NCJ Number
189651
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 90,92-93,94
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses less-lethal technology and weaponry for use by Correctional Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in quelling prison disturbances and riots.
Abstract
Increasingly, new less-lethal technology is taking the place of lethal responses to prison disturbances and riots. Many agencies are expanding their CERT capabilities by acquiring and training with emerging technologies, such as more accurate less-lethal munitions and safer cell-extraction equipment. CERT's must be prepared to engage multiple threats, such as in the dormitory, kitchen, and recreation yard, simultaneously or back to back. Also, inmates increasingly are younger, more violent, and well-protected, and many are under the influence of powerful gang bosses. To combat these developments, during the past several years more progressive manufacturers have partnered with corrections tactical experts to devote a substantial amount of funding for researching, developing, testing, and producing useful less-lethal tactical weaponry for the correctional environment. CERT's can deploy them either lethally or in a less-lethal capability. The products generated from these partnerships include Armor Holdings' release of the eXact iMpact 1006 Less-Lethal round, which is shot from a .40 mm gas gun, and Taser International's electronic stun technology specifically for correctional applications. It is the task of correctional administrators to become informed about what their CERT's need to respond to the types of disturbances they are most likely to encounter in their facilities. This should include assembling a list of tools needed to resolve specific types of incidents.