The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office has adopted a new pursuit-management tool designed to give deputies an additional option for ending dangerous vehicle pursuits.

The Grappler Police Bumper is mounted to the front of select patrol vehicles. Unlike traditional pursuit-ending techniques such as the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), the Grappler is designed to reduce the risk of a fleeing vehicle spinning, losing control or rolling over.

Sheriff Julian Whittington said the equipment gives deputies another option when faced with a dangerous fleeing driver.

The Grappler will complement the Sheriff’s Office’s existing pursuit policies and training. Deputies will receive specialized training on its proper deployment and use.

The goal is to give deputies tools to safely resolve dangerous situations while protecting deputies, fleeing drivers, passengers, innocent motorists and pedestrians.