SBPD demonstrate new non-lethal restraint tool

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Police now have a new non-lethal tool at their disposal.

The Board of Public Safety just approved a device called a “BolaWrap” to help officers distract and detain uncooperative suspects.

The new gadgets seem like they could be something out of a superhero movie but could quickly help deescalate real world scenarios.

It sounds like a gun, but the handheld device can be used to detain suspects from a distance of up to 25 feet by launching an 8 food Kevlar cord, that attaches by two anchors.

“This is just another tool on our tool and it’s not a legitimate feature that we have available to us,” said Chief Scott Ruszkowski.

“This is a tool that can be used early in those interactions for de-escalation,” said Brian Meador the Master BolaWrap Trainer.

If properly deployed that cord can tie up a suspect's arms or legs in a matter of seconds.

ABC57s Jackie Bauer tried it for herself, and said the process was painless.

After more 2300 mental health calls since 2023, the department says the tool could be a painless avenue to use when responding to episodes involving physical threats.

“It'll help take individuals in the custody because it’s considered a remote restraint device therefore, you actually don’t necessarily have to physically grab someone,” said Support Division Chief Tim Lancaster.

SBPD is joining 900 departments across 59 countries in adding them to some officer’s tool belts.

Including, St. Joseph County Police Department which has recently expanded its supply to 60 after finding success using the tool since 2020.

“It’s worth the investment if we have one incident that can be diffuse safely without harm,” said Troy Warner the department’s Public Information Officer.

A select group of SBPD officers have been training with the devices since last winter and will begin using them on patrol.

They will be used in case-by-case scenarios.

“But it’s what’s available in that immediate moment of time what would be the best use of whatever tool that we have to deploy specific time?,” added Chief Ruszkowski.

If things go well SBPD hopes to expand their inventory.