Embracing Change in Public Safety: A Letter from the CEO
Barnes v. Felix significantly impacts the scope of legal liability, urging a focus on officer actions during the pre-escalation phase.
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP), a pioneer in crafting innovative public safety solutions, reaches out to its stockholders through this letter from Founder and CEO, Scot Cohen.
Fellow Stockholders,
The tools, technologies, and tactics used in law enforcement face increasingly intense scrutiny. This concern extends beyond effectiveness, tackling how these practices are perceived by the communities they serve. As our society’s views continue to evolve, officers and leaders within law enforcement find themselves at a crossroads, striving to balance their duty to protect with operational readiness amidst shifting public expectations. This dynamic environment compels an urgent reconsideration of the liability landscape in law enforcement, influenced by recent judicial rulings, heightened community desires, and advancements in technology.
Our BolaWrap is designed precisely to bridge the gap between verbal directives and the often rapid escalation that accompanies traditional use-of-force options such as firearms, tasers, and pepper spray. Extensive engagement with law enforcement professionals and thorough analysis of body camera footage have led us to a pivotal conclusion: agencies equipped with the BolaWrap 150, alongside targeted training, experience its effectiveness as a primary tool. Its design provides a reliable and safe alternative that mitigates potential liability in high-risk situations.
A Landmark Ruling: Implications of the Supreme Court Decision
The recent ruling in Barnes v. Felix is poised to bring a transformative influence on how use-of-force events will be legally assessed. By introducing a comprehensive “totality of the circumstances” approach, this decision broadens the assessment of officer conduct far beyond just the moment when force is applied.
This evolution in legal interpretation aligns harmoniously with our foundational belief at Wrap: to enhance public safety, diminish liability, and ensure favorable results, it is imperative to act before escalation occurs. In this newly charted legal terrain, officers might find themselves liable not solely based on how they utilize force, but also on their actions prior to any use of force. Departments lacking pre-escalation tactics may confront greater risks of litigation and community discontent, particularly when engaging with individuals experiencing crises related to mental or behavioral health. The Court’s observations affirm the rising expectation that officers must prioritize de-escalation methods prior to resorting to lethal measures. This ruling may not only challenge long-standing practices; it could potentially redefine them.
The BolaWrap: A Solution for Today’s Challenges
The BolaWrap stands at a crucial intersection, adeptly equipped to address these new demands. It is one of the few non-lethal and non-pain inducing compliance devices capable of rapid deployment during the early stages of non-compliance. Thus, it sets a new standard for “Pre-Escalation” policing. The BolaWrap 150 provides law enforcement personnel with a constitutionally sound and safe primary solution, especially now that courts assess officer accountability based on a wider scope of circumstances.
In the spirit of fostering innovation, we have secured federal trademarks for groundbreaking public safety principles: “Pre-Escalation” and the “WrapWindow.”
Defining Pre-Escalation and the WrapWindow
Pre-Escalation is characterized as a newly formed phase within the continuum of force—designating the essential time for officers to act proactively before a situation escalates. Conversely, the WrapWindow delineates a narrow window of opportunity ensuring that officers maintain constitutional authority to intervene with appropriate measures when verbal commands fail to achieve compliance. In this critical WrapWindow opportunity, we believe that the BolaWrap 150 excels, allowing officers to execute a non-pain-based intervention that poses minimal risk.
While the BolaWrap can serve effectively during other critical incident phases, its peak utility lies within the WrapWindow of Pre-Escalation. These core principles lay the groundwork for innovative policing, striving to create a new standard that aligns with contemporary legal precedents and law enforcement goals.
Accelerating Towards Widespread Acceptance
We are fully prepared to meet growing demand and grow this momentum both domestically and internationally. Wrap is entering a pivotal period. The combination of defining “Pre-Escalation” and the “WrapWindow,” alongside a holistic ecosystem of solutions—WrapPlus, WrapTactics training, and WrapReady—positions us for scalable growth. We are committed to delivering tools that are proactive, adaptable, and reliable, aligning with the shifting legal liability landscape while expanding accessibility through flexible pricing and rapid deployment strategies. Existing BolaWrap users will receive prioritized access to this upgraded support, aiming to cement its role as the most utilized tool across public safety sectors.
To our dedicated employees, partners, and the courageous officers who stand on the front lines: thank you for being a part of shaping the future of public safety.
Sincerely,
Scot Cohen
Founder, Chairman, and CEO, WRAP Technologies, Inc.
About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) stands as a global leader committed to advancing public safety solutions by integrating leading-edge technology with skilled personnel to tackle contemporary challenges faced by law enforcement.
Our BolaWrap solution provides a compliant method that prioritizes safety without inducing pain.
This unique device employs visual and auditory signals alongside a Kevlar tether, allowing officers to control non-compliant situations effectively and safely from a distance. The BolaWrap 150 empowers officers to operate lower on the force continuum, minimizing risks associated with engagement outcomes. With deployments across over 1,000 agencies throughout the U.S. and in numerous countries, the BolaWrap is supported by training validated by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), ensuring our ongoing commitment to enhance public safety through innovative technology and comprehensive training.
Our Wrap Reality™ VR serves as an immersive training platform aimed at improving decision-making during high-pressure situations.
This all-encompassing public safety training system immerses first responders in realistic scenarios reflective of today’s law enforcement challenges. With access to an expanding range of real-world situations, Wrap Reality™ equips officers with the essential skills to navigate complex encounters effectively, fostering safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.
Wrap Intrensic is a sophisticated body-worn camera and evidence management setup focused on operational efficiency.
Created to fulfill the demanding requirements of modern law enforcement, Intrensic captures, retains, and oversees digital evidence with integrity. It features automated workflows, secure cloud storage, and user-friendly case management capabilities, facilitating streamlined operations while enhancing administrative efficiency and courtroom credibility.
Contact Information
If you have inquiries, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at:
(800) 583-2652
ir@wrap.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the letter from Scot Cohen?
The letter discusses the implications of the Supreme Court decision in Barnes v. Felix and emphasizes the importance of pre-escalation tools like BolaWrap in law enforcement.
How does the BolaWrap improve public safety?
BolaWrap allows for a non-lethal method of compliance that prevents escalation, giving officers a safer alternative to traditional use-of-force options.
What legal changes does the Barnes v. Felix ruling bring?
The ruling introduces a new “totality of the circumstances” approach to evaluating use-of-force incidents, broadening officer accountability.
How is Wrap Technologies positioned for future growth?
Wrap is set to expand its reach with innovative training and technology solutions, ready to meet the growing demand for safer law enforcement tools.
What distinguishes Wrap’s training program?
Wrap offers comprehensive training programs certified by respected organizations, ensuring officers are well-prepared for modern law enforcement challenges.
