Sheriff’s office wins approval to spend restricted funds on evidence software and BolaWrap devices

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners approved using $116,409.18 in law‑enforcement restricted funds (asset‑forfeiture/restricted drug funds) to purchase evidence and use‑of‑force software (IA Pro and BlueTeam) and 25 BolaWrap 150 restraint devices for deputies. The sheriff’s office representative described the software as a central database for use‑of‑force and pursuit reporting and said a five‑year licensing proposal was negotiated for roughly $60,003 plus training; the BolaWrap package (25 devices, holsters, cartridges, training) was priced at $54,039.39.

A department representative explained the BolaWrap deploys a Kevlar tether to restrict movement rather than using pain compliance, and said the devices are intended to give deputies seconds to gain physical control of a resistant person; he also noted potential safety considerations if a subject falls after being restrained. The office said the initial deployment would be strategic—deployed by division—rather than equipping every officer immediately.

A motion to approve the restricted‑fund expenditure, the associated budget amendment, and to authorize the county manager to sign the procurement contracts passed on a voice vote. The sheriff’s office noted the funding source is restricted by statute to law‑enforcement uses; these are not county general‑fund expenditures. Commissioners also approved a separate small contract to accept the Ramsour ABC Board’s statutory 5% law‑enforcement allocation, estimated at about $2,600 annually, and asked that the sheriff’s office provide required statistical reporting.