What is the primary purpose of using handcuffs in law enforcement?

The primary purpose of using handcuffs in law enforcement is to temporarily restrain a subject's movements. Handcuffs are designed to securely limit an individual's mobility, primarily to ensure the safety of both the officer and the person being detained. This temporary restraint allows law enforcement officers to maintain control of a situation during an arrest or when there is a potential threat.

Handcuffs serve as a tool for preventing the individual from running away or reaching for potential weapons, enabling officers to effectively manage interactions during potentially volatile circumstances. While they do provide a degree of security for the officer, handcuffs are not intended for permanent restraint; that would require different measures and considerations.

Other options, such as ensuring comfort or allowing free movement, do not align with the purpose of handcuffs, which inherently limits mobility as a safety and procedural necessity.