What makes the Gotcha Handcuffs better then the ones I am currently carrying? Two words: OFFICER SAFETY. Gotcha Handcuffs are the only handcuffs that cannot be picked, jimmied or jarred open. Gotcha’s are also the only handcuffs that key from both sides. Gotcha Handcuffs are simply the unsurpassed handcuff on the market, period! Gotcha’s are the most important personal restraint equipment you will carry.  

Why can’t you pick and or jimmy them? Gotcha Handcuffs cannot be picked because there is nothing to contact or move in the keyhole. Gotcha Handcuffs cannot be jimmied because the standard pawl has been replaced with a patented cam locking system and gear. Unlike the pawl that disengages from the swing arm to advance to the next tooth, the gear(s) are always fully engaged with the swing arm when the cuffs are being closed or opened. Therefore a shim cannot be inserted between the gear(s) and swing arm.

Why should I use a different handcuff when I have never had a prisoner escape from my handcuffs? In our career we rarely get a second chance for our lives or officer safety, so it is safer to end that question with YET!  Think about how many times other officers inadvertently put handcuffs on backwards, in a struggle and then, compromised their safety by trying to unlock the handcuffs from the backside of the handcuff? 

How much stronger are the Gotcha Handcuff than the ones I use now? Gotcha Handcuffs are designed and tested to exceed the NIJ Standard for Metallic Handcuffs, Standard-0307.01 Sections 4.7 and 4.9. All high stress components are made of 316 stainless steel, which is a high carbon stainless steel. Likewise, all Gotcha Handcuffs use special stainless orbital rivets with the largest overlap in the industry. Inserting an object, between the cheek plates, and attempting to pry the handcuff open cannot defeat the swing arm hinge rivet!

Can you double lock the Gotcha Handcuffs? Gotcha Handcuffs are easily double locked using the Gotcha key and twisting the key to the double locked position. Once they are double locked with a key, they cannot be opened or closed further, and jarring, picking or shimming cannot defeat the locking mechanism.

Can the Gotcha Handcuff double lock be defeated by jarring the handcuff? NO, jarring the handcuff cannot defeat the patented cam locking system! Gotcha Handcuffs were designed so that they do not have to be double locked to insure officer safety. Gotcha’s cannot be forced, jimmied or picked opened. 

Does the Gotcha Handcuff use a standard handcuff key? NO, Gotcha Handcuffs use a unique key that is formed on the inside to match a special key shaft. This design is similar to a skate key. One of the suggestions to come out of field trials was to make the key longer. The Gotcha Handcuff key is now three inches long.

What about the common key issue? The Company is in the early stages of engineering a key that will open a conventional handcuff and the Gotcha Handcuff. The “Super Key” will be issued to departments to be used in the booking facilities and to aid in the transition until all agencies in that region are using Gotcha Handcuffs.

The key reminds me of the old Federal key, which could be defeated by jamming a pen body over the key shaft to form a key. Can Gotcha Handcuffs be opened by jamming a pen body over the key shaft; or by heating a pen body or a plastic cylinder and inserting it into the keyhole and around the key shaft to form a key? Although inmates are very creative, forcing a plastic pen barrel or cylinder around the key shaft cannot open Gotcha Handcuffs. The strength of the detent spring will break any plastic that is formed around the key shaft and the patent pending slotted keyhole will prevent the rotation of any plastic material that is inserted into the keyhole and over the key shaft.

How many Gotcha Handcuff Keys do I get with each purchase? Each Gotcha Handcuff comes with two keys. 

What if I lose the Gotcha Handcuff Key, how do I get into them? This is more of a “Key Control Issue,” then a safety issue.  This is why Taper International, Inc. issues two keys per handcuff and two keys to the agency.

How long will the Gotcha Handcuffs last me in 20-year career? Gotcha Handcuffs will last beyond your 20-year career.  We offer a LIFETIME GUARANTEE COMMITMENT!

What are the Gotcha Handcuffs made out of? All Gotcha Handcuffs components are made of stainless steel including the operating spring, locking spring, and rivets.

Will Gotcha handcuffs rust and will they withstand extended and repeated shower use? NO, they will not rust.  Gotcha Handcuffs are the only handcuffs made that will not rust.

Do I need any special training to use these handcuffs? NO special training is necessary to use Gotcha Handcuffs. Gotcha Handcuffs can be applied and used like your existing handcuffs. However with any new piece of equipment additional training is provided for those departments transition the entire department into the Gotcha Handcuffs.  The Fox Valley Technical College Tactical Training Division is currently conducting training and certification at a number of academies across the country. They are in the process of transitioning to Gotcha handcuffs for all their training and certification. 

If I wanted certified training on the Gotcha Handcuffs, where would I go? We would recommend contacting the Fox Valley Technical College Tactical Training Division, at 772-913-1615 or their Web Site: www.FVTCTTD.com for your training and certification needs.

Are there training aids available with the Gotcha Handcuffs? Yes, training aids are being developed and when completed can be downloaded from our web site www.betterhandcuffs.com. The aids will also have descriptive product literature as well as reference sites and sample presentations to be used as a guide for requesting funds from either your local city/county manager. 

