Anchor Specifications
Material: Single-piece metal injection molded anchors with safety caps
Weight: ~4 grams each
Cord: 7.5 ft Kevlar tether, tensile strength 230 lbs
Design: Minimizes risk of skin penetration
Propellant
Type: Microgas generators (same as automotive airbag systems)
Purpose: Reliable and consistent deployment
Sound Level
Decibels: ~156 dB upon deployment
Effect: Creates a startle response to encourage compliance
Speed
Velocity: Initial speed ~400 fps
Note: Velocity drops quickly with distance, reducing risk at longer ranges
Clearance
Required Space: 3 ft (~1 m) of unobstructed area around the subject for effective deployment
Range
Effective Distance: 10–25 ft (3–7.5 m)
Optimal Range: 15–20 ft (4.5–6 m)
Safety, Conditions & Limitations
Neck and Sensitive Areas
The tether does not constrict when wrapping, reducing risk of choking.
Training emphasizes targeting below the elbows to avoid sensitive zones.
Multi-dot laser targeting aids accurate aim.
Clothing Considerations
Effective On: Light or heavy clothing
Less Effective On: Bare skin (e.g., shorts, sleeveless shirts), though compliance is often achieved due to the sound, sight, and sensation of deployment
Moving Subjects
Effective against moving or running subjects.
Recommended to target lower zones to allow controlled bracing and reduce fall risk.
Weather Conditions
Minimal impact under rain, wind, or snow.
Initial velocity overcomes typical environmental interference within effective range.
Training, Implementation & Use
Deployment Guidelines
Maintain 3 ft clearance around the subject.
Avoid aiming above elbows or near the neck.
Use laser dots for targeting assistance.
Training Packages
WRAP provides structured training and certification.
Focus includes: safe targeting, risk management, tactical scenarios, and removal procedures.
Removal Procedures
Tether removal is simple and covered in training.
Officers are instructed on safe, controlled tether removal post-detainment.
Environmental Conditions
Weather Effects
Impact: Normal weather (rain, wind, snow) does not significantly affect deployment.
Reason: The tether’s high initial velocity allows it to overcome environmental interference within effective range.
Clothing & Attire
Optimal Performance: When wrapping around clothing.
Reduced Performance: On bare skin (shorts, tank tops, etc.).
Real-World Note: Deployments have still succeeded under minimal clothing conditions, aided by the cognitive disruption (sound, sight, sensation) created during deployment.
Subject Movement
Stationary or Moving: Works on both.
Running Subjects: Officers are advised to target lower zones so individuals can brace, reducing fall-related risks.
Accidental Neck Wraps
Design: The tether does not constrict, even if it wraps around the neck or other sensitive areas.
Training: Officers are taught to avoid aiming above elbows.
Safety Feature: Multi-dot lasers help maintain precise aim.
Adoption, Liability & Results
Standing vs Moving Subjects
BolaWrap works on both stationary and moving individuals.
Risk of Injury
Designed to minimize injury risk.
Unlike tasers or batons, does not rely on pain compliance or blunt force.
Effectiveness
Proven effective in deployments worldwide, even under less-than-ideal clothing conditions.
Real-world success documented in body-worn camera footage.
Liability & Cost Benefits
Reduces agency liability by avoiding injuries associated with higher levels of force.
Mitigates litigation costs, lost work hours, and medical claims.
Adoption by Agencies
Used globally by law enforcement agencies.
Growing adoption as part of de-escalation and pre-escalation strategies.