NCJ Number
76410
Journal
Police Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1981) Pages: 23-28
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Currently available nonlethal weapons and control devices for police are described; including a special net, an electric dart gun, and others.
Abstract
Of the alternative devices now gaining acceptance, one of the simplest is the net, developed for police use by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and now being tested or deployed by more than 35 law enforcement agencies across the country. The net is made of nylon polyester and has 4-inch squares at a 45 degree angle to the edge. A heavy rope around the perimeter of the 10- by 14-foot net gives it ballast, and color-coded throwing ropes and handles make use easy. A draw rope allows the net to be tightened, trapping the suspect's arms. The net has a range of 20 to 25 feet and operates on the principle of containing and entangling the individual. Its $415 price includes a carrying bag, two long aluminum poles to prod a suspect into an open area, a video tape for training, and a dry chemical fire extinguisher for startling and confusing suspects. More frequently used than the net has been the Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle (TASER) which uses a brief jolt of electricity to momentarily stun the body. Two darts, connected to a plastic handle by wires, are fired at a suspect, and an electric charge is administered after they have been implanted in the body. TASER devices cost more than $200 each. Another nonlethal device is the leg grabber, an 8-foot metal pole with a pair of metal pincers at the end which are controlled by a pull handle. The immobilizer is a device consisting of two poles with heavy steel chain laced between them for tripping and wrapping up suspects. Also described are a plastic baton which is safer and more effective than the wooden baton and chemical sprays. Manufacturers are identified, and photographs are included. A reference list is not provided.