The Development of Non-Lethal Weapons for Law Enforcement

Hot on the heels of pepper spray and stun guns comes a new round of non-lethal weapons for use in the apprehension of our less than law-abiding citizens.

While protection of law enforcement and the safe recovery of victims and hostages is first and foremost, being able to detain a suspect without physical harm is also a primary focus of the production of such sophisticated weaponry.

Improved Flash Bang Grenades (IFBG):

These small non-lethal grenades are already in use by law enforcement, but have been enhanced to provide a longer lasting and more debilitating effect. Among other things, Flash Bangs can be used to temporarily disable a suspect where hostages are involved or where it may be necessary to disperse a crowd of people. They release a small powder charge which then produces an extremely loud noise and a flash which causes the perpetrator to become disoriented for a time, allowing apprehension to take place.

Joint Non-Lethal Warning Munitions (JNLWM):

These shoulder launched small munitions cartridges are intended as a warning device against approaching vehicles or persons yet unidentified. They also produce a flash along with a bang. They are designed to allow law enforcement or the military the opportunity of fielding the intent of the suspect, without causing harm or death to either the persons in question or any hostages who may already be at risk.

Focused Acoustics:

Watching a documentary recently which demonstrated this device, it was clear it will have many more benefits than those which were shown. The acoustic device projected verbal instruction to a suspect who was holding a women hostage. The sound was delivered through a series of powerful speakers, which allowed law enforcement officers to remain at a safe distance away from the crime scene. As the suspect remained uncooperative, the voice of a snarling K9 was then delivered through the device and into the building. The direction of the sound from the perpetrator's perspective was confusing, and led him to seek out the animal in an attempt to shoot or otherwise disable it. Police were then able to enter the building and retrieve the hostage and disarm the suspect safely.

Yet another device demonstrated in this same setting, a type of X-Ray screener, allowed Police clear images of a gunman and hostage through the walls of a building. Having detected which part of the building both were in, they were then able to distract the gunman away from the hostage to another area of the building so they could enter and rescue the victim. Another two officers apprehended the suspect who had been lured to the rear of the building.

Source:

Joint Non Lethal Weapons Program:

https://www.jnlwp.com/

Available Publications:

http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/aul/bibs/soft/nonlethal.htm#per