Defendant in Klaas Slaying Wears High-Voltage Belt in Courtroom
When the man accused of the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas is sitting in court, an electronic watchdog is with him.
Richard Allen Davis, 41, is one of a handful of high-risk prisoners in Santa Clara County who have worn the device, which consists of a belt that can jar him with 50,000 volts of electricity.
The jolt is designed to cause the wearer to lose total control of his body for 30 seconds.
Although the Sheriff’s Department prefers old-fashioned chain shackles, Davis won a ruling from a judge in Sonoma County, where the crime was committed, saying he did not have to be shackled while in court.
Assistant Sheriff Tom Sing said the department evaluated the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of an escape bid before deciding to use the belt.
The belt contains a battery pack operated by remote control by a deputy. If Davis makes any threatening moves, the deputy triggers the belt. Before the electricity flows, the belt beeps to warn the wearer.
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