Various crimes, inappropriate behavior that threatens others, mass protests with aggressively minded people – all these are situations in which the police are allowed to use weapons. Usually, these are not traditional pistols and rifles, but more humane non-lethal weapons. With their help, it is possible to neutralize the threat without a fatal outcome and with minimal adverse consequences for the life and health of the offender. Today, such weapons are constantly being improved. Every year, new models appear that help police officers effectively perform their professional duties. The most interesting innovations and their role in maintaining public order will be discussed in this article.
The role of non-lethal weapons in police
The modern police force is a well-equipped structure. In almost all countries, its representatives have access to effective firearms, thermal imagers, night vision monoculars, means of surveillance and recording offenses, new types of non-lethal weapons and much more. All this helps the police cope with their tasks and maintain order in the city, region, and country. Recently, non-lethal weapons have played the most crucial role. They are used much more often than firearms and always prove their effectiveness.
The key function of non-lethal weapons is the ability to detain violators without causing death or serious harm to a person. This makes it possible to neutralize threats and bring criminals to justice. This feature also helps reduce violence, especially in cases where the offender has committed a minor crime. Ensuring additional safety for others is another vital role of non-lethal weapons. With their help, police can carry out detentions even in a crowd, without fear of seriously harming the health of random passers-by.
An equally important function of non-lethal weapons is the ability to control the situation during mass riots effectively. Thanks to them, it will be possible to quickly pacify an aggressive crowd and minimize the risk of fatalities. If necessary, it will even be possible to neutralize the initiators of provocative actions without harming other participants in the event. Non-lethal weapons also play an essential role in ensuring the safety of police officers. With their help, even in cases of numerical superiority of criminals, police officers will be able to control the situation and wait for the arrival of reinforcements.
Finally, replacing firearms with non-lethal ones increases trust in the police. This circumstance demonstrates the desire not to harm the civilian population, but to help them feel safe. Also, the use of more humane weapons helps to reduce the number of lawsuits related to injuries to people as a result of police abuse of power.
New types of non-lethal weapons
Modern technologies help develop various areas, including the production of non-lethal weapons. Thanks to them, today the police have the opportunity to use dozens of new developments that have increased the efficiency of law enforcement agencies. The most popular of them will be discussed below.
LRAD
LRAD is a specialized acoustic device that creates high-intensity, directional sound waves. Their impact creates pain in people’s ears, as well as anxiety and disorientation. The Navy originally used LRAD, but it has recently become available to police. It is used to disperse unauthorized rallies and other similar events, the participants of which are distinguished by aggressive behavior towards law enforcement officials. In some cases, police use LRAD to protect especially important persons (for example, a presidential candidate speaking to a crowd of voters in an open area).
Active Denial System
ADS is another military development in the field of non-lethal weapons. It is a device that creates an invisible beam that causes an intense burning sensation. No burns or other marks are often left on the human skin. The burning sensation created by the ADS causes short-term pain and leads to different consequences (for example, disorientation). This allows the military to neutralize the enemy. Recently, a less powerful analogue of the ADS was created, which was allowed to be used by the police. This can only be done when guarding special objects and important persons. Using the new ADS to disperse an aggressive crowd is also permissible.
New generation electric shocker
The police have been using stun guns for a long time. They are an ideal non-lethal weapon for situations where the distance from the police officer to the criminal is minimal. With their help, it is possible to temporarily paralyze lawbreakers without causing serious harm to their health. Today, the police are starting to use new generation stun guns. They differ from their predecessors in the ability to control the force of the blow, automatically detect a person’s loss of consciousness, and many other valuable options. Thanks to the use of such stun guns, it will be possible to neutralize dangerous criminals and individuals who exhibit inappropriate behavior instantly. This can be done even in conditions of minimal free space without causing injury to others. In some cases, police use such stun guns to prevent suicides and other rash acts.
Laser dazzlers
Laser dazzlers, which appeared in the 80s of the last century, were actively used by the military to fight superior enemy forces. However, this non-lethal weapon has recently appeared in law enforcement officials’ hands. Its modern models, now available to police officers, emit powerful light pulses. They affect people’s visual systems, causing temporary blindness. The inability to see typically also leads to a loss of coordination and the failure of a person to navigate in space. The police often use laser dazzlers at night, when their effectiveness becomes much higher. They are used to neutralize and then detain a small number of criminals. Sometimes laser dazzlers are used to stop vehicles during a chase.
Weapons with a new type of bullet
Police officers are used to using weapons that shoot rubber bullets. They have a less damaging effect than firearms with classic ammunition, so they cause much less harm to a person. At the same time, shooting rubber bullets is not always safe. At close range, such ammunition can cause severe damage to health or even kill a person. Because of this, police officers in some countries have begun to use new types of bullets. They are distinguished by a special filler (usually gel or foam), which retains the impact effect necessary to neutralize a criminal, but reduces injuries. With the help of new ammunition, police can detain suspects without causing them serious injuries, prevent escape attempts, and much more. Another advantage of such bullets is their inability to ricochet off various surfaces. This makes them an ideal option for shooting indoors.
New types of non-lethal weapons are ideal tools for improving the quality of police work. They help neutralize various threats and minimize violence against civilians. Due to their high efficiency and relative safety for human health, non-lethal weapons reduce the number of fatalities and allow the prosecution of all those who commit illegal actions.