Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may soon be equipped with gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks to gain compliance from combative individuals. The devices, known as the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC of Lexington, Kentucky.

Concerns Over Use of Force

Civil rights advocates have expressed alarm over the plan, citing concerns that ICE officers already face criticism for their use of force with little oversight or accountability. Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union, questioned why the devices would be necessary for civil immigration enforcement and noted that those getting shocked might have no advance warning.

The manufacturer warns that the device should not be used as punishment, against people merely exhibiting verbal defiance or belligerence, or on high-risk populations such as children, pregnant women, or elderly or disabled people. To use the device, officers must complete a course and be recertified every two years.

Potential Misuse

Supporters of the devices say they are generally used in specific jail and transport situations, rather than broadly to patrol on the streets. However, critics argue that the devices could be misused by officers, leading to harm to the public. John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, said that while the devices can be effective in certain situations, it is essential for ICE to have robust policies and training in place to prevent misuse.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.