The Gloves Are Off
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. Though that depends on what you mean by “good.”
When I was a young boy with dreams, I disliked seatbelts, viewing them as an adult conspiracy to cause discomfort. Manufacturers countered with the windshield - a valid point. Recently, Newsweek questioned whether ICE's proposed electric-shock gloves might sometimes enhance arrest safety. The Fairness Meter received limited votes, but our inbox was flooded.
Readers vehemently opposed the idea, calling it "total license to torture." Others suggested outfitting officers with shock weapons and raising the voltage. Practical concerns arose, too. One reader believed the technology was acceptable if used properly, but worried about unsupervised officers. Another requested detailed training and rules of engagement.
These are valid questions, but they don't address the initial query. If officers lack proper training, denying them shock gloves won't transform them into well-trained individuals. Some argued that abolishing ICE entirely would be the solution, but such a drastic measure is unlikely to happen. Even Democrats can't agree on this matter.
Francesca Hong, a Wisconsin Democratic socialist, once advocated for defunding police, now lost the gubernatorial primary. A reason for this defeat might be that less-lethal tools can reduce harm, as Justice Department research showed after Taser adoption in multiple cities. However, these devices are not risk-free and may be safer than alternatives.
Similarly, the proposed GLOVES could be safer than the options available. A pending lawsuit claims a Kentucky jail inmate was shocked multiple times with the gloves and a Taser before dying, leading to calls for stricter training, body cameras, and reviews. Nevertheless, officers need options between surrender and lethal force, as Tom Homan stated, "You can't just go from 0 to 100."
One reader argued that constructive criticism is valuable, but "this isn't a perfect world." While small improvements are admirable, they should not overshadow the need for better training and supervision in an imperfect ICE system. We don't have that ideal ICE, but those working within it still have an interest in minimizing violent encounters.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
