While handcuffing usually precedes an arrest, being placed in handcuffs does not make an arrest official. For example, if a house is raided and there are 10 people in the house, police might detain all with handcuffs or flexible restraints until backup arrives and or investigators determine who, if anyone, is to be arrested. In such cases, restraints typically are removed from those who police believe are not involved in the matter, and they're not arrested.