Shock gloves are a type of Conductive Distraction and De-escalation (CD3) device designed to deliver localized electrical pulses through the palm and fingers of a glove. Unlike traditional conducted energy weapons like Tasers, these devices use neuro-peripheral interference to bombard sensory nerves rather than inducing full-body neuromuscular incapacitation. According to federal procurement notices, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has allocated significant funding toward the acquisition of this technology, often referred to by the acronym GLOVE (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter).
The GLOVE system functions by transmitting high-frequency electrical pulses directly from conductive pads embedded in the glove's surface to the point of contact on a subject. A rechargeable battery and a small microprocessor housed in a zippered cuff pouch power the device. When an officer activates the system via a switch on the wrist, the circuitry creates an electrical path that travels across the subject's skin between the contact points, effectively overstimulating peripheral nerve endings without requiring probes or wires.
While both shock gloves and Tasers are categorized as nonlethal force options, their mechanisms of action are distinct. A Taser typically functions by firing two probes into a subject to deliver a high-voltage current that causes systemic neuromuscular incapacitation, effectively overriding the central nervous system to freeze muscle movement. In contrast, shock gloves rely on neuro-peripheral interference. The pulse is designed to create intense localized pain that distracts the subject and disrupts coordinated movement, but it does not cause the full-body "lockup" associated with traditional stun guns. Because the current is localized to the points of contact, the officer wearing the glove and others touching the subject are generally protected from the electrical current.
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More from GroundworkCompliant Technologies, the manufacturer of the GLOVE system, produces several versions of the device, ranging from Gen 3 to Gen 5 models. Each version is designed to operate within a temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The technical output is capped at a maximum of 380 volts across all models. However, the intensity varies by generation, with Gen 3 and 4 models starting at 210 volts, while the Gen 5 model has a higher minimum threshold of 324 volts. Battery life is also a key differentiator; Gen 3 and 4 models support up to two hours of stimulation time, whereas the Gen 5 model is rated for 90 minutes. Each unit features LED indicators to display battery life in 25-percent increments, and the internal batteries are rated for approximately 2,000 charge cycles.
The primary stated goal of using these devices is to achieve compliance in under three seconds through pain-based distraction. Manufacturers claim that the electrical pulse does not leave lasting physical marks, such as burns or scars. Furthermore, newer iterations of the technology, specifically the Gen 4 and Gen 5 models, include data-logging capabilities that record activation events. This tracking feature is intended to provide accountability by documenting exactly when and how the device was deployed during an interaction. As with any force-based equipment, the efficacy and safety of these devices remain subject to operational review and field analysis by law enforcement agencies.
