Types of Non Lethal Weapons
As of 2011, various types of non-lethal weapons are utilized by police agencies across the United States. The United States Department of Defense defines a non-lethal weapon as one that has been designed to incapacitate people or material while minimizing fatalities or permanent injuries. Improper use of a non-lethal weapon can still result in serious injury or even death.
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Pepper Spray
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Pepper spray is one of the most common types of non-lethal weapons. Police officers as well as private citizens carry pepper spray. Pepper spray often comes in a compact cylinder for easy transportation. The cylinder emits an aerosol spray that contains a pepper-based oleo resin. The spray has the ability to incapacitate an unruly suspect regardless of size or strength. To prevent an accidental discharge, most canisters of pepper spray are equipped with a safety mechanism.
Tasers
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The taser is one of the more painful types of non-lethal weapons. Tasers shoot small electrodes that have the ability to penetrate a person's clothing and skin. Each electrode is connected to a thin conductive wire. The taser incapacitates the individual by emitting a strong electrical current. According to the Taser company, the effects of the taser may lead to secondary injuries, as a suspect shot with the taser may cause you to fall to the ground and receive minor scrapes and bruises.
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Malodorants
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Compared to more sophisticated non-lethal weapons, malodorants feature a simplistic design. Malodorants are commonly used as a form of crowd control, yet have the ability to disperse enemy forces as well. Malodorants refer to a number of devices that emit a disgusting smell. According to "Time" magazine, scientists at the Monell Chemical Sense Center in Philadelphia have tested the effectiveness of odors such as vomit, burned hair and sewage. Malodorants commonly emit the smells in a gaseous form.
Projectiles
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Projectiles refer to a number of non-lethal weapons. As of 2011, miniature bean bags function as a non-lethal projectile. In earlier years, many law enforcement agencies utilized rubber bullets. Rubber bullets proved to be dangerous as they can still cause serious damage to a target's eyes. The bean bags feature a flat, softer design that helps to distribute the impact of the force. Other projectiles include webs and nets. Specialized guns shoot Kevlar nets that can hit targets up to 30-feet away.
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