Latest news with #nonlethal
CBC
2 days ago
- CBC
Abbotsford police first in Canada to roll out BolaWrap, a non-lethal restraint tool
The Abbotsford Police Department says it's the first in Canada to deploy a new non-lethal restraint tool called the BolaWrap — a device it says will reduce injuries during "emotionally charged or unpredictable situations." "[Like when] someone is actively walking away from the officers … and there's grounds to believe that they need to be stopped," said Const. Alex Odintsov with the training section of the police department. Resembling a large yellow remote, the handheld BolaWrap fires a lasso-like device that wraps around a person's limbs or torso, tethering them from a distance. Abbotsford police say it's designed to temporarily restrain someone without using pain to gain compliance. "It provides another option for officers when intervening with potentially volatile subjects, while at the same time decreasing the injury potential to the subject that is often associated with other tools," said Odintsov, who also led the approval process for the device in British Columbia. The department says it conducted a 10-month field trial and submitted deployment data to a provincial stakeholder panel, which ultimately cleared the device for use in B.C. as per the provincial policing standard. According to Odintsov, the tool was deployed more than a dozen times during the trial period, resulting in no injuries. "The result was there were no injuries to the subject, and ultimately it aided in apprehension or the arrest," he said. The constable says the device is also designed to startle rather than incapacitate, as it releases a loud bang when deployed. "It's loud on deployment, so that startling effect gives the officers that reactionary time to close the distance and potentially go hands-on." The device is manufactured by U.S.-based Wrap Technologies, which promotes it as "remote handcuffs." Odintsov says each unit costs around $2,000, with individual cassettes, which contain the tethered lasso, priced between $55 and $70. The Abbotsford Police Department says it has purchased six devices so far using its operating budget. Police say officers are trained to assess when the BolaWrap is appropriate, adding that the device is most effective when the tethered cords attach to clothing, such as pants. If used on someone in shorts or without clothing, the risk of skin penetration increases. "Officers are trained to assess what the subject is wearing, what is their behaviour, is injury potential going to be higher …and then make that determination," Odintsov said. BolaWrap's manufacturer claims the device has an 80 per cent success rate in the field, but the device has seen mixed results elsewhere. In Seattle, for example, the police department quietly stopped using the BolaWrap in 2023 after deploying it just three times in two years, according to some local news outlets, including the Seattle Times. CBC News has reached out to Seattle police to confirm the report and the reasons behind the discontinuation. Odintsov acknowledged the criticism but emphasized the importance of proper training and context. Odintsov acknowledged that no single tool fits every scenario, stating that BolaWraps are not meant to replace other tools like Tasers, batons or beanbag shotguns but rather to give officers more options. Abbotsford police say they will continue monitoring the effectiveness of the BolaWrap over the next year before deciding whether to invest in more units.
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
PepperBall® Announces Exclusive Multi-Year Partnership with Marshfield Drones™ to Implement AIMbot™ and SWATbot™ Robotic Platforms
Lake Forest, IL July 03, 2025 --( )-- PepperBall®, a widely adopted distance-based, non-lethal system, today announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Marshfield Drones™, a Wisconsin-based robotics innovator specializing in ground tactical platforms. Under the agreement, Marshfield Drones will collaborate with PepperBall, which will brand, integrate, and market the technology to law-enforcement, corrections, and military agencies worldwide. The vehicles will launch at the National Sheriffs Association Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 23-25, 2025, Booth 1716. 'Robotics extends the PepperBall core promise of distance and safety,' said Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall. 