A Safer Path After Taser

The City of Pavia became the latest to adopt BolaWrap® this fall, formally replacing its Taser program in favor of a device officials described as "much less dangerous."

"This tool allows officers to immobilize potentially dangerous individuals without causing physical harm, and most importantly, without posing the same risks as a Taser," said Rodolfo Faldini, Security Commissioner for the City of Pavia.

The local police command purchased BolaWrap® 150 units for initial deployment, with officers undergoing training to ensure proper use. Each device launches a Kevlar tether roughly eight feet long, powered by a small blank cartridge that wraps around a subject's legs or torso from a safe distance of about 10 to 25 feet.

Councilor Faldini emphasized that the decision was about safety, not only for citizens but for officers who frequently handle complex behavioral and medical interventions.

"The protection of citizens starts first and foremost with the protection of the operators called upon to intervene," Faldini said. "We wanted to avoid tragic incidents like those seen in Genoa and Bolzano. The BolaWrap is much less impactful, yet equally effective."

Growing Confidence Across Italy

From early pilot programs in Genoa in 2021 to recent adoptions in Northern Italy, the BolaWrap® has steadily gained traction. In Busto Arsizio, local officers recently trained with instructors from Defconservices, Wrap's authorized Italian distributor.

"Unlike other devices," explained Alessandro Bon of Defconservices, "the BolaWrap is completely harmless, that's why American police carry it along with their firearm, pepper spray, and Taser. It gives officers another option that doesn't rely on pain to gain compliance."

In Parma, local police have used the device during interventions involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officials there call it "a breakthrough in the approach to managing uncooperative individuals," an immediate and non-harmful alternative to physical force.

A Smarter Step Toward Non-Lethal Policing

Wrap leaders say Italy's increasing adoption of this approach indicates a significant global move toward safer, human-focused policing.

"Italian agencies are showing strong leadership by prioritizing safety before escalation," said Braden Frame, Chief Commercial Officer at Wrap. "Their decision to adopt a non-lethal device like the BolaWrap reflects a forward-looking commitment to protecting both officers and communities.

Frame added that the technology's success in Italy underscores how international law enforcement is rethinking traditional force options.

"What we're seeing is a shift away from confrontation and toward resolution," Frame said. "By giving officers more time and control in critical moments, BolaWrap helps prevent injuries, build public trust, and ultimately save lives."

Expanding the Safety Standard

Italy's movement mirrors a worldwide rise in BolaWrap® deployments, now spanning more than 1,000 agencies in the United States and 60 countries globally.

Each BolaWrap® 150 device combines visual and auditory cues, a laser-guided aim, and a distinct discharge sound that provide multi-sensory awareness, creating a brief "cognitive disruption" window that helps officers intervene before situations escalate. The technology is not designed for pain-based compliance. It does not shoot, shock, or incapacitate. Instead, it gives officers critical time during what Wrap calls the "pre-escalation" phase of response.

With Italy's growing embrace of BolaWrap®, the country joins a broader global movement toward modern, evidence-based, non-lethal policing solutions.

As Faldini in Pavia said, "Our goal is simple: protect our citizens, protect our officers, and prevent harm whenever possible. The BolaWrap helps us do that."