NCJ Number
202280
Journal
Corrections Forum Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2003 Pages: 22,24,26
Date Published
July 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the trends in firearms, ammunition, and less lethal weapons in corrections.
Abstract
Correctional facilities need weapons to maintain order. Experts were interviewed to discover the trends in weapons and ammunitions in correctional settings. In terms of firearms, there is no single weapon of choice in corrections. Traditionally, firearms in correctional settings have been primitive so that if offenders gained access to the firearms, they would have limited power. Recently however, correctional facilities have started upgrading their firearm power to include H&K MP5 and 308 caliber rifles, for example. In terms of ammunition, there is a definite trend toward non-lead, frangible ammunition because it is safer and does not ricochet. Finally, less lethal weapons are a large part of corrections arsenals. Correction officers need protection, but carrying a firearm around inmates is not advisable. As such, the use of peppery spray, pepper balls, Tasers, rubber bullets, gas, and bean bag rounds are popular alternatives to lethal weapons. As technology increases, less than lethal weapons will become more effective.