HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says they are committed to keeping the community safe while providing deputies with multiple resources for de-escalation.
One of our initiatives to encourage that commitment is the BolaWrap. This device can detain a person, with minimal harm, that is a threat to themselves, deputies, or the community.
The wrap was first introduced and tested at HCSO in April of 2021; since then, the agency has seen success with the device and expanded the program.
In the news: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Battle Tampa House Fire After Loud ‘Boom’ Heard
Initially purchasing 150 BolaWraps, HCSO now has more than 330 devices in the field utilized by deputies. The agency has recently purchased another 75 wraps that are awaiting deputy assignment.
“Providing our deputies with the BolaWrap allows them to maintain their safety and distance while restraining a suspect before a confrontation escalates,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Using these non-lethal devices and adding to our deputies’ resources is another way we can keep our community safe.”
The hand-held device can launch up to 25 feet of Kevlar tether that wraps around an individual’s body while allowing deputies to maintain a safe distance. The BolaWrap also makes a loud popping sound when deployed, which can serve as a distraction as deputies work to detain a suspect.
This method of restraint greatly helps in the de-escalation process when deputies are working during a mental health crisis or other non-compliant situations.
Since the pilot testing of the BolaWraps in 2021, HCSO has recorded 51 deployments from deputies, with nearly all of those deployments resulting in successful arrests.
Currently, all devices are assigned to the Behavioral Resources Unit, Street Crimes, and select patrol units.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.