Cordoba Security Minister Jolted During Live Test of New Police Electroshock Gloves
In a dramatic public demonstration of new police weaponry, Juan Pablo Quinteros, the Security Minister for the province of Cordoba, Argentina, volunteered to be the test subject for a new electroshock glove being adopted by local law enforcement. Footage of the event shows the official visibly grimacing and recoiling as the device was activated against his arm, requiring immediate physical support from nearby officers to remain standing.
The device, a wearable tactical glove capable of delivering a high-voltage electric discharge, is being introduced as a “less-than-lethal” tool for the Cordoba police force. Authorities state that the technology is designed to assist officers in subduing resisting suspects or managing close-quarters physical confrontations without resorting to firearms or batons. The incorporation of such devices is part of a broader security strategy in the region aimed at modernizing police equipment and reducing lethal outcomes during arrests. This follows a long-standing national debate in Argentina regarding the use of electroshock weaponry, such as Tasers, balancing the need for effective policing against the country’s complex history with state security forces.
However, the deployment of contact-shock devices has triggered significant backlash from human rights organizations and civil liberty advocates. While the government positions the gloves as a safer alternative to guns, critics argue that wearable electroshock technology poses unique risks compared to projectile-based Tasers. Objections center on the potential for abuse, as the gloves allow for repeated, drive-stun applications that can easily cross the line into torture or excessive punishment. Furthermore, medical experts have frequently warned that “non-lethal” weapons can still cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias in vulnerable individuals, raising concerns about the lack of independent oversight regarding how and when these gloves will be utilized on the streets.
