Thurston County Sheriff seeks input on solicitation for vehicle pursuit technology

A video of TCSO's proposed vehicle arresting system.
Grappler Police Bumper via YouTube
Posted

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) seeks public comment on its proposal to the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program—Local Solicitation for $19,532.09 to fund two additional Grappler Police Bumper pursuit immobilization systems.   

Public input for the proposed grant application may be emailed from Wednesday, October 16, through Friday, October 25.    

The proposed amount will be used to purchase equipment, install it, and implement the Grappler system.  

Grappler 

2 units 

$14,000 

Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) Bumper 

2 

$880 

Installation 

2 

$300 

Tether/Net 

7 

$2,625 

Tax 

 

$1,729.09 

Total: 

$19,532.09 

 

The patented and proprietary system is mounted on patrol vehicles and approaches a fleeing vehicle at both slow and high speeds, deploying a net system that attaches to the rear tire. 

Once deployed, the net wraps around the tire and axle, immobilizing the fleeing vehicle from forward movement.  

The Grappler system allows deputies to stop pursuits with minimal force and without having to conduct a precision immobilization technique maneuver. 

“The system assists in mitigating risks to the public in pursuit-related events by preventing unnecessary injury, property damage, or loss of life by stopping high-speed pursuits.  This technology will play a pivotal role in shaping our agency’s policy and use of force continuum, resulting in the safest possible outcome for deputies, suspects, and the public,” the county’s news release stated. 

The proposal stated that TCSO is the sixth most populous county in the state, with a population of more than 300,000. 

The office aims to expand its pursuit immobilization system to help reduce the risk associated with high-speed pursuits, TCSO’s proposal stated. 

Comments

3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • MamaBear

    Awesome video of how this would work. I approve and will email the sheriff's office.

    Sheriff Sanders gave a wonderful town hall meeting at Griffin School on Wednesday evening. I was impressed with the hard work being done by the Thurston County sheriff's office on our behalf. We even met one of the K-9s. Thank you all for your devotion to duty!

    Friday, October 18 Report this

  • Honestyandrealityguy

    Sounds cool.

    I do however trust our police force in stopping the idiots using whatever they believe that they need to do.

    Saturday, October 19 Report this

  • FirstOtter

    Catch 'em and book 'em, Sheriff Sanders! THANK you for using the power we gave you to bust these thieves. Maybe the carjackers, 'grand theft auto' players, car thieves, drug smugglers and gun runners will take their criminal activities elsewhere.

    Saturday, October 19 Report this