When performing wrist lock handcuffing, which body part goes into the suspect's shoulder?

• A. Elbow
• B. Foot
• C. Knee
• D. Shoulder blade

Answer: (C)

When you’re wrist lock handcuffing, your goal is to create a strong, stable contact that allows you to control the suspect’s upper body while you secure the cuffs. Placing your knee into the shoulder area achieves that by giving you a solid fulcrum near the center of gravity and using your body weight to press the upper torso downward. This helps you limit the suspect’s ability to turn, rise, or pull away, making it easier to bring the other hand into view and complete the cuffing safely.

The elbow isn’t as stable or low-profile of a contact point for maintaining downward pressure over time, and it doesn’t give you the same leverage. A foot is not a reliable or controlled contact point for restraining and can slip or be kicked away. Pressing into the shoulder blade is awkward and less effective for controlling the upper body and can create awkward angles that reduce control and increase risk.

So, driving the knee into the shoulder area provides the most control, stability, and leverage to safely complete the restraint.