Käsirautoja

Käsirautoja, commonly known as handcuffs in English, are a restraint device used to secure a person's wrists. They typically consist of two metal cuffs connected by a chain or hinge. Each cuff has a swinging arm that locks into a ratchet mechanism. When the handcuffs are applied, the swinging arm is positioned around the wrist and then pushed inwards, engaging the ratchet and securing the cuff. A key is generally required to unlock and release the handcuffs.

Historically, restraints have been used for centuries to control individuals. Modern handcuffs evolved from earlier forms of restraints, with significant design developments occurring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The common design featuring a swing-through arm and a key-operated lock became widely adopted.

Käsirautoja are primarily used by law enforcement agencies for the temporary detention and transportation of suspects and prisoners. They are also employed in correctional facilities to maintain order and prevent escape. In some situations, private security personnel may also use them. The primary purpose is to restrict an individual's ability to move their arms and thus their hands, preventing them from escaping, harming themselves, or harming others. The use of handcuffs is subject to legal regulations and guidelines, which vary by jurisdiction, to ensure they are used appropriately and humanely.