SALT LAKE CITY, UT - A new less-than-lethal technology is making a big impression in Utah according to recent reports, with at least a dozen law enforcement agencies purchasing the system to restrain subjects in a safer manner for both officers and the subjects themselves.
According to Fox13Now, none of the twelve different agencies, including county sheriffs and city police forces, have actually used the new "BolaWrap" device in the field. For many agencies, this is owing to the fact that officers simply haven't been trained on it yet. At least one department, despite purchasing the device, doesn't actually intend to use it at all as of this report.
The "Bolawrap" is a device which launches a 7.5 ft. Kevlar lasso-like cord that coils its way around the targeted subject. Manufacturer Wrap Technologies describes the device as "a remote restraint de-escalation solution designed to provide a safe way to restrain an individual. Utilizing patented technology, BolaWrap deploys a durable seven and a half-foot Kevlar® tether to temporarily restrain subjects from a distance of 10 to 25 feet."
In the marketing copy, the company states that the device can "safely and effectively immobilize individuals without causing physical harm."
They explain, "BolaWrap’s design prioritizes safety by avoiding direct physical contact and minimizing injury risk for both officers and individuals. Its technology emphasizes immobilization rather than incapacitation, making it a suitable choice for non-violent conflict resolution."
Keith Squires, Chief Safety Officer at the University of Utah expressed optimism about the device telling the outlet, "If we never have to use it, that would be a good thing, But if it happens that an officer is in a situation where they know that there’s potential of engaging with someone who is ready to fight or use force against them – whatever it is – and they can use this tool to be able to de-escalate that situation, that’s a win.”
The University was reported as one of the largest single adopters of the Wrap Technologies system, putting one in the hands of every patrol officer and paying $76,500 to do it. Rodney Sherrod, vice president of training for the company stressed that the device could potentially defuse community tension with law enforcement saying, "the community outrage [that] is really unparalleled in law enforcement right now."
He added that the device is particularly useful in situations that call upon police to deal with "emotionally disturbed," individuals who may be suicidal. in mental distress or too impaired by drugs or alcohol to comply with commands and are “passively resistant and non-compliant.”
According to Fox13Now, none of the twelve different agencies, including county sheriffs and city police forces, have actually used the new "BolaWrap" device in the field. For many agencies, this is owing to the fact that officers simply haven't been trained on it yet. At least one department, despite purchasing the device, doesn't actually intend to use it at all as of this report.
The "Bolawrap" is a device which launches a 7.5 ft. Kevlar lasso-like cord that coils its way around the targeted subject. Manufacturer Wrap Technologies describes the device as "a remote restraint de-escalation solution designed to provide a safe way to restrain an individual. Utilizing patented technology, BolaWrap deploys a durable seven and a half-foot Kevlar® tether to temporarily restrain subjects from a distance of 10 to 25 feet."
In the marketing copy, the company states that the device can "safely and effectively immobilize individuals without causing physical harm."
They explain, "BolaWrap’s design prioritizes safety by avoiding direct physical contact and minimizing injury risk for both officers and individuals. Its technology emphasizes immobilization rather than incapacitation, making it a suitable choice for non-violent conflict resolution."
Speaking with Fox13, Michael Rothans, Sr. VP of Business Development at Wrap Technologies said, "It is a revolutionary product to the policing field. It is a non-lethal remote restraint device. It comes out of the tool about 640-feet a second and wraps around the person about two times to control their movement.”Discover the power of #BolaWrap in enhancing community protection! Trusted by police agencies worldwide, BolaWrap offers safe and effective non-lethal restraint capabilities. Visit https://t.co/WMEeTnv2tz to learn more about its amazing capabilities! 🛡️🌍👮 pic.twitter.com/oDRbA1d5YP
— WRAP (@WrapTechInc) May 19, 2024
Keith Squires, Chief Safety Officer at the University of Utah expressed optimism about the device telling the outlet, "If we never have to use it, that would be a good thing, But if it happens that an officer is in a situation where they know that there’s potential of engaging with someone who is ready to fight or use force against them – whatever it is – and they can use this tool to be able to de-escalate that situation, that’s a win.”
The University was reported as one of the largest single adopters of the Wrap Technologies system, putting one in the hands of every patrol officer and paying $76,500 to do it. Rodney Sherrod, vice president of training for the company stressed that the device could potentially defuse community tension with law enforcement saying, "the community outrage [that] is really unparalleled in law enforcement right now."
He added that the device is particularly useful in situations that call upon police to deal with "emotionally disturbed," individuals who may be suicidal. in mental distress or too impaired by drugs or alcohol to comply with commands and are “passively resistant and non-compliant.”
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments