SPOKANE, Wash — The Spokane Police Department is considering adding a new device to their weapons inventory.
The “Bola Wrap” was designed to make aggressive situations safer when officers are dealing with someone who could harm themselves or the public.
“It’s for those times where a Taser would be less than ideal. This device is less violent. It would divert attention, stop their movements and restrict their mobility,” said Mike Rothans, chief officer for the Bola Wrap Company.
The device launches a seven-foot cord with an anchor on each end. The cord wraps around a person’s body, and the anchors attach to their clothes, making it difficult for them to walk or run.
Rothans said officers in more than 40 states in the U.S. and more than 22 countries use the devices.
The Spokane Police Department would be the first law enforcement agency in the state to use the Bola Wrap, if the academy approves them.
“We’ve never really had a capture portion, and this could fill that niche,” said Sgt. Terry Preuninger with the Spokane Police Department.
He said the devices would be most useful for the 10 officers who patrol the downtown area.
Each device costs about $1,000 and comes with 10 cartridges loaded with a cord. Replacement cartridges are $30.
Preuninger said the academy will have to approve the funding.
Officers would go through 4-5 hours of training and have to get re-certified to use the devices every two years.
“Once we have them out there, we’ll be able to start using them within about a week or so,” Preuninger said.