“Put your hands behind your back, you're about to get wrapped up!” This could be the new rallying cry of the San Francisco police, who in the coming months will increase the use of "BolaWrap“, an innovative non-lethal containment tool. The device, which resembles a rodeo lasso, launches a 2,3 meter (7,5 foot) cable that wraps around the suspect, immobilizing him thanks to two anchors similar to fish hooks that act as real flying handcuffs. An impressive demonstration of this new technology was shown for the first time last fall.
A non-lethal alternative to tasers, guns and batons
The BolaWrap was designed as a non-lethal alternative to traditional methods used by law enforcement, such as tasers, guns and batons. This tool allows officers to immobilize an individual remotely, without the need for direct physical confrontation. The device is particularly useful in situations where people are uncooperative, experiencing a mental health crisis or under the influence of drugs.
As with Barnacle, the “dystopian” system of jaws that block the windshield (we talked about it here) BolaWrap is not an absolute novelty in the US law enforcement landscape. According to data provided by the manufacturing company, Wrap Technologies, these flying handcuffs are reportedly already in use in over 1.000 police departments across the country. A fact that testifies to the growing interest (better late that never) of law enforcement for non-lethal tools that can help manage crisis situations while minimizing risks for all parties involved.
Technical characteristics and operation
The BolaWrap features a seven-point laser that helps officers aim accurately. For correct deployment, a free space of approximately one meter is required around the target. The device is capable of launching the cable at a speed of approximately 120 meters per second (400 feet per second). Despite the loud and potentially shocking noise produced by the launch, the BolaWrap is designed not to cause pain or injury to the affected person.
Flying handcuffs: advantages and potential problems
The introduction of the BolaWrap has been welcomed by many experts, who praise its effectiveness in reducing the risk of injury to both officers and suspects. However, there is no shortage of critical voices. Some experts have raised concerns about the device's potential impact on people with sensory sensitivities or mental health conditions.
Although the company has released videos showing the use of the BolaWrap to restrain individuals with conditions such as autism, some argue that the device may not be the most effective or humane solution in all situations. I'm halfway there: these things continue to horrify me, even when they resemble movie gadgets as in this case. I think, however, that if the alternative is frying a person, riddling them with bullets or suffocating them with a knee on their neck, flying handcuffs are better. Small consolation, eh? What do you think?
Flying handcuffs: the border is moving
Although it is still in the process of being adopted, following a foreign-loving "fad" in terms of security there are those who wink at flying handcuffs (after the taser). Guess what? Precisely Italy. As part of a larger financing, in Sesto San Giovanni they have allocated 85.000 euros to be able to buy these things that shoot strings to tie people up like salami. The same goes for the Parma police, the Genoa police and others.
Of course, no tool is a panacea. BolaWrap, like any other technology, has its limitations and potential drawbacks. It will be essential to carefully monitor the use of these flying throttles, and evaluate their long-term impact. Even more important will be to invest in the training of those who will use them, so that they do so in an appropriate and proportionate way to the situations they find themselves facing.
Tools like this (or like others still being perfected) could play a key role in reducing violence and saving human lives. But technology alone is not enough: it will be equally important to promote dialogue, mutual understanding and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Only through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach can we hope to build a safer and fairer future for all.
