The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is set to enhance officer safety this summer by deploying a new pursuit-halting technology across 16 patrol vehicles. This device, known as the “Grappler,” is inspired by gadgets seen in Batman films.

The Invention Behind the Pursuit Stopper

The Grappler was invented by an individual who was troubled by injuries sustained by innocent bystanders during high-speed police chases. The inventor, who was a fan of police reality shows, sought a technological solution to this dangerous problem.

How the Grappler Works

The device attaches to the front bumper of a police car and resembles a net. When a pursuing officer closes in on a suspect vehicle, the Grappler can be deployed.

It makes contact with the rear tire of the fleeing car. A specialized net then wraps around a single tire, allowing the pursuing patrol car to safely slow down and bring the suspect’s vehicle to a controlled stop using a long tether.

Adoption and Cost of New Technology

Each Grappler unit costs $5,270, excluding the necessary installation and officer training expenses. The inventor confirmed that this specialized net technology is not available for purchase by the general public.

The Phoenix Police Department first utilized the Grappler in 2018. Last year, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department became the first law enforcement agency in California to adopt the system.

Officer Reception and Impact

The inventor noted that some officers initially dismissed the technology as a mere gimmick, comparing it to something from the Batmobile. However, feedback from law enforcement has been overwhelmingly positive.

Lieutenant Jason Santistevan told the LA Daily News that the device is a “game-changer.” He stated that in his 22 years in law enforcement, this is perhaps the best technology currently available for stopping pursuits and preventing them proactively.

Riverside officers believe the device will save lives. Lt. Santistevan cited an instance where the Grappler was used to stop a suspect driving the wrong way on a freeway. He emphasized the value of preemptive stops, questioning the potential tragedies that were avoided.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is another agency in Northern California that has deployed the Grappler, alongside a third unnamed California law enforcement agency.