread.

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    I See It This Way As A P.i Your Job Is To Gather Information,allthough You Do Have The Right As A Citizen To Detain Without Handcuffs Only After The Police Have Been Notified,such As Catching Some Breaking Into You House,but Do Not Be A Hero.

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    So does that mean as a PI you have the right to detain but not to arrest, right? Do you have the right to detain anyone in the street that is trying to commit a crime? or is it only when your performing an assignment through your agency? Please someone explain! Thank you.

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    Thanks for all of the posts on this subject. This is great information to know.

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    I really don't feel it would be necessary for me to carry handcuffs a all, but if someone was trying to commit a crime I feel that I would do whatever means t detain them.

    I would contact proper authorities tohandle te situation.
    Just making sure I know all the regulations regarding this..

    Thanks, alot for the info!! I can use every little detail I can get..


    Kathy

  30. #30

    Great topic

    I always wondered about this. I have handcuffs but have never used them or carried them with me. Can you use handcuffs as self defence? Restrain a subject who was attacking you?

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    Some facts I have found in my travel. Handcuffs are not illegal to posses in most states, however the use is very well restricted. Two of the most important things to consider are one, Illegal Detention and two, Safety of the individual restrained. There are extensive courses law enforcement, security, Corrections, ect are supposed to go through in certain states. These courses teach that you cannot handcuff an individual to a door handle of a car, (or other movable objects) which could put the detainee in danger. Carrying a set of cuffs in some areas, by non professionals, are highly frowned upon by local officials because of the criminal use that could be implied such as illegal abductions. This goes the same with just carrying the key to a set of cuffs. Are they illegal? ask a magician that uses them in their show, It depends on the use. if illegally used, you can be sued and so can the company in which you work. I have used cuffs in security, corrections, loss prevention and in the military, but to tell you during covert operations, stake outs, surveillances, the accidental site of a pair could blow your cover or cause you allot of problems, (and in those types of jobs, they are not needed). My recommendation is to check with the local authorities, but don't carry them if your field of work does not require them. I personally do not see the need for them in an average PI, day to day activities.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    Quote Originally Posted by Steven D Mahan
    I See It This Way As A P.i Your Job Is To Gather Information,allthough You Do Have The Right As A Citizen To Detain Without Handcuffs Only After The Police Have Been Notified,such As Catching Some Breaking Into You House,but Do Not Be A Hero.
    Thats not entirely true as a security officer I sometimes have to detain a person for a criminal act and i always use cuffs when i detain. Law enforcement has no problem with it and there is no where in law that says you may not use handcuffs.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    I do have to carry handcuffs in a security job i work,because we have to restrain psychotic and out of control persons on alcohol and drugs.As a PI i would not carry because of the false arrest and detainment laws.A PI could find oneself in jail or facing a civil lawsuit from the use of handcuffs.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    There may be no federal right for the use or non-use of handcuffs because the states may choose to regulate their use or not. Therefore, if there are state restrictions posted here, we should have the web link for that law.

    All my best,

    Robert
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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Donovan
    There may be no federal right for the use or non-use of handcuffs because the states may choose to regulate their use or not. Therefore, if there are state restrictions posted here, we should have the web link for that law.

    All my best,

    Robert

    Has anyone heard anything about any federal move to make something that was recognized in one state ok in another state? I ask because I have heard something on this with conceal carry guns.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    So if as a level 4 Bounty Hunter that give you the power to arrest how do you identify that to someone?

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    I have read many of the inquiries for carrying handcuffs and I just don't think that it is a necessity to the job unless, of course, you are designated as a Bounty Hunter. To reiterate the PI role, we are to gather information and facts for our employer(s). PI's are not considered law enforcement and do not have the protected power to make an arrest. To detain someone (when not a peace officer) is unlawful and you may be subject to the same liability and reprimand as a person committing an illegal offense.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    Charles,

    Thanks for the clearity on that

  39. #39
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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    Greetings everyone, just wanted I hope all is weel and fine with you all, Thanks for sharing the tip with us Charles, keep up the good work.

    Have a great day.

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    Re: Can P.I.'s carry handcuffs

    Hi Wayne,

    You're very welcome!
    Best Regards,

    Charles Morgan
    Private Investigator Trainee
    charles.morgan@pi-agency.us

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