National Handcuff Day is observed worldwide every year on February 20th, commemorating the invention of the modern handcuff design by George A. Carney. This day highlights the history of handcuffs, which have evolved from ancient restraints like ropes and wooden stocks to the adjustable designs used by law enforcement today. Celebrations may include reading about the history of handcuffs, watching police movies featuring arrests, or engaging in playful activities with partners, though it is noted that police handcuffs are unsuitable for bondage practices. The holiday was created by Handcuff Warehouse and the Peerless Handcuff Company, with February 20th chosen as it marks the date Carney received his patent for the innovative design. Carney's improvements in the early 20th century made handcuffs lighter and easier for officers to apply, establishing a standard that remains largely unchanged.