In an effort to help de-escalate situations and to evaluate another less lethal device that can be deployed from a safe distance, the department has begun a 90-day BolaWrap pilot program for Mountain View patrol officers. 

The BolaWrap is a remote restraint device that ensures a safe distance between a subject and officer. The device does not rely on pain compliance and is specifically designed to be deployed as a de-escalation tool to prevent a situation from escalating into a lethal encounter. The handheld device works by projecting a cord that wraps around a person’s arms, legs, or waist. The cord is not charged.

“This is another way for our department to constantly evolve in the way in which we use the tools we have at our disposal to safely and peacefully resolve situations,” said Chief Chris Hsiung. “We understand the vital importance of de-escalation options, and I am pleased that we are able to now consider this among our options.”

Officers who have been selected to test out the BolaWrap have received training specific to how to use it and when, and the tool has been given to officers serving on several different patrol shifts. 

In the first month of its deployment, the BolaWrap has already been successfully used. On March 2 around 9:15 pm, officers responded to Mountain View BMW on a report of a man who was vandalizing vehicles.  The man, identified as 41-year-old Hans Wanlass, then walked across the street to Walgreens where he then started to kick in the front windows of the store.  

Officers on scene ordered Wanlass to stop several times, but Wanlass, who was suspected to be under the influence of narcotics at the time, instead proceeded to yell and flail his arms. One of the officers selected to test the BolaWrap deployed it, Wanless was detained without further incident. He was not harmed during the incident – though the sound the BolaWrap makes when it is deployed is loud. 

“I am extremely proud in the way our officers responded and handled this situation,” said Lt. Wahed Magee. “The officers did their best to verbally de-escalate the situation and subsequently used the BolaWrap to apprehend the suspect in a way that minimized the use of force.”  

At the end of the trial period, staff will reconvene to determine if the BolaWrap will continue to be an effective less-lethal tool for our officers to utilize. 

Media inquiries can be sent to PIO Katie Nelson at policepio@mountainview.gov.