By Joanna Putman
Police1
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — The Broken Arrow Police Department has become one of the first law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma to equip patrol cars with grapplers, a tool designed to safely end vehicle pursuits, KRMG reported.
The department has installed grappler devices on five patrol vehicles, including Tahoes and F-150s, with plans to expand the use of the devices in the future, according to the report. Grapplers are used to stop suspect vehicles by ensnaring their rear wheels, bringing pursuits to a controlled stop.
The grapplers will prevent potential crashes and save lives, the department said in a statement.
The system allows officers to take proactive measures by deploying the grappler before a pursuit escalates, particularly in cases involving burglary suspects or stolen vehicles. Officers have received specialized training and certification on how to operate the devices, according to the report.