California lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday aimed at prohibiting the use of electric shock gloves by law enforcement agents in the state. This move follows concerns from immigrant and civil rights advocates regarding plans to equip immigration officers with gloves capable of delivering electric shocks. Proponents argue that these gloves offer a non-lethal means to subdue individuals.
The Department of Homeland Security had announced plans to allocate between $10 million and $20 million for the procurement of these gloves from Compliant Technologies, based in Lexington, Kentucky, for use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The department stated that the decision was made after careful consideration and noted that other law enforcement agencies in the U.S. already utilize similar technology.
Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, criticized the department's decision, claiming it could intimidate the public and exacerbate existing issues related to ICE's use of force, particularly in light of previous deaths in custody.
Assembly Bill 2760, authored by Assemblymember LaShea Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), seeks to ban local, state, and federal agencies from using or acquiring electric shock gloves in California. During a news conference, Sharp-Collins emphasized the importance of not spending state funds on technology that could harm individuals, stating, "It cannot be used on our children, it cannot be used on our teachers, our business owners, it cannot be used on anyone."
The gloves, known as the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E, can deliver a 380-volt shock upon contact. While Compliant Technologies claims that the gloves are less powerful than traditional tasers, critics argue that they pose significant risks, particularly in the hands of ICE agents. Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Alameda) expressed skepticism about the gloves being a tool for de-escalation, highlighting the existing array of non-lethal weapons available to law enforcement.
Although the gloves have been used in various detention centers and law enforcement agencies across the country, they have not been adopted in California. Recently, the Omaha police department decided to discontinue their use of shock gloves after community concerns arose.
Sharp-Collins noted that the legislation was prepared in consultation with the state attorney general’s office to ensure its resilience against potential legal challenges from the federal government. The Senate voted 30-9 on Monday to approve a rule change facilitating the bill's swift passage before the legislative session concludes on August 31.