NCJ Number
174994
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 25 Issue: 10 Dated: October 1998 Pages: 60-64
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the history of less-lethal chemical agents, this article describes the technology and police use of chemical sprays, the Taser, specialty impact munitions, and projectile launchers.
Abstract
The first less-lethal weapons to enjoy widespread popularity in law enforcement were Mace, a CS-based spray, and the Taser, an electronic device. Mace was effective in some situations, but it also made many violent subjects even more violent. OC or pepper spray is a relatively recent addition to chemical-type agents. A 1997 study by the National Institute of Justice found that OC is more effective than CS or CN on drugged, intoxicated, violent, or mentally ill individuals. The Taser is a hand-held electronic device that shoots two small barbed darts attached to trailing wires. When contact is made, it discharges 50,000 volts into a suspect's body; an officer standing 15 feet away can cause a subject to be immobilized within seconds. Less-lethal impact munitions are designed to give the user a projectile that will assist in controlling a belligerent subject. Misuse of any of these munitions can cause death or serious injury. Less-lethal munitions are most valuable when police deal with unique problems, such as deranged persons armed with edged weapons or those attempting suicide. Shot placement is the most important factor in avoiding death or serious injury. This article describes the three basic classifications of less-lethal projectiles, as well as projectile launchers.