'AIMbot and SWATbot let officers deploy select launchers, BLAST, or BURST payloads from cover, giving them vital options without stepping into harm's way.' Nick Wayerski, President of Marshfield Drones, added, 'Our robots were built to carry mission-critical payloads into places people shouldn't go. Partnering exclusively with PepperBall—a company trusted by more than 10,000 agencies—means those platforms provide value with a proven, non-lethal capability on day one.' New Robotic Platforms PepperBall AIMbot™ – A mid-sized, rugged robot that arrives as a turnkey kit (robot, goggles, controller, launcher.) When outfitted with an FTC or TAC-SA launcher, it gives operators a heads-up display to place a reticle on target and remotely deploy PepperBall projectiles with precision. PepperBall SWATbot™ – A compact, low-profile robot designed for confined or barricaded spaces. Remotely guided by the operator, the SWATbot carries a BLAST™ or BURST™ device, maneuvers through doorways or under obstacles, and deploys an area-saturation irritant exactly where it is needed. Kit includes robot, goggles, and controller. PepperBall-branded units will begin factory acceptance in the coming weeks, with agency demonstrations already conducted for numerous federal agencies. Commercial availability is slated for late 2025 through the PepperBall global law-enforcement distribution network. About PepperBall® PepperBall is dedicated to creating the highest-quality non-lethal law-enforcement solutions that de-escalate confrontations, safely change behavior, and ultimately save lives. For over two decades, PepperBall has been the trusted non-lethal partner for law-enforcement, correctional, and military professionals worldwide, with more than 20 million projectiles safely deployed. Based in the U.S. heartland, PepperBall backs every product with an industry-leading commitment to training and service. Learn more at About Marshfield Drones™ Marshfield Drones designs and manufactures purpose-built ground robots that deliver critical payloads in environments too hazardous for personnel. The company's platforms combine robust mobility, intuitive controls, and modular architecture to support public-safety, industrial, and defense applications. Contact Information: PepperBall Katherine Riley 260-478-2500 Contact via Email Read the full story here: PepperBall® Announces Exclusive Multi-Year Partnership with Marshfield Drones™ to Implement AIMbot™ and SWATbot™ Robotic Platforms Press Release Distributed by
ABC News
30-06-2025
- ABC News
Peter Nguyen-Ha says another man shot Ralph Matthews Cox dead through window of Landsdale home
A Perth man accused of shooting a man dead through his bedroom window has claimed he only fired non-lethal rounds at the house. Peter Nguyen-Ha has told his murder trial in the WA Supreme Court another man fired the fatal shot at the Landsdale home. Mr Nguyen-Ha is on trial, accused of murdering Ralph Matthews Cox in January 2022. The court has heard Mr Nguyen-Ha went to the house with a shotgun, looking for a man who had stolen tens of thousands of dollars from him in a "fake" drug deal. But the man who died, Ralph Matthews Cox, had no knowledge of that incident and no involvement in crime. Mr Nguyen-Ha, taking the stand to give evidence in his defence, said he fired a pump-action shotgun twice at the window, using salt rounds. "Fired a shot and started moving to the left," he said, before firing a second shot. It was at that moment, he told the court, "a flame came past me" and he heard "a bang". The 35-year-old said he saw the middle window of the house smash and "I looked back, I seen Matty". Mr Nguyen-Ha said "Matty" was holding a double-barrelled shotgun. "I had no idea that Matty had his own gun," Mr Nguyen-Ha said. Matthew Gempton, who was a drug debt collector, has admitted driving them to the scene but denied firing any guns. Peter Nguyen-Ha said Gempton handed him a pump-action shotgun on the way to the Landsdale shooting, and afterwards, told him to keep it. "That's yours now, you used it, it's your responsibility," Mr Nguyen-Ha said Gempton told him in the car as they left Landsdale. Mr Nguyen-Ha told the court he'd been pressured by Gempton to target the house but he did not want to fire live rounds. So before they arrived at the Landsdale address, he had cut open the shotgun rounds and replaced the pellets with rock salt. He told the court that he found out later that someone had died in the shooting and questioned Gempton. "Why did you fire live rounds the way you did?" he said he asked him. "And he was coy about it." The court has seen body-worn camera footage of Peter Nguyen-Ha being arrested at Burswood days after the shooting, when a shotgun was found in his car. Mr Nguyen-Ha told the court this was the shotgun Gempton gave him, which was used at Landsdale. The 35-year-old admitted he had fallen asleep at the wheel after he had "taken meth". The car had hit a wooden bollard. Mr Nguyen-Ha told the court he'd been selling drugs "every day" since November 2021, and had been convicted of drug offences in the past. He said he did not co-operate with police after his arrest because he did not want to get in trouble for selling drugs, but also did not want to "snitch" because he thought it was wrong. "I didn't want to get mixed up with what Matty did," he said. "Because that's a very serious matter. "I didn't murder anyone." Gempton, who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, had himself told the court earlier in the trial he did not use a gun on the night. He had said Mr Nguyen-Ha fired at the house three times. The court has been told Gempton received a reduced sentence in return for giving full and truthful evidence at Peter Nguyen-Ha's trial. The trial continues.
