Non-Lethal Weapons

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that two of the most widely used weapons by law enforcement officials are WebShot, a 3m-wide Kevlar net that can entangle targets as far away as 9 meters, and the Taser gun, which transmits an electrical signal that results in an instant loss of the attacker?s neuromuscular control and any ability to perform coordinated action. The author discusses a device commonly known as a spike strip or stop strip, which, when activated, punctures the tires of a car. The paper concludes that the effects of these weapons on society have been enormous and have led to declines in the number of injuries to suspects and officers and to fewer liability claims.

From the Paper:

"According to Cohen (1997), "the most widely used non-lethal weapons are wood, rubber, or polyurethane bullets shot out of modified 37-mm pistols or 12-gauge shotguns. At short distances, officers are using pepper spray and Tasers". Other technologies still in development include guns that shoot giant nets, guns that squirt sticky glue, and lights that can temporarily blind a suspect. A full description of all the various weapons in use or under development is beyond the scope of this paper, but it is plain to see that the law enforcement and military community are taking this matter seriously."

More papers on Non-Lethal Weapons:

• Research Paper # 101785 : "Non-Lethal Weapons"
• Term Paper # 113027 : "Police and Non-Lethal Weapons"
• Term Paper # 147518 : "Weapons, Personal Protection Equipment and Use of Force"

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