Review of the Department of Justice's Use of Less-Lethal Weapons

Use of such weapons as batons, pepper spray and powder, ¿bean bag¿ shotgun rounds, baton launchers, rubber projectiles, and Tasers can enhance the safety of law enforcement (LE) officers and the public during LE operations. However, significant injuries and fatalities can result from their use. This review determines the types of less-lethal weapons used; the extent to which DoJ components are using these weapons, whether training and controls have been implemented to ensure the weapons are used properly; whether the components have identified the impact of using these weapons on their missions; and whether the DoJ assesses, deploys, and oversees new and emerging less-lethal weapon technologies. Illustrations.