It seems that we hear a new warning about hidden cuff keys every week. There are several things you can do to make it virtually impossible, for a suspect to take off their handcuffs.
First, whenever practical cuff them so that the backs of their hands are together with the palms out and thumbs up. (It should go without saying that all suspects should be handcuffed in back, by the way). This not only makes it difficult to manipulate a key, but it puts their arms in an awkward position should they pull their hands around to the front.
Second, put the key holes on top. If you use hinge cuffs, putting the key holes on top will make it virtually impossible to get the cuffs off. Trust me, I have tried.
Third, always double lock the cuffs!
Fourth, put them in the car, make them sit facing forward and seatbelt them in to restrict their movement.
If you do all of these things you don’t have to worry so much about missing a key or lock pick on a pat down. Even Houdini would have a hard time defeating all of that.
This is not to say that we should stop being aware of criminals with cuff keys, but if we follow a few simple procedures with every arrest we can prevent any attempt to escape even if they did sneak a key past us.