One of the most dangerous aspects of a police officer’s job is chasing down a car. Constantly walking the fine line of staying on pace with the suspect while ensuring the safety of the officer and the surrounding public, an officer is often forced to make split-second decisions that can (and do sometimes) end in tragedy. In an attempt to reduce the chance of injury or death, a company called Grappler Police Bumpers has invented a unique pursuit termination device that quickly and safely brings a car chase to a controlled stop.
Utilizing a device that resembles a retractable slingshot, the Grappler launches a series of straps that wrap around the rear tire of a vehicle. The pursuing officer then applies the brakes and uses his or her squad car as an anchor, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. It's fast, it's simple, and based on the video of the Grappler in action, it works stunningly well.
Unlike spike strips, this Grappler car lasso does not give the vehicle being pursued as great a chance to slide out of control due to an
extreme deceleration. And instances where it is too dangerous to remain tethered to the vehicle, the officer is able to cut it loose, leaving the pursued vehicle's wheel immobilized while giving the cop room to back off.
This is not the first time an alternative to the spike strip or PIT maneuver has been created. However, the Grappler's simple design means fewer things to break, improving its odds of surviving the rough-and-tumble life of the patrol officer.
Plus, let's face it: It's a car lasso. Police departments might pick it up on the cool factor alone.
Utilizing a device that resembles a retractable slingshot, the Grappler launches a series of straps that wrap around the rear tire of a vehicle. The pursuing officer then applies the brakes and uses his or her squad car as an anchor, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. It's fast, it's simple, and based on the video of the Grappler in action, it works stunningly well.
Unlike spike strips, this Grappler car lasso does not give the vehicle being pursued as great a chance to slide out of control due to an
extreme deceleration. And instances where it is too dangerous to remain tethered to the vehicle, the officer is able to cut it loose, leaving the pursued vehicle's wheel immobilized while giving the cop room to back off.
This is not the first time an alternative to the spike strip or PIT maneuver has been created. However, the Grappler's simple design means fewer things to break, improving its odds of surviving the rough-and-tumble life of the patrol officer.
Plus, let's face it: It's a car lasso. Police departments might pick it up on the cool factor alone.
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