The Abbotsford Police Department has introduced the BolaWrap as a new non-lethal tool to enhance safety in intense situations. Const. Alex Odintsov from the department’s training section explained that the device is particularly useful when individuals need to be restrained while walking away from officers. The BolaWrap, resembling a yellow remote, shoots out a lasso-like cord to wrap around a person’s limbs or torso from a distance without causing pain.
This tool aims to provide a way to temporarily restrain individuals without causing harm and gaining compliance. Odintsov highlighted that the BolaWrap offers officers an additional option to manage potentially volatile situations while minimizing the risk of injuries to the subjects, unlike traditional tools.
After a 10-month field trial, the Abbotsford police submitted deployment data for review, leading to the approval of the device in British Columbia following provincial standards. During the trial, the BolaWrap was used over a dozen times without causing any injuries, aiding in the arrest process.
The device is designed to startle rather than incapacitate, emitting a loud sound upon deployment to give officers time to react. Manufactured by Wrap Technologies, the BolaWrap is referred to as “remote handcuffs” and costs around $2,000 per unit, with individual cord cassettes priced between $55 and $70. The Abbotsford Police Department has acquired six devices using its operational budget.
Officers are trained to assess the appropriateness of using the BolaWrap, noting that it is most effective when the cords attach to clothing. Odintsov emphasized the importance of proper training and assessment in determining when to deploy the device based on the subject’s behavior and attire.
While the manufacturer claims an 80% success rate, the BolaWrap has experienced varying results in different locations. For instance, the Seattle Police Department discontinued its use in 2023 after limited deployment. Odintsov stressed that the BolaWrap is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather an additional tool to complement existing options like Tasers and batons.
The Abbotsford police plan to evaluate the BolaWrap’s effectiveness over the next year before considering further investments in the device.