What are Less-Lethal Weapons?
Less-lethal weapons are designed to subdue, incapacitate, or control individuals while minimizing the risk of fatal injuries. These weapons are commonly used by law enforcement, military, and security personnel during operations where using deadly force is not justified or as a first option. They are intended to reduce harm while still effectively stopping a threat.
Examples of less-lethal weapons include rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, tasers, pepper spray, and tear gas. In firearms and tactical training, less-lethal weapons are essential for situations such as riot control, suspect apprehension, or dealing with non-compliant individuals in a manner that reduces the risk of permanent harm. These tools allow officers to handle potentially dangerous situations while keeping both the public and suspects as safe as possible.
For instance, in a crowd control scenario, less-lethal options like tear gas or rubber bullets may be used to disperse an aggressive crowd without resorting to live ammunition. While less-lethal, these weapons can still cause serious injury if used improperly, making proper training essential for their safe and effective use.