What should officers do if the person arrested has only one hand?

• A. Handcuff their hand to their belt or belt loops on their pants
• B. Leave the arm free
• C. Use a neck restraint
• D. Place the cuff on the opposite wrist

Answer: (A)

When someone has only one hand, you still need to establish clear control to keep the arrestee and officers safe. The best approach is to cuff the remaining hand and secure that cuff to the person’s belt or belt loop. This immobilizes the available limb against the body, preventing the hand from grabbing, striking, or reaching for something, and it keeps transport safer for everyone.

Leaving the arm free would reduce control and increase risk during movement or any struggle. A neck restraint is dangerous and generally not allowed due to safety concerns. Placing the cuff on the opposite wrist isn’t feasible when there isn’t a second usable hand to cuff, so the belt attachment plan provides a practical and safer restraint.