It’s hard to believe, but a company is actually looking to introduce their “lasso guns” into medical settings and educational institutions. Wrap Technologies, the firm behind the BolaWrap lasso gun, is actively exploring opportunities to extend the application of their device beyond just law enforcement.

Recent investigations by Vice have revealed that Wrap Technologies has piqued the interest of a hospital intending to use their lasso gun for restraining “noncompliant individuals.” This ambitious plan would necessitate the company finding a way to navigate the National Firearm Act (NFA) to make their devices available to entities outside of police and military use.

In pursuit of this goal, Wrap has been lobbying the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ease regulations on their latest model. This initiative was notably discussed during an investor call, where the former CEO, Tom Smith, elaborated on the application aimed at expanding the market for their lasso guns.

While the notion of lasso guns might seem unconventional, they have carved out a niche within law enforcement for subduing suspects. The BolaWrap 150, the newest model from Wrap, features an innovative airbag-like mechanism to deploy its cord, setting it apart from earlier iterations.

This strategy is reminiscent of Smith’s previous achievements with Taser International, where he successfully deregulated stun guns under the NFA by adopting a compressed gas propellant. Although Smith’s time at Wrap was relatively brief, he made impactful strides before his departure, including an optimistic ATF determination for the company.

Wrap has not yet achieved the same level of recognition as Taser, but their products have already ignited debate. A particularly concerning incident involved Buffalo police employing a lasso gun on a Black transgender woman experiencing a crisis, which raised significant questions about the weapon’s effectiveness and potential risks.

As the conversation about the role of lasso guns as non-lethal alternatives continues, it’s crucial to reflect on the ramifications of introducing such devices into sensitive environments like schools. The discourse surrounding these advanced tools is far from settled, but it’s evident that their introduction raises vital questions about safety and ethical considerations.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into this contentious subject, be sure to check out Vice Motherboard’s detailed article. Additionally, for more insights into “nonlethal” weaponry, don’t miss the story of an individual who ignited in flames after being tased by police—an unsettling reminder of the complex issues regarding the use of force in today’s society.