The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has embarked on a new partnership, embracing a novel tool designed as a less-lethal alternative for subduing non-compliant individuals. SFPD's integration of the BolaWrap device into their toolkit aligns with a movement across California law enforcement agencies to find non-pain-inducing methods of restraint. These devices, as described by Wrap Technologies, deploy a "Spiderman-like restraint" Kevlar cord to immobilize a subject, ideally causing no harm. The BolaWrap is currently in use by over 1,000 police forces nationwide and marks a potential shift in addressing the city's ongoing non-violent crime challenges.
An initial order of 60 BolaWrap devices is set to be distributed among squad cars and SWAT teams according to Stephen Estes, a representative for Wrap Technologies, the BolaWrap's manufacturer. "SFPD, in Q3 or Q4 last year, bought some to test. They clearly decided that it works," Estes told Hoodline San Francisco, adding "They now ordered 60 devices. They will go into squad cars. The SWAT team will get some too." This move aims to provide an option for officers when verbal commands do not suffice, and to fill the gap before resorting to other painful restraint methods.
The BolaWrap functions akin to a modern-day lasso. With the push of a button, it emits a sound comparable to a gunshot and projects an 8-foot cord at 400 feet per second to ensnare a target. Aimed deployment allows the cord to wrap around an individual's body without causing harm. According to the company's CEO Kevin Mullins, "If you turn the laser on, it's extremely accurate, it's extremely consistent." This aimed precision is essential in avoiding accidental injury.
Despite these claims, concerns have been raised regarding the tool's safety and appropriateness, particularly when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. According to an interview ABC7 News conducted with Timothy T. Williams, a veteran LAPD detective and use of force expert, there are risks involved including potential eye injuries if misused. Moreover, the loud noise generated by the device could be traumatic, particularly for those with sensory sensitivities, such as individuals with autism as expressed by Dr. Tomoya Hirota, Medical Director of UCSF's Autism Center.
The introduction of BolaWrap is part of SFPD's response to address the intricate challenges they confront in managing various types of incidents while looking to enhance public and officer safety. "We're currently exploring any new tools that could assist our officers to better de-escalate situations and improve both public and officer safety," the department stated in October 2023, according to a report by ABC7 News. As San Francisco continues to tackle its non-violent crime epidemic, the department-wide rollout of these restraint devices is being closely monitored to assess their impact and efficacy within the community.
The representative of Wrap Technologies told Hoodline San Francisco, "If a verbal command fails, every tool they currently have inflicts pain. The hope is that BolaWrap can bridge that gap."
Hoodline Bay Area reached out to the SFPD for a statement, but did not get an immediate response. This story will be updated should such a statement be released.
