Riverside County Sheriff's Department Expands Use of Grappler to End High-Speed Chases
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department in California is expanding its use of the Grappler, a device designed to end high-speed police chases by entangling a suspect vehicle's rear tire. The Grappler, which costs approximately $5,000 per unit, is mounted on a police vehicle and deploys a net to stop fleeing cars quickly, reducing the potential for injuries and damage. The department was the first in California to adopt this technology, initially equipping two vehicles in mid-2025 and adding eight more six months later. The Grappler allows for 'preemptive grapples,' enabling law enforcement to stop a suspect vehicle without alerting the driver, thus preventing chases from escalating. The device's effectiveness is still under evaluation, but it is seen as a promising tool to reduce the risks associated with high-speed pursuits.