Do Security Guards Need Training to Use Handcuffs?

There's no single mandatory, SIA-set qualification for handcuff use - but that doesn't mean training is optional in practice.

Because the SIA licence itself carries no special legal authority, a guard's ability to justify using handcuffs rests entirely on demonstrating the force was necessary and proportionate at the time. Untrained use significantly raises the risk of injury to the person being restrained, and correspondingly raises the risk of the guard or their employer facing a civil or criminal claim.

For that reason, most employers who authorise handcuff use require staff to complete a specific training module covering safe application, monitoring for medical or positional risk, and correct removal - rather than relying on general conflict management training alone. Training also typically covers cuff type, since technique differs between rigid and chain-link designs.

Stand2 delivers this as part of our Handcuffing & Soft Restraints training.