What is a common drawback of using flex cuffs in law enforcement situations?

The use of flex cuffs, while beneficial for quickly securing individuals during law enforcement operations, has a significant drawback in that they may not be reusable and can be cut for removal. This makes them less sustainable in prolonged situations or when a suspect needs to be maintained under control for an extended period. In many cases, once flex cuffs are applied, they cannot simply be removed without cutting them off, which leads to the need for replacement cuffs. This characteristic can be problematic in long-duration incidents where reapplication or continued restraint is necessary.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect well-known issues with flex cuffs. Flex cuffs are generally viewed as cost-effective, and although they can occasionally fail, the notion that they "often break" is not a primary concern in the same way that issues with reuse and disposal are. Moreover, the availability of flex cuffs is typically not a limiting factor in most law enforcement agencies due to their widespread use and accessibility.