Non-lethal weapon

Sprayed in the face with Oleoresin Capsicum before undergoing the OC spray certification course being held aboard the Marine Corps Base Camp

Tazer use on US Army soliders

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Kravallpolis

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US Navy 020821-N-8252B-003 During training, a U.S. Navy Master At Arms is sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum, a non-lethal form of pepper spray for use in riot control

Non-lethal weapon

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Various types of non-lethal weapons

Non-lethal weapons, also known as less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons, are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons such as knives and firearms. Non-lethal weapons are used in a variety of situations, including law enforcement, military, and self-defense.

Types of Non-lethal Weapons

Non-lethal weapons can be categorized into several types based on their mechanism of action:

• Impact weapons: These include batons, rubber bullets, and bean bag rounds.
• Chemical weapons: These include tear gas, pepper spray, and mace.
• Electroshock weapons: These include tasers and stun guns.
• Acoustic weapons: These include long-range acoustic devices (LRADs).
• Directed-energy weapons: These include dazzlers and active denial systems.
• Kinetic impact projectiles: These include foam baton rounds and plastic bullets.

Applications

Non-lethal weapons are used in various fields:

• Law enforcement: Used for crowd control, riot control, and suspect apprehension.
• Military: Used in peacekeeping missions, checkpoint operations, and urban warfare.
• Self-defense: Used by civilians for personal protection.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Reduced risk of fatality compared to lethal weapons.
• Can be used to de-escalate potentially violent situations.
• Useful in situations where lethal force is not justified.

Disadvantages

• Can still cause serious injury or death in certain circumstances.
• May not be effective against all targets, particularly those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Ethical and legal concerns regarding their use.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

The use of non-lethal weapons raises various ethical and legal issues. These include concerns about the potential for abuse, the proportionality of their use, and the need for proper training and oversight.

Related Pages

• Law enforcement
• Military
• Self-defense
• Crowd control
• Riot control
• Taser
• Pepper spray
• Rubber bullet
• Active denial system

See Also

• Less-lethal ammunition
• Compliance weapon
• Pain compliance