non-lethal question

[mhardy]

I am looking for a little insight for a college class project that I am doing. It is on less-lethal weapons. I woud like to know when each of the common less-lethals e.g. OC spray, taser, bean bag round, baton might be used. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Sacmedic]

Be careful. Baton and bean bag are less lethal, not non-lethal.

[mhardy]

Thanks for the correction! Less-Lethal *

[Ron-Solo]

Their use varies by department policy.

Generally, OC can be used on uncooperative/resistive suspects before you actually have to go physical. Taser can be used on resistive/assaultive suspects when it is clear that trying to go hands on will result in a physical confrontation, such as a guy tries to strike you every time you get close to him. Bean bags are more for someone who is assaultive, has a weapon of some sort where getting too close will possibly result in injury to the officer. Often times deadly force could also be employed, but you have the luxury of being able to try the beanbag round. A baton falls into the same category as pepper spray, but requires you to go hands on, which is where the injury potential is a factor.

These are VERY general guidelines, and many departments will allow use of the taserat the same level as OC. Mine did not.

They are all considered "less lethal", since something can go wrong when using any of these tools.

[mhardy]

Thank you sir.

[TASK, LLC]

Take a look at the US Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor - 490 U.S. 386 (1989).

It established the Objective Reasonableness standard.

Policies vary from agency to agency, but all are restricted by the 4th Amendment and the limitations established for search and seizure.

Officers must articulate reasons why overall actions are conducted and why certain types of force are used. If for example the Suspect, "Yelled at me, balled his hands into fists, and screamed that he was going to hit me," certain weapon systems may be deployed. BUT the scenario varies not just on the Suspect's actions, but the overall situation. What if the Suspect was a 250 pound male who was just released from prison for armed robbery? What if the Suspect was a 3 year old who was having a tantrum? What if the Suspect was an 80-year old person suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair?

Force Options for officers are categorized by the amount of potential injury to the suspect and the seriousness of the effects. Does the Force Option have the potential for serious injury to the Suspect? Then the situation must be serious in potential injury.

[NuGunner]

doesn't the FBI keep stats on this? I forget. Or is it only on the use of our OC spray?