Glenwood Springs Police Department Enhances Non-Lethal Response with BolaWrap® 150
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP), a leader in non-lethal response technology, has announced that the Glenwood Springs Police Department is advancing its non-lethal response initiatives. The department's continuous deployment, training, and policy adoption of the BolaWrap® 150 device represent a significant development in public safety practices designed for challenging urban environments.
Community and Context
Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado—a bustling tourism hotspot—officers confront various challenges, particularly involving unhoused individuals and those in mental health crises. As Chief Joseph Deras noted, these situations often demand swift, non-escalatory responses from police, making time and situational awareness crucial.
“When I arrived in Glenwood Springs, we were looking for a tool that filled a real gap,” said Chief Deras. “We needed something accessible to officers that gave us an option before impact weapons or lethal force.” This underscores the need for a response strategy that aligns with community expectations and enhances officer safety.
Implementation of BolaWrap® 150
The Glenwood Springs Police Department began utilizing the BolaWrap® 150 in 2021 after thorough evaluation and training. The device has been integrated into the department’s operational framework alongside proactive community outreach to educate the public about non-lethal tools and their applications in de-escalating encounters.
- Initial Deployments: Early use of the BolaWrap® demonstrated effective handling of mental health crises and non-compliant situations.
- Training Focus: The integration of the device into structured training allows officers to develop proficiency in low-pressure scenarios, boosting confidence and decision-making.
The Case for Non-Lethal Tools
Chief Deras emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the term “less lethal,” highlighting that many so-called less lethal tools have resulted in fatalities. “When we can deploy tools that are non-lethal by design, that’s better for officers, better for subjects, and better for public trust,” he said. This paradigm shift promotes safer interactions and reduces community tensions.
The BolaWrap® 150 enriches the police department's use-of-force framework, serving as an early intervention tool aimed at preemptively resolving incidents before they escalate. “I believe there’s an opportunity for agencies to move beyond annual certifications and toward more frequent, structured training,” Deras remarked.
Structured Training and Future of Policing
Continuing with the BolaWrap® training and scenario-based exercises, the Glenwood Springs Police Department plans further integration of the device into force-on-force simulations. This training approach is crucial for instilling muscle memory and ensuring consistent decision-making under stress.
Looking ahead, Chief Deras is optimistic about the future of structured non-lethal response programs in policing: “Our communities are demanding evolution. If we can take people into custody safely without immediately escalating force, then we owe it to the public to do so.”
About Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP)
Wrap Technologies, Inc. is a pioneering entity in public safety and non-lethal technologies. The Company’s comprehensive public safety portfolio includes the BolaWrap® 150, as well as various training and simulation tools designed to enhance law enforcement response.
- BolaWrap® 150: A non-lethal device designed to improve the pre-escalation window for officers.
- WrapReality™: An immersive training platform that simulates realistic scenarios for decision-making practice.
- WrapVision™: A cutting-edge body camera and evidence management solution tailored for the demands of modern law enforcement.
Used by over 1,000 agencies in the U.S. and across 60 countries, the BolaWrap® 150 is a testament to Wrap Technologies' commitment to enhancing public safety through innovation and effective training.