Abbotsford Police Launch Canada’s First BolaWrap Initiative for Non-Lethal Restraint

Abbotsford Police Deploy Controversial ‘BolaWrap‘ Device in Pursuit of Non-Lethal Policing

Abbotsford, BC – The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) has begun utilizing the BolaWrap, a remote restraint system marketed as “remote handcuffs,” in an effort to expand its non-lethal options for dealing with potentially dangerous situations. The deployment, announced earlier this week, has already sparked debate regarding its effectiveness and potential for misuse.

The BolaWrap functions by launching a tether designed to wrap around a person’s legs, restricting their movement. AbbyPD Constable Kevin Odintsov explained the device’s immediate impact: “It’s loud on deployment,so that startling effect gives the officers that reactionary time to close the distance and potentially go hands-on.”

Each BolaWrap unit costs approximately $2,000, with individual tethered lasso cassettes ranging from $55 to $70. The department has initially purchased six devices using its existing operating budget.

Officers receive training to determine appropriate usage scenarios, with a key consideration being the subject’s clothing. Police emphasize the device is most effective when securing clothing like pants, acknowledging a heightened risk of skin penetration when used on individuals wearing shorts or minimal attire.

“Officers are trained to assess what the subject is wearing, what is their behavior, is injury potential going to be higher … and then make that determination,” Odintsov stated.While the manufacturer, Wrap Technologies, claims an 80% success rate, the BolaWrap’s implementation elsewhere has yielded mixed results. The Seattle Police Department, as a notable example, discontinued its use in 2023 after only three deployments in two years, according to reports from the Seattle Times. CBC News has contacted Seattle police for confirmation and further details.

Odintsov addressed the criticism, stressing the importance of thorough training and situational awareness. He clarified that the BolaWrap is intended to supplement, not replace, existing non-lethal tools such as Tasers, batons, and beanbag shotguns, providing officers with a broader range of response options.

abbotsford police plan to evaluate the BolaWrap’s performance over the next year before considering further investment in the technology.the department’s decision to adopt the device reflects a continuing search for effective, less-lethal methods of de-escalation and suspect control.

How might the implementation of the BolaWrap by the Abbotsford Police Department influence public perception of law enforcementS approach to de-escalation tactics?

What is the BolaWrap and How Does it Work?

The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has taken a pioneering step in Canadian law enforcement, becoming the first in the country to deploy the BolaWrap – a remote restraint system designed to safely subdue individuals from a distance. This innovative tool offers officers a less-lethal alternative to traditional methods like tasers or physical force, particularly in situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or posing a threat to themselves or others.

The BolaWrap functions by deploying a Kevlar cord that wraps around an individual’s legs or arms, restricting their movement. It’s deployed using compressed air and is designed to quickly and safely restrain a subject, allowing officers to gain control of a situation without causing serious injury.Unlike tasers, the BolaWrap doesn’t rely on electrical shock, making it a potentially safer option for individuals with underlying health conditions. Key features include:

remote Deployment: Officers can deploy the BolaWrap from a distance of 15-30 feet.

Kevlar Cord: The cord is made of high-strength Kevlar, ensuring effective restraint.

Compressed Air System: Utilizes compressed air to propel the cord, minimizing risk of injury.

Rapid Restraint: Designed for quick and efficient subject control.

Why Abbotsford Police Adopted the BolaWrap

The decision by the APD to implement the BolaWrap wasn’t taken lightly. It stems from a commitment to de-escalation tactics and a desire to provide officers with more options when responding to complex situations. The APD has been actively seeking alternatives to traditional use-of-force options, particularly in scenarios involving vulnerable individuals.

Several factors contributed to this decision:

De-escalation Focus: The BolaWrap aligns with the APD’s commitment to de-escalating potentially hazardous encounters.

Reduced Risk of Injury: Offers a lower risk of serious injury compared to other less-lethal options.

mental Health Crisis Response: Provides a safer alternative for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Community Safety: Enhances overall community safety by providing officers with more tools to manage volatile situations.

transparency & Accountability: The APD emphasizes transparency and accountability in its use-of-force policies,and the BolaWrap deployment is part of that commitment.

Training and Deployment Protocols for APD Officers

Before deploying the BolaWrap, APD officers underwent thorough training to ensure its safe and effective use. This training covered:

1. Operational Procedures: Proper deployment techniques and safety protocols.
2. Legal Considerations: Understanding the legal framework surrounding the use of less-lethal force.
3. Scenario-Based Training: Simulations of real-world scenarios to practice deployment and decision-making.
4. Medical Considerations: Awareness of potential medical implications and post-deployment procedures.
5. Documentation & Reporting: Detailed reporting requirements for each BolaWrap deployment.

The APD has established clear guidelines for when the BolaWrap can be used, emphasizing that it is indeed a less-lethal option to be employed when a subject poses an imminent threat to themselves or others, and other de-escalation tactics have been weary. All deployments are subject to review and scrutiny to ensure compliance with policy and legal requirements.

BolaWrap vs. Other Less-Lethal Options: A Comparison

The law enforcement landscape offers a range of less-lethal options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.Hear’s a comparison of the BolaWrap with some common alternatives:

| Option | Mechanism | Potential Risks | Advantages |

|——————-|————————|—————————————————|———————————————-|

| Taser | Electrical Shock | Cardiac arrest, falls, secondary injuries | Effective at incapacitation, long range |

| Pepper Spray | Irritant | Respiratory distress, eye irritation, cross-contamination | Widely available, relatively inexpensive |

| Baton | Impact | Bruising, fractures, potential for serious injury | Simple to use, direct control |

| BolaWrap | Kevlar Cord Restraint | Minor abrasions, potential for entanglement | Remote deployment, reduced risk of serious injury |

The BolaWrap distinguishes itself by offering a remote restraint option that doesn’t rely on pain compliance or electrical shock. This makes it a potentially more suitable choice for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Future Implications and Expansion of BolaWrap Technology

The APD’s adoption of the BolaWrap is likely to spark interest from other police forces across Canada. The success of the initiative in Abbotsford could pave the way for wider implementation of this technology, potentially leading to a reduction in the use of force and improved outcomes in encounters with vulnerable individuals.

Ongoing research and advancement are focused on improving the BolaWrap’s effectiveness and safety. Future iterations may include:

Enhanced Cord materials: