FCPD adopts remote restraint devices

Following a successful pilot program, the Fairfax County Police Department is rolling out BolaWrap so all 800 or so patrol officers across the county will have access to one of the devices.

BolaWrap is a hand-held remote device used to safely restrain an individual so they can be safely taken into custody.

When activated, the device deploys a 7.5-foot Kevlar rope that wraps tightly around an individual’s legs or abdomen and hooks onto their clothing. That allows an officer to take them into custody without a physical confrontation. FCPD intends to use the device on uncooperative suspects or individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Wrap Technologies, the company that makes BolaWrap, says the FCPD is the first major law enforcement agency in the United States to fully deploy the device.

“In an era where mental health and substance abuse issues are increasingly intertwined with law enforcement encounters, BolaWrap offers a vital means of de-escalation and conflict resolution,” the company states.

During the FCPD BolaWrap pilot in November 2022, 30 devices were assigned to patrol officers and the Crisis Intervention Team. That initiative was so successful, that the police department is purchasing 450 devices.  

“The Fairfax County Police Department is dedicated to enhancing responsiveness, prioritizing safety, and emphasizing de-escalation,” said Police Chief Kevin Davis. “Launching BolaWrap department-wide is expected to transform our incident resolution capacity, especially in crisis situations.”