The Clive Police Department announced a new partnership with the Clive Lions Club to purchase a specialized restraint device known as the WRAP. The equipment is intended to improve safety for both officers and citizens when responding to mental‑health crises.
Why the WRAP matters
When a person in crisis continues to struggle after being handcuffed, traditional methods can lead to injuries for both the individual and the responding officer. The WRAP is designed to immobilize a subject in a secure manner while still allowing the person to breathe and retain control of their emotions. According to crisis‑intervention officer Andrew Faulkner, the device helps reduce medical bills, self‑trauma, and damage to police equipment.
Community support and funding
The Lions Club is providing financial assistance to acquire the WRAP, reflecting a broader community commitment to public safety and compassionate response. By sharing the cost, the club helps ensure that the department can implement the tool without burdening taxpayers.
Training and oversight
Department officials stressed that the WRAP will only be used after officers receive proper training and ongoing monitoring. The emphasis on education aligns with the department’s goal of using the device responsibly and only in situations where it enhances safety.
Impact on the community
Local leaders anticipate that the WRAP will lower injury rates, reduce emergency‑room visits, and foster a more humane approach to mental‑health emergencies. The equipment is expected to benefit families by minimizing the physical and emotional toll of crisis encounters.
Looking ahead
The acquisition marks a step forward for Clive’s public‑safety strategy, combining law‑enforcement expertise with community partnership. As the department rolls out the WRAP, officials will track outcomes to ensure the tool meets its safety and cost‑saving objectives.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.