NCJ Number
188151
Date Published
2001
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This study, conducted under the Toronto Police Service, evaluated the use of less-lethal technology weapons in certain police situations in lieu of firearms as identified under the Use of Force Committee mandated to identify and investigate all strategies or methods that have the potential to contribute to the reduction of the use of force and use of deadly force by police.
Abstract
In follow-up to the Toronto Canada Police Service's, Use of Force Committee 2001 Final Report, tasked with identifying and investigating all possible strategies to assist in the reduction of the use of force and use of deadly force by police, the strategy identified initially was the subject of less-lethal technology weapons. This study continued the task of the Committee by describing various less-lethal weapons for police use. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of each weapon were discussed relative to their potential use by the front line police officer. The study examined the devices available in relation to their practicality, effectiveness, safety, cost, training issues, and political and legal concerns. The key issues noted were practicality and effectiveness. Many new technology less-lethal weapons, although innovative, were impractical, ineffective, or both. The study utilized a wide variety of reference resources, as well as the consulting of police and scientific experts from the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In addition, manufacturers of less-lethal technology weapons provided assistance. The study's conclusion was that there was presently no less-lethal weapon available to the Service that could replace the police firearm in certain life and death situations. Impact projectile launchers, capture nets and electronic stun devices were determined to be impractical, ineffective, or a combination of both. Yet, it was noted that some conventional devices, already in Service use, such as batons or pepper spray were useful in less deadly situations and could sometimes prevent an officer from having to use deadly force. As a result, this study proposed four recommendations which emphasized the continued and expanded use of conventional less-lethal weapons, while continuing to proactively test and evaluate new technology for future Service adoption. The first recommendation states that all front line officers be trained on and equipped with belt carried Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.)spray and training should be mandatory. The second recommendation states that all front line officers be trained on and issued both the Casco Straight Baton and the ASP Expandable Baton. The third recommendation states that an operational pilot project be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of equipping patrol vehicles with large 400 gm containers of O.C. aerosol spray. The fourth and final recommendation states that a standing committee be established within the Service to research, evaluate, and test less-lethal technology weapons as they become available. The goal of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service, as well as all law enforcement, is to minimize force wherever possible and the utilization of appropriated less-lethal technology weapons has a part to play in achieving this goal. References, Tables, and Graphs