News.com.au
09-06-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Australian reporter defiant after being hit by nonlethal munition during LA protests
An Australian reporter has vowed to 'keep on telling the stories that need to be told' after being struck by a nonlethal munition while covering violent demonstrations in the US. Nine's Lauren Tomasi was reporting from Los Angeles, where law enforcement and the US National Guard have been facing off with thousands protesting Donald Trump's mass deportations. Tomasi, microphone in hand, had just finished giving an update to camera when an officer standing behind her raised his firearm and fired a nonlethal round, striking her in the leg. 'Hey there. Thanks for all your messages – I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay,' Tomasi posted on social media. 'Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles.' Hey there. Thanks for all your messages - I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay. Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles. — Lauren Tomasi (@LaurenTomasi) June 9, 2025 Tomasi's comments echoed a statement from Nine, which confirmed both she and 'her camera operator are safe and will continue their essential work covering these event'. 'This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information,' the company said. Speaking after the incident, Tomasi described the situation in Los Angeles as 'pretty nasty' and 'volatile'. She said police were moving through the city's downtown area trying to clear out protesters, but there were 'just thousands of people, and as we were reporting on the situation, one of those officers fired at me'. 'We are both safe,' she told Melbourne talkback station 3AW, referring to her cameraman. Though she said she was 'going to have a bit of a nasty bruise'. 'It really did hurt,' Tomasi said. 'I'd say it's kind of the size of a golf ball – a hard-ish rubber. 'I've got a bit of a circle on my calf muscle. I'm lucky it was there.' She said it 'comes part and parcel with the job sometimes', but 'it does kind of give you an idea of the sense of just how much this is deteriorating and how the situation here is out of control'. Asked why she thought the officer shot at her, Tomasi said she did not know and put it down to the chaotic circumstances. 'I think they're just firing at anyone who is remotely in the way,' she said. 'We certainly were not trying to get in the way … we were standing off to the side.' Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has been urged to 'seek an urgent explanation' and raise it with Donald Trump when they meet on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada later this week. 'US authorities shooting an Australian journalist is simply shocking,' Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said in a statement. 'It is completely unacceptable and must be called out. 'The Prime Minister must seek an urgent explanation from the US administration. 'As Albanese is preparing for his first meeting with President Trump, the first thing he must tell the President is to stop shooting at our journalists.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was in touch 'with an Australian injured in protests, and stands ready to provide consular assistance if required'. 'Australia supports media freedom and the protection of journalists,' a DFAT spokesperson said. 'All journalists should be able to do their work safely.'
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Associated Press
PepperBall® Launches Shatter™, Jammer™, and Lumen™ Projectiles at the 2025 OTOA Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference
Sandusky, OH June 09, 2025 --( )-- PepperBall®, the global leader in distance-based, non-lethal de-escalation technology, today announced the official field launch of three next-generation projectiles—Shatter™, Jammer™, and Lumen™—during the Ohio Tactical Officers Association (OTOA) Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center, booth 96. The one-day vendor exhibition draws more than 1,500 first responders and PepperBall will showcase the new rounds in technical videos and hands-on product samples. New Projectile Line-Up Developed through an exclusive multi-year partnership with RoboRounds®, an advanced payload research and development laboratory, the new rounds give tactical teams fresh options for safely resolving barricades, surveillance threats, and suspect apprehensions. PepperBall Shatter™ – A high-density glass-breaking projectile filled with RoboRounds ultra-hard micro balls. On impact, fractures tempered and automotive glass, enabling rapid entry or rescue while minimizing collateral damage. PepperBall Jammer™ – A projectile containing a specialized payload that blocks LIDAR, IR and CCTV and blinds camera systems, effectively obstructing signal transmission. PepperBall Lumen™ – A photoluminescent UV-reactive projectile that coats targets with a long-lasting, fluorescent marker, aiding apprehension and evidence collection even in low-light environments. Proven and Recommended by NTOA The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) awarded the glass-breaking projectile a 'Member Tested and Recommended' rating (overall score 3.64) following multi-state evaluations. Field testers reported: 'Our team's experience with these projectiles was positive and a surprising improvement from the glass breakers we currently use.' — Ohio evaluator 'We penetrated ½-inch tempered glass in three rounds; the projectile pairs perfectly with our VKS PRO PLUS™ launcher.' — Florida evaluator 'We trained with these under vehicle suppression and vehicle breaching training, and both roles had the same results. These rounds are a good addition to the PepperBall platform, not just for SWAT but patrol operations as well.' — Minnesota evaluator 'Each window shattered and partially fell away with the first round. From what I can tell, there was no pass-through of any portion of the round itself.' — North Dakota evaluator 'Every second matters when officers face a barricaded suspect, a surveillance threat, or a fleeing subject,' said Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall. 'Shatter, Jammer, and Lumen expand the PepperBall toolkit so teams can more effectively break glass, blind sensors, and mark targets—while still relying on proven, non-lethal impact energy. Launching these rounds at OTOA puts them directly into the hands of the tactical professionals who need them most,' Plaschke concluded. The rounds will be on display throughout the vendor exhibition on Tuesday, June 10, with video footage and technical data sheets available at the PepperBall booth. Commercial availability is slated for late 2025 through the PepperBall global law-enforcement distribution network. About PepperBall® PepperBall is dedicated to creating the highest-quality non-lethal law-enforcement solutions that de-escalate confrontations, safely change behavior, and ultimately save lives. For over two decades, PepperBall has been the trusted non-lethal partner for law-enforcement, correctional, and military professionals worldwide, and more than 20 million PepperBall projectiles have been safely deployed. Based in the U.S. heartland, PepperBall stands behind each product with an industry-leading commitment to training and service. To learn more, visit Contact Information: PepperBall Katherine Riley 260-478-2500 Contact via Email Read the full story here: PepperBall® Launches Shatter™, Jammer™, and Lumen™ Projectiles at the 2025 OTOA Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference Press Release Distributed by
