Springfield will receive $49,982.91, which will be used to purchase BolaWrap devices, nonlethal BolaWrap cassette’s (the cartridges that launches the nonlethal restraint), and training for 108 officers and supervisors.
This innovative technology provides the brave and dedicated men and women of the Springfield Police Department with another tool for them to use to reduce the risk of injury to officers, suspects and bystanders. In April, 2023, Mayor Sarno attended a demonstration of this device at the Police Training Facility at 299 Page Blvd.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy for their continued belief, partnership and investment in this JAG grant program to enhance public safety across our Commonwealth. I also want to commend Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood for her support of this proactive and potential lifesaving piece of equipment. This nonlethal restraint device will help to reduce the risk of injury to our brave and dedicated police officers when they are trying to restrain an individual. When I saw first-hand the effectiveness of this device during a demonstration earlier this year, I was convinced that coupled with our officers going out with Behavioral Health Network (BHN) mental health outreach responders, this BolaWrap would serve as an invaluable tool, especially if needed during a potential life threating call for service where an individual could be trying to harm themselves or others.”
Police Superintendent Clapprood stated, “This is another tool our officers can use as a compliance technique to potentially de-escalate situations before they become violent. Officers can use the BolaWrap device on individuals that are not responding to an officers’ commands; who may be assaultive, in situations where individuals may be attempting to harm themselves or others with known or suspected mental health issues. It will by no means replace our other service equipment, but will provide our officers with a nonlethal device to help control a potentially dangerous situation and reduce the risk of injury for our officers.”
Mayor Sarno emphasized that this grant application was important, “Pursuing this grant to equip our Springfield Police Department with an additional nonlethal tool to utilize to help control and de-escalate unsafe situations where there could be danger to our police officers, the public or self-harm upon the individuals themselves is a no-brainer.”
