Law enforcement agencies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance public safety and minimize risks during police pursuits. The Broken Arrow Police Department in Oklahoma has recently adopted a cutting-edge tool known as “The Grappler,” designed to safely and efficiently stop fleeing vehicles. This New Police Tool To Stop Cars is gaining attention for its potential to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with high-speed chases.
Sergeant Zack Schatz of the Broken Arrow Police Department highlights the primary goal behind implementing The Grappler: “The last thing that we want to do during a high-speed chase is have somebody injured or killed including the suspect that we are chasing, and so this gives us a viable option of stopping that pursuit before something bad happens.” This statement underscores the department’s commitment to de-escalation and prioritizing safety for all parties involved in a pursuit.
The department has invested in five Grappler units, equipping their Tahoe SUVs and F-150 trucks with this advanced technology. Sgt. Schatz explains the robust nature of the device: “This has to mount to a frame of a car because it’s stopping a lot of weight and the police car had to be able to hold up to that.” This ensures the Grappler can effectively immobilize a vehicle without compromising the police vehicle’s structural integrity.
The operational mechanism of The Grappler is both ingenious and straightforward. “What happens is these arms come down and stretches a net in between those arms and the net is then driven up under the tire of a fleeing vehicle,” Sgt. Schatz details. “The net, by the friction of the tire, pulls the net up into the tire, wraps it up, wraps up the suspension, grabs anything it can, grapples anything it can, and causes that tire to completely lock down.” As the police vehicle, tethered to the Grappler, applies brakes, the suspect vehicle is brought to a controlled stop. This method minimizes the risks associated with traditional pursuit intervention tactics.
Following deployment, The Grappler is designed for rapid re-armament. The Broken Arrow Police Department maintains a stock of replacement nets, enabling officers to quickly reload the device in approximately 30 minutes. This quick turnaround time ensures that the tool remains readily available for subsequent operations.
Addressing potential safety concerns, 2 News inquired about scenarios where suspects might resort to violence. Sgt. Schatz affirmed the department’s readiness: “If that suspect decided to jump out of the car and start shooting at us, we will react appropriately.” This response emphasizes that while The Grappler is a valuable tool for de-escalation, officers are prepared to handle escalated situations according to established protocols.
The implementation of The Grappler is governed by a comprehensive multi-page policy within the Broken Arrow Police Department. This policy outlines specific circumstances under which a pursuit is authorized, taking into account factors such as time of day, weather conditions, and the severity of the suspected crime. Such detailed guidelines ensure responsible and judicious use of this new police tool to stop cars.
The Grappler represents a significant advancement in law enforcement technology, offering a safer and more controlled method of ending vehicle pursuits. As agencies prioritize minimizing harm during such incidents, tools like The Grappler are poised to become increasingly vital in modern policing strategies.
