Shock Glove Ban
California Enacts Landmark Ban on Police Electric-Shock Gloves Through 2030
Anonymous
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law banning law enforcement officers in the state, including federal agents, from using electric-shock gloves beginning in 2027; the ban is set to last through 2030. The measure followed ICE’s $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of the devices, which are intended to subdue combative people. Supporters say the pause will allow time to assess safety risks, and the law requires the California Department of Justice to report its findings to lawmakers by 2029. The devices have drawn scrutiny over allegations of excessive use, including claims in lawsuits involving people shocked while in custody, while supporters of their use say they can help restrain violent suspects in specific jail and transport situations.
Key Points
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California described the measure as the first of its kind in the United States. It was part of a broader package that also included restrictions on stun grenades and explosive charges during immigration operations.
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A pending wrongful-death lawsuit alleges that corrections officers shocked Jonathan Mansfield 27 times with the gloves and 13 times with a Taser; two glove shocks allegedly lasted 45 and 99 seconds, despite a manufacturer-recommended limit of 15 seconds.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear criticized ICE’s plan, saying his concern was that the gloves would go to “the worst trained, most aggressive law enforcement unit” he had ever seen, and called for ICE agents to be withdrawn and retrained.
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The legislation was among a series of California measures responding to ICE activity, including a 25% tax on companies operating immigration detention facilities in the state and expanded oversight requirements for federal immigration detention centers.
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