Less-Than-Lethal Weapons
Throughout the years, the development of technology regarding nonlethal weapons has evolved to assist law enforcement agencies. Everyday officers are out in the open exposed to high risk situations in their daily activities. For example, while making an arrest the individual being arrested might exercise physical resistance putting in endanger law enforcement officers. This is a great example of the need of nonlethal weapons to allow law enforcement officers to protect themselves. They can also find themselves confronting a crowd of people where bystanders and foes are mixed; the use of nonlethal force is more rational. Nonlethal weapons appeared after the riots of the 1960s, making them the primary weapons for crowd control and hostile subjects (King 2003). To address this issue, police technology has been introduced with less-than-lethal weapons. The purpose of nonlethal weapons is to temporally incapacitate a person, but not to cause a serious injury that could result in the death an individual.
Types
Every year new types of nonlethal weapons emerged to assist law enforcement agencies throughout the country. There are different weapons that fall under this category of non-lethal weapons. According to the National Institution of Justice (NIJ), some of these weapons are already in use while others still under development. The NIJ recognizes the following six groups as the main types of lethal weapons (Hart, 2002).
1.Electrical shock
2.Chemical
3.Impact projectile
4.Physical restraint
5.Light
6.Acoustic
Electrical Shock
Electrical Shock are devices used to apply electrical discharges on hostile individuals; pain and loss of muscle control are the instant reactions caused by these weapons (Hart, 2002). The Thomas A. Swift electrical rifle, better known as TASER is an example of an electroshock weapon. This device delivers about 50,000 volts (Walker & Katz, 2008).
Chemical Weapons
Chemical weapons are used by law enforcement agencies to incapacitate the movement of crowds and individuals. Pepper spray is an example of chemical weapons (Hart, 2002). This weapon causes a burning sensation and breathing problems in the individual.
Impact Projectiles
Impact projectiles are objects that are usually fired from a gun. They are usually aimed to hit the target at the lower extremities. Impact projectiles include rubber bullets (Hart, 2002).
Physical Restraints
These are nonlethal weapons meant to impair the individual’s ability to move. For example, nets and handcuffs represent a physical restraint to the aggressor.(Hart, 2002)
Light
The use of light to blind an aggressor temporarily helps prevent a possible attack. A detailed investigation has not been made for this method. An example would be a Saber Shot laser dazzler. (Hart, 2002)
Acoustics Devices
As mentioned before acoustic devices still require further investigations. Up to this point the National Institute of Justice has defined acoustic devices as an "acoustic source that produces ‘ear splitting’ audible sounds might be useful as a less-than-lethal weapon under certain circumstances.” (Hart, 2002)
Selecting a Nonlethal Weapon
The use of these weapons depends on the departments’ needs. Before considering the purchase of any nonlethal weapon the department must consider the environment and the subjects where the weapon is to be used. The department must also take into consideration the personnel who will be in charge of the new devices. The LEAF Newsletter suggests police departments should consider the following issues before acquiring a less-lethal weapon (King, 2003)
*The environment and weather conditions
*The level of force at which the weapon will be used
*Personnel training
*Risks of deployment
*Another strategy if the weapon does not achieved the expected results
*The incident review and force reporting process that will follow the use of the weapon.
Conclusion
Law enforcement agencies have gone through a series of changes. One of the aspects of policing that is continually changing is technology. The riots of the 1960s were the main influence leading to the development of less than lethal weapons. As a result new weapons have emerged during the last decades in what is known as nonlethal weapons. These devices varied from electrical shock devices to impact projectiles. Due to the extensive variety of nonlethal weapons, police departments must plan carefully which devices will fit the department’s needs.
Lethal or Deadly Force
Police Levels of Coercion
mere presence
command voice
firm grips
pain compliance
impact technique
deadly force
According to the Armed Forces of America, deadly force is "the force in which a person uses death or seriously bodily harm for the purpose of protection." It is justified under extreme conditions and is considered as the "last resort" when all other lesser means have failed. Such weapons of deadly force include, firearms, bladed weapons, explosives, and vehicles.
Used under these conditions:
1. self-defense, defense of others
2. defense of assets involving national security
3. defense of assets not involving security, but inherently dangerous to others
4. protection of public help or safety
5. prevention of serious offenses against persons
6. arrest or apprehension
7. criminal escapes
Scott vs. Harris
This case made using a car to stop a fleeing motorist does not violate the 4th Amendment in attempt to protect innocent motorists and bystanders.
Do you have to be a police officer to use deadly force?
No, Jack Hagler's Self-Defense Act allows the common person to use deadly force as last resort. This may be done with handguns, electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives, and billies. But keep in mind, a license to carry a concealed weapon is not a license to use it.
