INFORMATION, WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
This document presents important use information, safety warnings and instructions intended to enhance the effectiveness and minimize the risks associated with the use of the BolaWrap® 150 Remote Restraint Device. Please read the entire document before using the BolaWrap 150.
The BolaWrap 150 is designed to assist law enforcement to control encounters by temporarily entangling and restraining a person from a safe distance with minimal risk of injury. It is intended primarily for use with unarmed persons. When discharged, the BolaWrap deploys a thin Kevlar® cord that automatically wraps around the person, restricting movement of legs or arms. The ends of the Kevlar cord have small barbed anchors that are designed to attach to the target’s clothing to prevent the cord from unwrapping.
Any use of force involves the possibility that a person may get hurt or die from direct effects of force or from secondary effects including tripping or falling, physical impact or exertion, or unforeseen circumstances. Following the instructions and warnings of this document will reduce the likelihood that BolaWrap 150 use will cause injury.
This information is effective October 1, 2021, and supersedes all prior versions and revisions. Please check online at wrap.com for the most current information.
HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your BolaWrap 150 as instructed will reduce the likelihood of a malfunction and will reduce the risk of injury.
Avoid dropping the BolaWrap 150 device or cassette. If a device or cassette is dropped or damaged, it may unintentionally deploy or discharge, become inoperable, or fail to function making it unsafe for continued use. If a device or cassette has been dropped or damaged refer to the procedure recommended in the current version of the BolaWrap 150 Training materials.
Avoid using a damaged device or cassette. Do not use a cassette with a missing cover.
Do not modify the device. If repairs are needed, contact Wrap Technologies for authorized repair information.
Use only Wrap Technologies approved cassettes and accessories. For proper function and to avoid voiding the warranty only use Wrap Technologies approved cassettes and accessories.
Avoid exposure of the device and cassettes to very wet conditions. If the BolaWrap 150 device or cassette is drenched or submerged in water or liquid do not use the device or cassette. Refer to agency guidelines for proper disposition.
Keep the cassette bay clean and free of debris. The BolaWrap 150 is intended for rapid refresh and redeployment using cassettes. For proper functioning and to minimize the risk of misfires it is important to keep the cassette bay of the device free of debris and clean.
RECYCLING
The cassettes are designed for recycling. Refer to agency guidelines for proper handling of spent cassettes. Do not attempt to reload a cassette.
OTHER HAZARDS
Tether Missing the Target: When you discharge the BolaWrap 150, if the tether misses the target, the anchors may travel a significant distance (up to approximately 100 feet) causing injury. Always be sure the target is within range and consider the possibility of injury to bystanders in or beyond the line of deployment. It is also possible an anchor may become untethered and likewise travel a significant distance causing injury.
WARNING Deploying the BolaWrap from less than ten (10) feet away increases the potential for the barbs or anchors to penetrate the skin, especially if the anchors detach from the tether. Always deploy the BolaWrap from a distance of at least ten (10) feet away.
Ricochet: It is possible an anchor may impact a surface and bounce back to strike the user or a bystander. Always be sure the target is within range and consider the possibility of injury to bystanders in the line of deployment or in the area of possible ricochet. Wear protective eyewear in training or practice.
Fire or Explosion Hazard: The Bola Wrap 150 uses a microgas generator to propel the tether and can result in a fire or explosion when flammable gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or materials are present.
Any restraint or use of force must be legally justified and comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The decision to employ remote restraint in a particular manner or circumstance must follow applicable law enforcement agency guidance.
Law enforcement agencies are responsible for their own guidance including policy, custom, procedure, rule, order, directive, training, continuum, and standard. Wrap Technologies, Inc. is not authorized nor has authority to set policy, training or establish use or standards of care or conduct.
IMPORTANT USE AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Complete Training: Before attempting to use the BolaWrap 150, you must be trained in accordance with your agency guidelines. Read and follow all current information and instructions. Obey applicable laws, regulations and agency guidelines.
SAFE HANDLING
Unintentional BolaWrap deployment: Unintentional deployment or discharge may result in injury to the user, target or others. To minimize the risk of unintentional deployment or discharge:
- Keep the BolaWrap 150 pointed in the safest direction.
- Keep body parts away from the front of the BolaWrap 150 or cassette bay to avoid injury from unexpected discharges.
- Avoid dropping the BolaWrap 150 or cassettes. If the device or cassette is dropped or damaged it may unintentionally discharge, become inoperable, or fail to function as designed, making it unsafe for use.
- Keep fingers off of the activation button until ready to activate.
- Store in safety mode and when not in use remove the cassette and make sure the device is not in the ON position.
- Always deploy the BolaWrap 150 within the recommended range, ten (10) to twenty-five (25) feet. DO NOT DEPLOY AT LESS THAN TEN (10) FEET.
