Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
Page 1
4.3 Use of Force
4.3.22 BolaWrap™ Remote Restraint Device (Issued : 11/10/21 )
A. Purpose and Scope
This policy provides guidelines for the issuance and use of BolaWrap™ devices to
minimize potential injury to suspects, subjects and officers.
B. General Policy
1. The BolaWrap™ devic e is a hand -held remote restraint device , which is intended
to immobilize and control a subject. The BolaWrap™ device discharges an eight -
foot long, bola-style , Kevlar tether to entangle an individua l at an optimal range of
10-25 feet.
2. The BolaWrap™ device has limitations and restrictions requiring consideration
before use. The device should only be used when the operator can safely approach
the subject withi n the ideal operational range (10-25 feet) . Officers should be aware
that the device may not achieve the intended results and be prepared to transition
to other force options. BolaWrap™ is not intentended to be a transportation
restraint device and should not be used as a substitute for a hobble.
C. Issuance and Carr y
1. Only a Department -approved BolaWrap™ device , issued by the Department , shall
be utilized by personnel.
2. Only members who have successfully completed Department -approved training
shall be authorized to carry and deploy the BolaWrap™ device.
3. All BolaWrap™ devices shall be clearly and distinctly marked to differentiate them
from an officer ’s duty weapon and other device s.
4. Officers should not hold both a firearm and the BolaWrap™ devi ce at the same
time.
5. Uniformed and non -uniformed sworn staff who have been authorized to deploy the
BolaWrap™ device shall carry the device in an approved holster on their person or
keep the device safely and properly stored in their patrol v ehicle in “ patrol -ready”
manner (cartridge inserted, device on safe but not cocked).
6. Officers shall inspect their issued BolaWrap™ device and cartridges for noticeable
wear or damage and check the strength of Green line laser battery at the beginning
of each duty shift. Expired and/or damaged cartridges should be turned in to the ir
supervisor for replacement.
D. Verbal and Visual Warning
1. A verbal warning of the intended use of the BolaWrap™ device should precede its
application, unless such an announcement would compromise officer safety or
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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when it is not practicable under the circumstances. The purpose of the warning is
to:
a. Provide the subject with a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply
b. Provide other officers and individuals with a warning that the device may
be deployed.
E. Application of the BolaWrap™
1. When an officer, at the time, reasonably believes application of the BolaWrap™
device is necessary to control a subject, it may be used in any of the following
circumstances :
a. The subject is assaultive resistant, active resistan t or non -verbal/ verbal non -
compli ant.
b. The subject has demonstrated, by words or action, an intention to be violent
or physically resist and reasonably appears to present the potentia l to harm
officers, him/herself or others
c. The subject is attem pting to harm him/herself and there is no other way to
save his/her life.
2. Mere flight from a pursuing officer, without other known circumstances or factors,
is insufficient reason for the use of the BolaWrap™ device when attempting to
apprehend an individual
3. The use of BolaWrap ™ is not allowed on a compliant subject.
F. Special Deployment Considerations
1. The use of the BolaWrap™ device on certain individuals should g enerally be
avoided unless the totality of the circumstances indicates that other available
options reasonably appear ineffective or would present a greater danger to the
officer, the subject or others, and the officer reasonably believes that the need to
control the subject outweighs the risk of using the device. This includes:
a. Individuals who are known to be pregnant
b. Elderly individuals or obvious juveniles
c. Individuals who are handcuffed or otherwise restrained
d. Individuals detained in a police vehicle
e. Individuals in confined spaces, which might prevent the eight -foot wide
tether expansion
f. Individuals in danger of becoming entangled in machinery or heavy
equipment, which could result in death or serious bodily injury
g. Individuals near any body of water that could present a risk of drowning
h. Individuals whose position or activity could result in collateral injury (e.g.,
fall from a height, vehicle accident).
2. The Bola Wrap™ device shall not be used to psychologically torment, elicit
statements or punish any individual.
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Police Department General Orders
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G. Targeting Considerations
1. Reasonable efforts should be made to target the lower extremities or lower arms of
the subject and avoid the head, neck, chest and groin , unless the dynamics of a
situation or need for officer safety do not permit the officer to limit the application
of the BolaWrap™ device to a precise target area.
2. Two o fficers may use the BolaWrap™ device simultaneously on a subj ect in