California moves to ban electric shock gloves for law enforcement

An example of shock gloves used by law enforcement. (Courtesy of Nikos Frazier via Getty Images)

By Saayan Shah, Staff Writer

California Governor Gavin Newsom has assigned a new law banning law enforcement from using gloves capable of delivering electric shocks to people. The law is a part of California’s growing effort to increase surveillance over law enforcement officers and to challenge Trump’s immigration and law enforcement policies.

The ban applies to local, state, and federal officers operating in California. The ban also includes  Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It will take effect next year and remain in place until 2030. The law also requires the Department of Justice to study the positive effects of these electric shock gloves and to report the findings to lawmakers by 2029.

The legislation is a response to ICE’s purchase of electric shock gloves. In August, the agency was awarded a $17 million dollar contract to buy 6000 pairs of these devices. The glove’s purpose is to gain compliance among unlawful citizens, but raised concerns among citizens and lawmakers about the possibility of excessive force and abuse. 

However, the ban could face legal challenges. Some experts have questioned the authority to regulate equipment used by federal officers. Law enforcement officials have also argued that the gloves may be necessary. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper opposed the ban, arguing that gloves are non-lethal tools that officers may need in certain situations. 

The new law highlights the ongoing disagreement between California and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, public safety, and the limits of state authority.