SECTION 843.021. Unlawful possession of a concealed handcuff key.

• (1) As used in this section, the term:

  (a) “In custody” means any time while a person has been placed in handcuffs by a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether such person is under formal arrest.

  (b) “Handcuff key” means any key, tool, device, implement, or other thing used, designed, or intended to aid in unlocking or removing handcuffs.

  (c) “Concealed handcuff key” means any handcuff key carried by a person in a manner that indicates an intent to prevent discovery of the key by a law enforcement officer, including, but not limited to, a handcuff key carried:

  1. In a pocket of a piece of clothing of a person, and unconnected to any key ring;

  2. On a necklace of a person;

  3. On the body part of a person or on any item of clothing of such person, when the handcuff key is secured on the body part or item of clothing by use of tape, glue, line, or other material;

  4. In or within any compartment, seam, fold, or other encasement within any item of clothing, belt, shoe, or jewelry of a person;

  5. In or within any sock, hose, shoe, belt, undergarment, glove, hat, or similar item of clothing or accessory of a person;

  6. By a person and disguised as jewelry or other object; or

  7. In or within any body cavity of a person.
  (2) Any person who possesses a concealed handcuff key commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
  (3) It is a defense to a charge of violating this section that, immediately upon being placed in custody, the person in custody actually and effectively disclosed to the law enforcement officer that he or she was in possession of a concealed handcuff key.
  (4)(a) It is a defense to a charge of violating this section that the person in custody and in possession of a concealed handcuff key is:

  1. A federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, including a reserve or auxiliary officer, a licensed security officer, or a private investigator as defined in s. 493.6101; or

  2. A professional bail bond agent, temporary bail bond agent, runner, or limited surety agent as defined in s. 648.25.

  (b) However, the defense is not available to any officer, investigator, agent, or runner listed in this subsection if the officer, investigator, agent, or runner, immediately upon being placed in custody, fails to actually and effectively disclose possession of the concealed handcuff key.

History.-s. 1, ch. 2000-230.

History.-s. 1, ch. 2000-230.