Escapology World Records

FASTEST ESCAPE FROM A PAIR OF HANDCUFFS

THE RULES

1. The record is for the fastest time in escaping from a pair of regulation police handcuffs.
2. The time will start when the first bow of the handcuff is placed over the wrist of the escape artist and the time will stop when the handcuffs have been handed to the assistant.
3. An escape will be recorded when both sets of cuffs have been removed from the wrist and handed to the waiting assistant. One cuff hanging loose or partly locked will not be classified as an escape. If the escape artist has removed the cuffs but not handed them to the assistant then an escape has not been performed.
4. There must be one designated person to hand the cuffs to.
5. The handcuffs must be fastened by an experienced person (for example from the police), and the fastening should be checked by another person from the jury.
6. The handcuff used must either be Smith and Wesson "Model 100" chain linked handcuffs (locked in single lock position) or Hiatts speedcuffs. The serial numbers must be checked before and after the escapes to confirm they are the same cuffs.
7. The handcuffs must be provided by the organiser / judge of the attempt who should not be connected with the record breaker. The escapologist must not have access to the handcuffs or its keys before the attempt.
8. The handcuff keys must be removed and put on display so that any member of the public who wishes to see them may do so.
9. If the escape artist wishes, the handcuff can be opened inside a small box or behind a screen. The assistant may sit or stand at either side of the box to fasten or receive the cuffs.
10. Only non-destructive measures may be employed on the handcuffs.
11. Time keeping may be made by a third party and the escape will begin and end on their say so. Time will be stopped when the cuff has been handed to the assistant.
12. The escape artist may wear whatever clothes he or she feels are suitable for the escapes.

THE RECORDS

MOST ESCAPES FROM HANDCUFFS IN ONE HOUR

THE RULES

1. The record is for the escaping from as many handcuffs as possible within a one hour time period.
2. The time will start when the first bow of the first handcuff is placed over the wrist of the escape artist and the time will stop sixty minutes later. The number of full escapes carried out within that 60 minutes will be recorded as the number escaped from.
   
3. An escape will be recorded when both sets of cuffs have been removed from the wrist and handed to the waiting assistant. One cuff hanging loose or partly locked will not be classified as an escape. If the escape artist has removed the cuffs but not handed them to the assistant then an escape has not been performed.
4. Any number of assistants are allowed to help in the process of preparing and cleaning the cuffs once the escapes are under way, however there must be one designated person to hand the cuffs to. This person is not allowed to fasten the cuffs as well.
5. The handcuffs must be fastened by an experienced person (for example from the police), and the fastening should be observed by the jury.
6. The handcuffs used must be Smith and Wesson "Model 100" chain linked handcuffs. These should only be locked in Single Lock" position. The serial numbers must be checked before and after the escapes to confirm they are the same cuffs.
7. The handcuffs must be provided by the organiser / judge of the attempt who should not be connected with the record breaker. If possible, the handcuffs must be provided by the police. The escapologist must not have access to the handcuffs before the attempt.
8. The handcuff keys must be removed and put on display so that any member of the public who wishes to see them may do so.
9. If the escape artist wishes, the handcuff can be opened inside a small box or behind a screen. The assistant may sit or stand at either side of the box to fasten or receive the cuffs. The assistant may sit or stand at either side of the box to fasten or receive the cuffs. The escape artist may place refreshments on the table but all other toolboxes, bags or boxes must be removed to a neutral area away from the escape.
10. The assistant may use a can of oil or spray lubricant in addition to a cloath to clean the handcuffs during the sixty minutes.
    
11. Only non-destructive measures may be employed on the handcuffs.
12. Time keeping may be made by a third party and the escape will begin and end on their say so. There are to be no pauses or time outs once time has started. Time will be stopped when sixty minutes has passed.
    
13. The escape artist may wear whatever clothes he or she feels are suitable for the escapes.

MOST ESCAPES FROM HANDCUFFS IN 24 HOURS

FASTEST ESCAPE FROM HANDCUFFS WHILE UNDER WATER

THE RULES

FASTEST ESCAPE FROM A STRAITJACKET

THE RULES

1. For this attempt a standard unaltered, side, belly loop and friction buckle "Posey" model straitjacked must be used.
2. Prior to the record, the witness must be provided with the manufacturers sizing and fitting instructions. They should inspect the straitjacket to ensure that all straps are in place and no alterations have been made.
3. Prior to the record, the witnesses must check
• that the jacked is correctly sized in accordance with the manufacturers instructions (the size label is sewn to the jacket, and should be present)
• all straps are in place and no alterations have been made
• the straitjacket is free of any 'alien' object
  
4. The straitjacked must be fastened by an experienced person (for example from the police), and the fastening should be checked by another person from the jury.
5. An experienced timekeeper should be present for the event.
6. Qualified medical staff should also be present throughout the record attempt.
7. Once the participant is in the fastened straitjacket, it should be inspected by an independent witness to confirm that the jacket has been fastened correctly. The instructions provided by Posey must be followed. The jacket must have secured:
   
   • Front loop arms
   • Two side loops
   • Four back straps in place
   • Crotch strap in place
8. The attempt begins after a pre-arranged countdown.
9. The attempt ends as soon as the participant is free and drops the straitjacket on the floor.
   

THE RECORDS

FASTEST ESCAPE FROM A STRAITJACKET WHILE ON STILTS

1. The stilts used must be of the "Chinese type".
2. No hinges, springs, hydraulic devices or other mechanical aids can be present in the stilts.
3. The stilts must have a footprint of no more than 6.5 sq cm [4 sq] in per foot.
4. The stilts should be a minimum of 76.2 cm [30 in] from floor level to the base of the foot.
5. If at any time during the escape the performer uses any external aid, or balancing tool, the attempt is null and void.
6. Protective kneepads must be worn throughout the attempt.