US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on thousands of electric shock gloves for officers, prompting concern from civil rights advocates over the potential use of force.

According to a notice published Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE intends to purchase the devices, described as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices”, by March.

The devices, known as G.L.O.V.E., an acronym for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, are manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, a company based in Lexington, Kentucky.

The DHS notice indicates that a solicitation for a no-bid contract could be published as early as Friday.

DHS said on Tuesday that it was preparing a response to inquiries about the planned purchase but did not immediately provide further details.

Jeff Niklaus, founder and chief executive officer of Compliant Technologies, also declined to comment on the planned ICE procurement.

According to the manufacturer, the devices function as ordinary patrol gloves until an officer activates an electrical mode using a switch.

The gloves must make direct contact with a person’s skin to deliver an electrical stimulus intended to cause pain and gain compliance within seconds.

John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, who is studying the use of the technology, described the sensation as immediate and sharp.

“It’s immediate and sharp, and it will distract you. I call it like a bee sting,” Peters said.

He said the devices could be particularly useful when officers encounter people resisting arrest or refusing to comply with orders.

Peters said ICE’s proposed purchase could be the largest order placed by the company to date and suggested the gloves could be used to remove uncooperative individuals from vehicles, homes and detention facilities.

He also argued that the devices could help smaller, older or physically weaker officers resolve confrontations more quickly.

Civil rights advocates have criticised the planned purchase, arguing that ICE officers are already facing scrutiny over their use of force and what critics describe as limited oversight.

Jenn Rolnick Borchetta, deputy project director on policing at the American Civil Liberties Union, questioned the need for electric shock devices in civil immigration enforcement.

She also expressed concern that individuals could be subjected to electric shocks without warning.

“ICE spent the last year showing this country they are too quick to use force. Now they will be able to deploy electric shocks with the slight push of a button that maybe nobody else can see them do,” Borchetta said.

“Introducing gloves that can so easily be used to deliver terrible pain in encounters is a recipe for harm to the public,” she added.

Compliant Technologies says the gloves are intended for specific situations, including subduing violent suspects who resist being placed in police vehicles and inmates who pose a danger to themselves or officers.

The manufacturer warns that the devices should not be used as punishment or against people who are merely verbally defiant or belligerent.

It also advises against their use on high-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Peters acknowledged that some officers could misuse the technology, as with other law enforcement equipment, but said he did not expect widespread injuries if the devices were properly deployed.

He said effective policies, training and oversight would be essential if ICE proceeds with the purchase.

According to the manufacturer, officers must complete a training course before using the devices and undergo recertification every two years. (Arise News)

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