diff --git a/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp b/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp
index d6209dd9f..ac7231209 100644
--- a/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp	
@@ -1363,7 +1363,7 @@ INT32 HandleItem( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, INT8 bLevel, UINT16 usHa
 	}
 
 	// Flugente: handcuffing people
-	if (gGameExternalOptions.fAllowPrisonerSystem && HasItemFlag(usHandItem, HANDCUFFS) && pTargetSoldier)
+	if (gGameExternalOptions.fAllowPrisonerSystem && HasItemFlag(usHandItem, HANDCUFFS) && pTargetSoldier && pTargetSoldier->bVisible >= 0)
 	{
 		if (!pTargetSoldier->CanBeCaptured())
 			return ITEM_HANDLE_REFUSAL;
diff --git a/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp b/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp
index 2c327fd26..93d8d36be 100644
--- a/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp	
@@ -2308,7 +2308,7 @@ UINT8 HandleHandcuffCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, UINT32 uiCurso
 	{
 		// is there a person here?
 		UINT8 usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
-		if ( usSoldierIndex != NOBODY && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->CanBeCaptured( ) )
+		if (usSoldierIndex != NOBODY && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex] && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->bVisible >= 0 && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->CanBeCaptured())
 		{
 			return( HANDCUFF_GREY_UICURSOR );
 		}