U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE) Has Awarded A $16.7 Million Contract To Purchase 6,000 Pairs Of Electric-Shock Gloves, Despite Strong Criticism From Civil Rights Groups And Democratic Lawmakers.
The Contract Was Awarded Without A Competitive Bidding Process To Compliant Technologies LLC, A Kentucky-Based Company That Manufactures The G.L.O.V.E. — Short For Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter. The Six-Month Deal Includes The Gloves, Support Equipment And Related Services.
The Gloves Normally Function As Patrol Gloves But Can Deliver An Electrical Shock When Activated And Brought Into Direct Contact With Bare Skin. ICE Describes Them As “Conductive Distraction And De-Escalation Devices” Intended To Help Officers Control People Who Resist Arrest, Become Combative Or Attempt To Escape.
According To ICE Procurement Documents, The Devices Could Be Used During Arrests, Detainee Transportation And Civil Disturbances Around Detention Facilities. The Agency Says They Could Provide Officers With An Alternative To More Severe Forms Of Force.
However, The Purchase Has Triggered Concerns Over Use Of Force, Training, Medical Safety And Accountability. Sixteen Democratic Senators Recently Urged ICE To Cancel The Purchase, Saying Clear Rules And Comprehensive Oversight Are Needed Before Such Devices Are Deployed.
The Department Of Homeland Security Has Defended The Acquisition, Saying ICE Officers Need Appropriate Equipment To Safely Carry Out Their Duties And That The Technology Will Be Used Under Applicable Policies And Standards.
The Contract Marks A Significant Expansion Of The Use Of Electric-Shock Glove Technology Within Federal Immigration Enforcement And Is Likely To Remain A Subject Of Debate Over ICE’s Use-Of-Force Policies
