NCJ Number
149533
Date Published
1994
Length
168 pages
Annotation
This futures study addresses the effect of nonlethal weapons technology on the hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement personnel in Los Angeles in the next 10 years.
Abstract
The analysis indicated 10 likely trends, including pressures on local governments to purchase and use nonlethal weapons regardless of fiscal impact, efforts to convince police officers of their personal safety while using nonlethal weapons, improved field tactics training of police officers, and a movement toward hiring and training police officers with human empathy and away from the gunfighter image. Probable events include the demonstration of a totally nonlethal weapon, political and media attention on nonlethal weapons as a result of a controversial shooting involving a police officer, and the adoption of a nonlethal weapon by a police agency. Alternative scenarios were developed based on these and other trends and events. The major implication is that the Los Angeles must commit itself to strategic planning to develop training and information programs for the use of nonlethal weapons and to improve recruitment procedures. Tables, figures, and reference notes