U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to acquire thousands of gloves capable of delivering electric shocks, intended as a tool to gain compliance from combative individuals. The Department of Homeland Security published a notice indicating a potential expenditure of up to $20 million for these "conductive distraction and de-escalation devices" by March.
The devices, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC. They have reportedly been used by some correctional facilities and police departments in recent years. According to the manufacturer, the gloves function as normal patrol gloves until a switch is activated, delivering an electrical mode that requires direct skin contact to produce a pain stimulus for compliance.
John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, described the sensation as being akin to a "bee sting" and noted it as an "effective tool" for officers facing resistance. Peters suggested the devices could be particularly advantageous for smaller, weaker, or older officers by enabling faster takedowns and shorter confrontations. He envisioned their use in situations such as removing uncooperative subjects from vehicles or residences and during transfers in and out of detention facilities.
Compliant Technologies warns against using the device as punishment or on individuals exhibiting only verbal defiance. The manufacturer also specifies that the devices should not be used on high-risk populations including children, pregnant women, or the elderly and disabled.
Civil rights advocates have voiced concerns about the plan. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union, questioned the necessity of such devices for civil immigration enforcement and expressed doubt about the appropriate use by ICE officers, who have previously faced criticism for their use of force. "Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public," Borchetta stated.
Supporters of the technology, including Peters, acknowledge the potential for misuse by a small number of personnel, as is common with other policing technologies. However, they suggest the devices are unlikely to cause significant injuries when used correctly. Peters emphasized the importance of ICE implementing robust policies and comprehensive training, noting that officers using the devices must complete a course and be recertified every two years, according to the manufacturer.
The notice for the potential no-bid contract could be published as early as Friday. The Department of Homeland Security indicated it was preparing a response to an inquiry from the Associated Press and offered no immediate comment.