A Batman-like device used to capture suspects is now in the hands of dozens of law enforcement agencies in Texas.

SEGUIN, Texas — Law enforcement agencies across Texas are increasingly using a device called a BolaWrap to capture suspects. The device uses compressed air to wrap a Kevlar cord with two small hooks around a person’s legs or arms, immobilizing them.

“We do encounter people who are not necessarily resistant in a threatening manner, but they are not compliant, and we have to stop them because they are not compliant,” Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady said.

Brady said police departments view the new tools as temporary restraints rather than a use of force, and that they will also be helpful when responding to mental health calls.

I wanted to see this device in action so I let the BolaWrap take it for a spin on me.

In an instant, I was tied down and barely able to move my upper and lower body. I felt a little stinging pain, but I was fine and uninjured.

“This device allows us to get up close and actually touch them, so we can disorient them for maybe a few minutes,” Brady said, “It’s not injecting electricity, so if someone is walking or running away, they can still use their hands if they fall.”

Brady said his department has only had the BolaWrap for 10 months and is still in the testing phase, but he said he likes it so far.

Last week, Buda Police Chief Beau Kidd spoke before the Texas House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee to promote BolaWrap.

“I’m not saying we should take existing tools off of officers’ belts,” Kidd told the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. “I’m simply encouraging lawmakers to consider adding new tools that will get better results.”

KSAT reached out to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department, who said neither agency is using the device at this time.

But at some stage, 59 law enforcement agencies in Texas have implemented BolaWrap, many of which are located near or around San Antonio and Bexar County.

Buda Police Station

Cibolo Police Department

Devine Police Department

Hays County Sheriff’s Office

Kerrville Police Department

Live Oak Police Department

Little Police Station

Nixon Police Department

Real County Sheriff’s Office

San Marcos Police Department

Seguin Police Department

Shavano Park Police Department

Terrell Hills Police Department

United States Air Force – Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland