NCJ Number
114084
Date Published
1987
Length
93 pages
Annotation
Futures research methodologies were used to analyze police officers' future use of less lethal weapons to deal with violent and dangerous individuals.
Abstract
The analysis focused on five emerging issues: 1) increased liability with respect to the use of force, 2) public expectation that law enforcement officers will use less lethal weapons, 3) shrinking financial resources, 4) police personnel's increased interest in using less lethal weapons, and 5) technological advances in these weapons. Critical events that could affect future scenarios included legislation limiting civil liability, highly publicized confrontations, legislation or a court decision abolishing lethal force, a technological breakthrough, and an economic recession or depression. A cross-impact analysis of the trends and events was used to develop three scenarios and to select the preferred policy. Results indicated the desirability of support by California law enforcement for less lethal weapons and the creation of a public and private partnership to ensure the development of appropriate technology. Specific strategies needed are investment in research and development of less lethal weapons, education and training of personnel, and education of the public and the news media regarding law enforcement's use of less lethal weapons. A proposed transition management plan, figures, 15 references, and an 11-item bibliography.