TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office unveiled a new "non-lethal tool" to help de-escalate situations.
Sheriff Chad Chronister presented the BolaWrap in a news conference Wednesday, describing it as "almost like something out of a spy movie."
The hand-held device features a remotely launched kevlar tether that ties around a person's body. Using a laser to aim, the sheriff's office says the tool can launch from up to 25 feet away.
“I am excited and proud that our deputies have another less-lethal resource to avoid those physical confrontations and gain control on non-compliant, combative and violent individuals without anyone getting hurt," Chronister said.
The BolaWrap has been tested in a pilot program that began in April in which 20 deputies used the handheld device out in the field.
Because of the success deputies have seen with the tool so far, the sheriff's office says it plans to distribute 165 BolaWraps throughout the department in the coming weeks.
"This is smarter policing," Chronister said.
Watch the full press conference and body camera footage of the tool in use below.