INJURY HAZARDS
While the BolaWrap is generally safe when used as directed, as with any use of force, injuries can occur. To reduce the risk of injury:
- Always deploy from a safe distance: a minimum of ten (10) feet away.
- Always aim at the recommended target zones (Wrap Zones): mid-thigh and below to restrain feet and legs or between elbows and waist to restrain arms.
- Injury from barbs. The barbs are intended to catch on the person’s clothing, but in some cases they may strike an individual’s body directly. The nature and severity of injury depends on numerous factors including the area of possible penetration, individual susceptibility and other circumstances. Medical care may be required.
WARNING Eye Injury Hazard: An anchor or barb that contacts or comes close to an eye can result in serious injury, including vision loss. Always aim at the recommended target zones (Wrap Zones). Avoid intentionally aiming or deploying the device at someone’s head.
WARNING Barb Puncture, Scratching, Scarring or Infection Hazard: The barbs may cause a mark, scratch, scar, puncture, or other skin or tissue damage with possible infection hazard.
WARNING Skin Injury: Deploying the BolaWrap from less than ten (10) feet away increases the potential for the barbs or anchors to penetrate the skin, especially if the anchors detach from the tether. Always deploy the BolaWrap from a distance of at least ten (10) feet away. In the event of injury:
- In accordance with your agency’s guidance, provide medical care as needed as with any injury of this type.
- Follow agency guidance for removing barbs when embedded into the skin or other body part.
- Follow appropriate agency guidelines for biohazard protocols including isolation procedures and protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and washing hands and exposed areas.
- Make sure all pieces of the barb are removed by inspecting the anchor and ensuring it is completely intact.
WARNING Tripping or Falling Injury: When practical, avoid using the device where a target is more susceptible to secondary injury from an uncontrolled trip or fall.
WARNING Laser Light Hazard: The BolaWrap 150 is equipped with a laser targeting aid. Lasers can cause serious eye injury, including permanent vision loss. Avoid direct eye exposure and never aim a laser at an aircraft or the operator of an aircraft or moving vehicle. HEED ALL LASER WARNINGS.
WARNING Auditory Hazard: Unprotected, repeated exposure to BolaWrap deployment can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protection in practice or training (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage.
EFFECTIVENESS
The BolaWrap 150 is designed for remote restraint primarily in cases involving unarmed persons. BolaWrap 150, like any use of force device, may not always function as intended and is not effective on every target in every situation. If BolaWrap use is not an option or is not effective, consider other force options, disengaging or other alternatives within agency guidance.
The BolaWrap 150’s restraint effects may be limited by many factors due to misses, failure of barbs to stick to the subject to secure an effective wrap, tether breakage, restraint location and other factors beyond the control of the user. Some of the factors that may influence the effectiveness of BolaWrap use in temporary restraining a target include:
Target is in Range: The recommended effective range is ten (10) to twenty-five (25) feet. DO NOT DEPLOY AT LESS THAN TEN (10) FEET OR THE TETHER MAY NOT EXTEND TO EFFECTIVELY RESTRAIN A SUBJECT. AT LESS THAN TEN (10) FEET THE RISK OF ANCHOR INJURY IS INCREASED. ALWAYS ABIDE BY APPROVED BOLAWRAP TRAINING WHEN DEPLOYING THE DEVICE.
Target May Not Be Effectively Restrained: Effective restraint generally requires restraint from the mid-thighs down to the ankles. Deployment in other body locations, e.g. the waist, may not serve as effective temporary restraint. Always aim at the recommended target zones (Wrap Zones). Deployment at other locations on the body may not effectively restrain a person. If a person is moving when the device is deployed, one or both of the barbs may not stick and/or the tether may not effectively restrain the person. Be prepared to restart the device and redeploy and also be prepared for the possibility that a target is not adequately restrained to allow conventional agency approved control methods.
Target May Disengage Immediately: Depending on the tightness and barb stickiness of a particular wrap, it may be possible for the target to disengage from restraint quickly. It is also possible that the tether could break, become disconnected from the anchor or barb or be cut off by the target, reducing either the effectiveness or duration of a wrapping encounter. Be prepared to restart the device and redeploy, and also be prepared for the possibility that a target is not adequately restrained to allow conventional agency approved control methods.
Device or Cassette May Fail to Operate: No device or force option is always effective. If a BolaWrap 150 device or cassette fails to function, consider restarting the device with a new cassette and redeploying, using other force options, disengaging or using other alternatives per agency guidance.
WARNING FOR PROFESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT & MILITARY USE ONLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTOR OR USER TRAINING.
U.S. and International patents issued and pending. BolaWrap and WRAP are registered trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc.
All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.
COPYRIGHT © 2021 WRAP TECHNOLOGIES | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | 20211001A
Contact: 800-583-BOLA | +1 480-658-2794 | support@wrap.com
For patent information, please visit: wrap.com/patents