Where do I buy these Gotcha Handcuffs? Currently all handcuffs sold domestically are sold direct from the factory located in Southern Pines, NC. The sales department can be contacted at 800.628.6863, our web site www.BetterHandcuffs.com or E-mail - CustomerService@betterhandcuffs.com, Sales@betterhandcuffs.com. The Company is in the Process of setting up foreign distributorships in England, Germany and Latin America.

How do I get a pair of Gotcha Handcuffs for T&E? The easiest way to request Gotcha Handcuffs for an agency trial period is through our web site, www.betterhandcuffs.com and contact us at moreinfo@betterhandcuffs.com. Additionally, you can contact us at 800.628.6863.

How much do the Gotcha Handcuffs cost? The hinged and swivel high security handcuffs are being introduced at $98.88 plus S&H. Unlike conventional handcuffs which are very simple and inexpensive to make, Gotcha Handcuffs have the same precision and durability as the best tactical equipment you carry. As one Sheriff said, “With all the precision and detail built into the Gotcha Handcuffs, how can you make any money by selling Gotcha’s at this price?”  

Why are Gotcha Handcuffs so expensive? Gotcha’s are the most secure and safest restraints in the industry today, and have the smoothest operational system, which make it the easiest handcuffs to use bar none! Internally, they are the most precise and durable personal restraint system and safety equipment you will ever use.  The patented geared operating mechanism is separate from the patented cam locking mechanism. This facilitates the very smooth action of the swing arm, while allowing for a very firm and positive action of the locking mechanism, as the key is rotated between positions. A great deal of engineering and detail was expended to ensure the smoothness of operation and that the swing arm engaged the geared operating mechanism every time. This was done to ensure officer safety and to minimize injury to the wrist of the subject especially from the most common injuries to the bones and nerves. Additionally, the locking mechanism automatically returns to the ready position from the unlocked position. Gotcha’s are the only handcuff to key from both sides. The specially designed key can be engaged from any position, not through a slotted keyhole, and there is no key pin or shaft to break off. 

Why should I spend the extra money on these handcuffs? The bottom line is Officer Safety!  There are a small percentage of officer killed and seriously injured from subject’s who escape handcuffs in today’s society.  How can you place a value on your safety or the safety of your partner?  According to NIJ, “Prisoners that are improperly or inadequately restrained pose an immediate threat to the safety of the personnel responsible for their control and custody, and ultimately to the safety of the general public.” Gotcha’s Personal Restraints are inexpensive insurance for your security and the safety of the general public. Compared to the cost of a prisoner escape, the money spent on Gotcha Handcuffs is trivial.  You take pride in your firearm, why shouldn’t you take the same pride in your nest most important piece of equipment?  Gotcha’s were made to support the 4 primary justifications for any force used by an officer: 1. We feel that Officer Safety should ALWAYS be first, 2 followed by subject safety and 3. Public Safety, and lastly 4. Supported by Public Image. 

Can I return them If I do not like them? YES! All Gotcha Handcuffs are backed with a 30-day no questions asked return policy.

Do you take trade-ins on existing handcuffs? Yes, Taper International, Inc. will offer a rebate for all serviceable handcuffs received, for a discounted introductory price of $88.88 for both the hinged and swivel handcuffs.

What is the factory warranty on the Gotcha Handcuffs? All Gotcha Handcuffs come with a lifetime no-questions asked replacement warranty for all registered owners.

Do you make a training pair of handcuffs with an easy button to open? Based on the preliminary feedback from the Fox Valley Technical College trainers, a training handcuff may not be necessary. Gotcha Handcuffs, with the double sided keying and the quick insertion of the key, can be removed quickly during training. Removing the handcuffs isn’t the time consuming process it is with other handcuffs.  The cam locking system also reinforces the dual functions of the handcuff key (double locking and removing).

Who is using the Gotcha Handcuffs now? Pilot programs are being conducted with 75 agencies across the country including: U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Air Marshals, FBI, six state department of corrections, and numerous local police and sheriffs departments, as well as the United States Military. Taper International, Inc was asked to present Gotcha handcuffs to the mid-year meeting of the IACP Patrol and Tactical Operations Committee. While IACP does not endorse products, the Committee Chairman, Chief Gerald Galloway strongly recommends their use.

Is training liability offered with the Gotcha Handcuffs? Yes, training liability is offered to those agencies receiving certified training through the Fox Valley Technical College Tactical Training.

Does your Company make leg irons, belly chains and lock boxes? YES, Gotcha Handcuffs are designed to use standard belly chairs through the use of Gotcha lock boxes.  Taper International, Inc. is please to announce the production of it's high security leg irons with the same-patented cam locking system used in Gotcha Handcuffs.

Where did the design of Gotcha handcuffs come from? Four years ago, as the Founder and Chairman of a law enforcement software company, Mr. Taper was approached by an officer to develop a safer handcuff. After validating the need for such a handcuff with many of our 400+ client agencies, we launched a program to design, patent and build the safest handcuff ever. The resulting design has evolved based upon inputs from many officers’ including: patrol officers, sheriff deputies, jailers and trainers.  More recently, Gotcha Handcuffs completed a year of field trials that resulted in the double-sided keying capability. We continually seek to improve our products. The need to have rustproof springs was a recent recommendation from the Maximum Security Facility at Standish Michigan.