The Staggering Cost of Inadequate Training

The financial and human costs of escalation in law enforcement are quantifiable and devastating. Recent data reveals that U.S. jurisdictions have incurred over $3.2 billion in costs over the last decade, with excessive force being the primary driver. The numbers tell a stark story:

Direct Litigation Costs:

• Average high-profile settlement: $11.4 million per case

• Median annual litigation cost among top 25 cities: $3.5 million

• Over 50% of use-of-force incidents result in bodily injury to people (FBI, 2021)

Hidden Operational Costs:

• 15,369 on-duty officer injuries from assault annually

• 122,952 lost workdays due to injuries each year

• $106.8 million annually to cover injury-related costs

• Officers require an average of 4.5 days off plus 3.5 days rehabilitation per injury

Real-World Evidence: Chicago Police Department Case Study

The Chicago Police Department's 2024 Annual Use of Force Report provides compelling evidence for pre-escalation training approaches. Key findings demonstrate exactly why comprehensive BolaWrap training matters:

The Current Reality:

• 30% increase in Tactical Response Reports (TRRs) driven by Level 1 incidents—not severe force

• 96% of force applications were weaponless (handcuffing, escorts, takedowns)

• Common subject behaviors: failure to comply verbally (85%), pulling away, stiffening—mostly non-violent resistance

• Newer officers (≤5 years) were involved in 54% of TRRs, though representing only 22% of force applications

• Excessive force allegations increased by 21%

BolaWrap's Strategic Alignment: This data reveals that most use-of-force situations are low-level, non-compliant encounters where verbal commands fail—exactly where BolaWrap excels. The technology perfectly fills the gap between verbal commands and physical control, particularly for newer officers who need predictable, defensible outcomes under stress.

The Legal Landscape: Barnes v. Felix and the New Reality

The recent Barnes v. Felix Supreme Court ruling has fundamentally changed use-of-force liability. Law enforcement agencies can no longer focus solely on the final moment of force—courts now scrutinize the entire pre-escalation period. This legal shift creates both challenges and opportunities:

What's Changed:

• Use-of-force liability now encompasses choices made throughout the entire encounter

• Pre-escalation actions are critical in civil rights litigation and internal reviews

• Officers face scrutiny for their decisions leading up to force application

• Good-faith efforts to avoid escalation become crucial factors in courtrooms

The Training Imperative: This legal evolution makes comprehensive pre-escalation training not just beneficial—it's essential for liability protection. Agencies that can demonstrate systematic training in pre-escalation techniques, particularly with tools like BolaWrap, create defensible positions in both courtrooms and policy audits.

The Training Gap in Modern Policing

While many law enforcement tools require minimal training or have inconsistent certification standards, WRAP Technologies has taken a different approach with BolaWrap®. Our commitment to rigorous, standardized training reflects our understanding that innovative technology is only as effective as the officers who deploy it.

Unlike other less-lethal tools where training requirements vary widely—or sometimes don't exist at all—BolaWrap® comes with comprehensive, IADLEST-certified training programs that ensure consistent, professional deployment across all agencies.

What Makes WRAP Training Different

Standardized Excellence

Our training programs are certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), providing a nationally recognized standard that agencies can trust. This certification ensures that every BolaWrap® deployment follows proven best practices and safety protocols.

Real-World Focus

Our curriculum isn't developed in a classroom—it comes from the field. With input from over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries, our training reflects real-world challenges and scenarios that officers face every day.

Comprehensive Learning Ecosystem

Training doesn't end with initial certification. Through WrapTactics®, our learning management system, officers have 24/7 access to:

• Interactive tutorials and guides

• Refresher modules and "burst training" scenarios

• Video walkthroughs and tactical guides

• Certification tracking and performance assessment

The Train the Trainer Advantage

One of the most powerful aspects of our training program is the Train the Trainer certification. This intensive course doesn't just teach officers how to use BolaWrap®—it prepares them to become instructors within their own agencies.

Why This Matters:

• Local Expertise: Agencies develop internal capacity for ongoing training

• Cost Effectiveness: Reduces long-term training costs and scheduling challenges

• Peer Learning: Officers learn from colleagues who understand their specific operational environment

• Sustainability: Ensures consistent training standards as agencies grow and personnel change

Training Requirements That Make Sense

Our training requirements are designed around competency, not compliance. Here's what the science tells us works:

Initial Certification: Officers must deploy a minimum of 4 training cassettes to achieve certification, with 6 provided to ensure complete proficiency. This hands-on approach builds muscle memory and confidence.

Annual Recertification: Just 1 cassette deployment per year maintains certification. If an officer deploys BolaWrap® in the field and video is available, this can serve as their annual recertification with proper instructor review.

Instructor Standards: Train the Trainer candidates must deploy 6 cassettes during certification, ensuring they have comprehensive experience before teaching others.

Technology-Enhanced Learning

The future of law enforcement training isn't just about classroom instruction—it's about immersive, technology-enhanced learning that prepares officers for high-stress situations.

WrapReality®: VR Training Revolution

Our virtual reality training platform provides:

• 360° real-world scenario-based training

• Integration with multiple law enforcement tools

• Mental health crisis and de-escalation scenarios

• Real-time performance assessment

• Safe environment for high-repetition practice

WrapTactics®: Always-On Learning

Our learning management system ensures training never stops:

• Frequently updated mini-scenarios

• Performance tracking and analytics

• Mobile accessibility for training anywhere, anytime

• Adaptive content based on learning curves

Real-World Impact

The proof is in the results. Agencies that have implemented comprehensive BolaWrap® training report:

• Reduced use-of-force incidents

• Decreased officer and citizen injuries

• Lower liability exposure

• Improved community relations

• Enhanced officer confidence in challenging situations

"BolaWrap is a tool that allows you to keep your citizens safe. It doesn't cause any harm—and it's a less-lethal tool law enforcement should've had 20 years ago." - Deputy Chief Henry King, Winston-Salem State University PD

The Investment in Excellence

Quality training requires investment, but the return is measured in lives saved, careers protected, and communities strengthened. Our training programs are designed to provide maximum value:

• WrapReady Program: Comprehensive training package with 30/30 Cassette Program

• WrapPlus Program: Enhanced training with VR integration

• Flexible Scheduling: Programs designed around operational needs

• Ongoing Support: Continuous access to updates and refresher training

Looking Ahead: The Future of Police Training

As law enforcement continues to evolve, training must evolve with it. The agencies that thrive will be those that invest in comprehensive, technology-enhanced training programs that prepare officers for the complex challenges of modern policing.

WRAP's commitment to training excellence isn't just about our products—it's about our shared mission to create safer outcomes for officers and the communities they serve. Every certified BolaWrap® instructor is part of a nationwide network of professionals dedicated to advancing the art and science of pre-escalation tactics.

Ready to Lead the Change?

If your agency is ready to join the pre-escalation revolution, it starts with proper training. Our Train the Trainer and recertification programs are designed to build the internal capacity your agency needs to succeed.

Get Started Today:

• Request Train the Trainer certification for your agency

• Schedule trainer recertification to stay current

• Explore our complete training ecosystem

Contact our training specialists at training@wrap.com or call 1-800-583-2652 to learn how WRAP's comprehensive training programs can transform your agency's approach to public safety.

About WRAP Technologies: WRAP is the global leader in pre-escalation technology and training, delivering innovative public safety solutions that save lives, careers, and millions in civil liabilities. Used by over 1,000 agencies worldwide, our IADLEST-certified training programs set the standard for professional law enforcement education.