NCJ Number
207836
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 150,152-154,156
Date Published
October 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of less-lethal weapons.
Abstract
In 1985, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that police officers do not have the right to use deadly force against a fleeing suspect if the suspect poses no immediate threat to others. Since then, law enforcement has explored less-lethal weapons as an option to de-escalate a violent situation or capture a fleeing suspect. Every less-lethal weapon has its downside, which must be considered before an agency purchases these weapons. A survey of police officers across the country revealed common desires in less-lethal weapons; police officers want less-lethal weapons that are effective, easy to use, lightweight, and affordable. Recently the market has been flooded with new less-lethal products, including improved pepper spray and pepperballs, "stingerballs," and glue guns. Agencies must exercise care in the less-lethal products they chose because although they are designed to deliver a less-than-lethal level of force, the products can injure and even kill individuals if used incorrectly. Training is thus important, yet costly; as the price of less-lethal weapons decrease, training will become more feasible for every police agency.