Electronic restraint/control devices have been in service for decades and are utilized by law enforcement and corrections agencies on an international level. The purpose of these assets is to provide a less-than-lethal force option that creates an opportunity to successfully mitigate an exigent situation and maintain control of a violent subject. In occurrences in which it is necessary to go hands-on during a violent encounter, the officer, as well as the subject, are at a higher risk of injury. Risen products, and products of their kind, are valuable tools that lessen the risk when appropriately implemented. In many instances, the presentation of such devices is a sufficient deterrent without the need to apply them beyond a visual display and verbal warning. This barrier is invaluable to agencies, as it benefits the mission to resolve a situation as safely as possible.
Risen currently manufactures four products that share the same technology, but deliver the energy via different methods.
A remotely activated device that receives an encoded signal instructing the device to discharge. It is worn by the subject and positioned around the waist. The two contact points are a few inches apart and are placed over the lower portion of the back. The introduced current only travels between the two points of contact. The device runs for eight seconds and then deactivates. It may be again activated by the controlling officer depending upon the necessity for continued application of force to gain control. As a failsafe, there are two buttons on the transmitter that must be pressed intentionally and simultaneously to initiate an activation thereby greatly reducing the opportunity for accidental activation.
The vest utilizes the same electrical components and characteristics. However, rather than a belt, the components are carried within a vest. (Similar to that of a bulletproof vest carrier) The vest has four contact locations, in comparison to the belt’s two. Two contact points are located on the upper back at the shoulder blades and two over each side of the lower back. This creates a greater distance between the two positive and negative terminals which provide a larger affected surface area.
Again, implementing similar electrical components, conductive strips are affixed to the face of a riot-type shield constructed of polycarbonate material. The energy is delivered when a subject makes contact with the face of the shield.
These devices are conventional direct application, or “drive stun”, systems. Typically utilized for officer defense and implemented control techniques.