Reducing Police Claims: Building Bridges Together
Chief Terry Nichols (ret.)
Director of Business Development and Grant Management, Wrap Technologies
In this PRIMA podcast episode, Terry Nichols discusses how technology can reduce police claims and improve law enforcement practices. Terry highlights the role of insurers in encouraging law enforcement agencies to adopt best practices and use technology to mitigate risks. He provides examples of technologies such as GPS darts, devices to disable a vehicle's electrical system, and non-pain inducing devices like the BolaWrap remote restraint device. Nichols also discusses the consequences for agencies that do not adhere to best practices, including increased insurance premiums or loss of coverage.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Chief Terry Nichols (ret.)
Director of Business Development and Grant Management, Wrap Technologies
Summary of Qualifications
Terry retired from the Seguin, TX Police Department in June 2022 after serving 33 years in law enforcement in Texas. During his career, he worked in various assignments including patrol, narcotics, SWAT, investigations, training and administration. Terry is a published author and a nationally recognized expert in active shooter/threat response and training. As the chair of Officer Safety Committee for the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Terry worked closely with the TML Risk Pool on officer safety strategies, programs and partnerships. He also has extensive experience in all aspects of grant development and management.
Responsibilities
Terry currently works on strategic business initiatives and partnerships with Wrap Technologies, introducing and expanding the BolaWrap Remote Restraint Device and Wrap Reality products. This includes managing partnerships with the Arizona Municipal Risk Retention Pool and other insurance/risk pool associations. He is responsible for updating all training curriculum and instructing courses. Terry also speaks at conferences, authors articles and develops curriculum on contemporary police use of force issues, de-escalation, force avoidance, and technology related to the use of force.
Business Experience
- San Marcos (TX) Police Department 1988 - 2010. Retired at rank of Commander leading the Criminal Investigations Division and Hays County SWAT Team.
- Texas State University Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program 2010 - 2016. One of three founding members of the internationally recognized and national standard for active shooter training and research program. Served as Director of Curriculum Development and Assistant Director.
- Brownwood (TX) Police Department 2016 - 2019. Served as Chief of Police responsible for all aspects of full-service municipal police department and regional 911/Dispatch center.
- Seguin (TX) Police Department 2019 - 2022. Served as Chief of Police responsible for all aspects of full-service municipal police department in a fast growing community.
- Wrap Technologies (AZ) 2022 - Current. Serve as Director of Business Development and Grant Management.
Professional Affiliations
- International Association Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA)
- National Tactical Police Officers Association (NTOA)
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) - 1991
- Master of Science, Administration of Criminal Justice, Southwest Texas State University - 1997
