NCJ Number
209506
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2005 Pages: 18,20-24,26,28
Date Published
March 2005
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses research, education, and training as aspects of a law enforcement agency's selection and implementation of less-lethal weapons, with attention to the procedures used by the Seattle Police Department.
Abstract
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) formed the Force Options Research Group (FORG) to review available less-lethal technologies. After reviewing products, testers bring their findings to FORG. The technology is considered from a user's and policymaker's perspectives. In addition to obtaining information from manufacturers, FORG also conducts its own tests of prospective less-lethal weapons and technology. Before purchasing a new type of weapon, the SPD does pilot testing in the field; for example, before implementing TASERs department-wide, a pilot project was conducted in 2000. The first eight devices were issued to the SWAT unit and selected patrol officers. Putting a small number of the weapons on the street not only provided pilot testing of the use of the devices, it also advertised the weapon to the public. The SPD maintains detailed records on every incident in which its weapons are used, in order to develop information for training and potential litigation. Public education about the features of specific less-lethal technology and deployment is essential in order to prevent misunderstanding and misinformation from developing. Training officers in how and when to use less-lethal weapons must be an ongoing process. For each weapon in an agency's arsenal, policy must be set on its use in the field and the training required before an officer can carry the weapon.