Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to spend up to $20 million by March on new "shock gloves" designed to subdue individuals using electric jolts, a move that raises significant questions about their operational mechanics.
The gloves, officially known by the acronym GLOVE (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), are manufactured by Compliant Technologies and have been previously used by U.S. jails and police departments. While appearing like standard patrol gloves, officers can activate an electrical mode via a switch. Classified as a Conductive Distraction and De-escalation Device (CD3), these gloves differ from tasers or stun guns that incapacitate through high voltage and neuromuscular disruption.
Instead, the GLOVE operates by interfering with peripheral nerves. When activated, conductive pads on the gloves transmit high-frequency electrical pulses to the point of contact, bombarding sensory nerves and temporarily disrupting focus. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and microprocessor module located in the cuff. The manufacturer claims the localized pain induced inhibits muscle movement without causing widespread lockup, leading to compliance in under three seconds with no lasting marks.
The electrical current flows only between the glove's pads and the subject's skin, preventing shocks to the wearer or others holding the individual. The gloves, functional in temperatures from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, come in three versions (Gen 3, 4, and 5) with maximum voltages capped at 380 V. Stimulation times vary, with Gen 5 offering 90 minutes of maximum use compared to two hours for earlier models. Batteries support 2,000 charge cycles and recharge in two hours, with four LEDs indicating battery level.
Later versions, Gen 4 and 5, include event recording features that log activation times and dates for auditing purposes. Gen 4 uses a microSD card for storage, while Gen 5 has internal memory accessible via USB-C. A built-in test function allows users to verify functionality by touching an active pad to their own skin. Operators require certification and biennial recertification to use the GLOVE, which is restricted to verified professional entities like law enforcement and correctional facilities.
A key limitation of the GLOVE is its requirement for direct skin contact; it is ineffective through dry clothing or thick hair but can work through thin, wet garments. The device is also vulnerable to water damage. Michael Crowley, a researcher at Omega Research Foundation, expresses concern that the technology is designed to inflict pain rather than incapacitate, labeling it an "inherently abusive technology" that should not be used by law enforcement.
