Image: Abbotsford Police Department / Facebook / AbbyPD demonstrated its use of the BolaWrap, a non-lethal restraint method, at a media conference on Thursday, August 7.
By Alyssa Conti
BOLAWRAP DEMO

Abbotsford police launch new non-lethal restraint device

Aug 8, 2025 | 1:36 PM

ABBOTSFORD — Officers with the Abbotsford Police Department now have a more modern way of subduing people in unpredictable incidents.

On Thursday (Aug. 7), AbbyPD announced that it has deployed the BolaWrap– a non-lethal, painless restraint device designed to stun individuals from a distance.

“It provides another option for officers when intervening with potentially volatile subjects, while at the same time decreasing the injury potential to the subject that is often associated with other tools,” said Constable Alex Odintsov.

Unlike traditional tools, such as tasers or batons, the BolaWrap uses a Kevlar tethering mechanism to entangle a subject with minimal injury from a range of 10 to 25 feet.

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Source: Abbotsford Police Department / Provided
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Abbotsford police have used the device roughly 20 times to date, and all individuals have been caught without further incident.

“To our knowledge, we are the first in Canada to deploy this tool for our officers,” Odintsov told reporters.

The approval process was conducted by AbbyPD with the BC Provincial Policing standards, which involved an in-depth field trial and documentation.

“We supported Cst.Odintsov’s initial proposal because we recognized its potential to provide an additional force option that could temporarily limit physical movement and reduce the risk of harm to individuals in crisis,” said Deputy Chief Constable Jason Burrows.

AbbyPD has purchased six BolaWraps so far– around $1,500 each. Additional devices may be procured on a case-by-case basis.

by Alyssa Conti

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