NCJ Number
85032
Journal
Journal of California Law Enforcement Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (1981) Pages: 125-136
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article discusses factors of time and distance in violent police confrontations, recent research and development of nonlethal weapons, effectiveness and simplicity of the devices, and criteria for selection of the weapons by agency administrators.
Abstract
In an altercation, the risk of death or injury increases as the time for planning and the distance between the officer and suspect decrease. As a general definition, nonlethal weapons are devices which may be used to control a deteriorating tactical situation prior to the time when (1) control holds, batons, or deadly force may become necessary; (2) it is unsafe for an officer to move to within contact range of the suspect; and (3) attempts by officers to control the suspect by conventional means will likely result in serious injury to officers, suspects, or both. The four factors police administrators should consider when selecting nonlethal weapons are effectiveness, simplicity of operation, deployment methods, and cost. Weapons that incapacitate (the suspect is down and helpless and can be handcuffed and searched) are generally the most effective. Such weapons include the Taser electronic weapon, which emits a 50,000 volt charge into a suspect, and chemical sprays, which when sprayed into the suspect's face cause tears, a burning sensation, and eye closure. Containment devices -- nets, leg grabbers, and the immobilizer (a mesh of 3-foot chains between poles) -are not as effective, because handcuffing and searching are difficult until the suspect is out of the device. Incapacitation weapons are also simpler to operate and carry. Making a purchase decision on the basis of cost per unit alone would be false economy, since an effective means for controlling violent situations can save thousands of dollars lost to lawsuits, injuries, and disabled officers. The various weapons discussed are illustrated, and a chart compares the usefulness of the various nonlethal weapons discussed. Places to write for further information on each type of device are also listed.