Malta Police Adopt US 'Lasso' Tech in De-Escalation Push

VALLETTA, Malta – February 10, 2026 – The Malta National Police Force is set to become a European test case for a new generation of non-lethal policing technology, adopting a remote restraint device known as the BolaWrap. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance de-escalation tactics, particularly in response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The rollout follows a significant training initiative with the device's US-based manufacturer, Wrap Technologies, Inc., which saw 23 new instructors certified and 12 existing ones retrained to support a nationwide program.

The BolaWrap, often likened to a high-tech lasso, is a handheld device that fires a Kevlar tether to entangle a person's legs or torso from a distance of 10-25 feet. Unlike other less-lethal options such as Tasers, its primary function is restraint without relying on pain compliance, a feature Maltese officials have identified as a key advantage.

A New Tool for Modern Challenges

Malta's decision to embrace this technology is rooted in its specific public safety landscape. While the island nation boasts a low rate of violent crime by European standards, its police force faces evolving challenges. Recent years have seen a consistent rise in reported domestic violence cases, often involving psychological harm, alongside an increase in calls related to mental health crises. For a police force where officers do not routinely carry firearms and the use of force is legally mandated as a "remedy of last resort," finding effective tools that align with a de-escalation philosophy is a high priority.

The country's national mental health strategy for 2020-2030 specifically calls for reducing heavy-handed police responses to mental health emergencies, which can often exacerbate a situation. According to the press release from Wrap Technologies, Maltese command staff and instructors have already identified the BolaWrap as a "preferred tool to traditional tools, particularly in responses involving individuals experiencing mental health crises." This aligns with a broader push to equip first responders with options that prioritize safety for both officers and vulnerable subjects, creating time and distance to resolve an encounter without resorting to higher levels of force.

The Promise and Peril of Remote Restraint

The BolaWrap positions itself as a critical gap-filler in the use-of-force continuum, sitting between verbal commands and more impactful options like batons, pepper spray, or conducted energy devices. Its unique selling proposition is its ability to establish control remotely without inflicting pain, a feature that distinguishes it from its main competitor, the Taser.

However, the real-world effectiveness of the device has been a subject of discussion in jurisdictions where it has already been deployed. Law enforcement agencies in the United States and elsewhere have reported successful de-escalations, crediting the device with safely resolving encounters that could have otherwise ended in injury. Proponents argue it reduces the risk of injury to both officers and subjects, fostering greater community trust.

Conversely, independent analysis and field reports present a more mixed picture. A 2020 study by the U.S. National Institute of Justice noted that while potentially useful, the device's effectiveness can be limited by factors like a subject's movement, bulky clothing, or the dynamic nature of a confrontation. Critics and civil liberties groups also raise concerns about potential misuse and advocate for strict oversight and transparent reporting to ensure it serves as a tool for de-escalation rather than simply another means of control. The success of the device in Malta will depend heavily on robust training and clear policy guiding its appropriate use.

A Strategic Foothold in Europe

For Wrap Technologies, the partnership with the Malta National Police Force represents a significant strategic victory and a crucial foothold in the European market. While the company reports its products are used in over 60 countries, securing a deal with a national police force within the European Union, and embedding its technology within the national police academy curriculum, is a major validation of its international growth strategy.

By integrating BolaWrap training into the academy, Malta is ensuring that all future officers will see the device as a standard part of their toolkit. This long-term integration is far more valuable than simple one-off sales of hardware. It positions the technology as a foundational element of Maltese policing policy for years to come, potentially serving as a powerful case study for other European nations grappling with similar challenges around use of force and mental health response.

The deal also presents multiple near-term expansion opportunities, as the initial rollout will require a growing supply of devices, holsters, and the consumable tether cassettes as the program scales from a district-level pilot to a potential force-wide standard.

From Training to the Streets

The logistical plan for deployment is already in motion. The newly certified instructors will begin delivering local training within their districts in the coming weeks. The initial phase will see two BolaWrap devices assigned per district, allowing officers to begin familiarizing themselves with the tool in real-world scenarios. The agency has also produced a department-wide informational video to ensure all personnel are aware of the new policy and operational expectations.

While the initial deployment is modest, a full, nationwide rollout for Malta's approximately 2,400-strong police force would represent a significant logistical and financial commitment. Beyond the cost of the devices and recurring cartridges, it requires a sustained investment in training, policy updates, and data collection to monitor its effectiveness and impact. The success of this initial, district-level deployment will be closely watched by Maltese officials, other European law enforcement agencies, and the public as a test of whether this technology can truly deliver on its promise of safer, more humane policing.