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In Search of the Star Trek Phaser

NCJ Number
209426
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2005 Pages: 46-50
Author(s)
Dean Scoville
Date Published
March 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes several innovative weapons being developed or tested by both the military and select law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Today, law enforcement agencies use four types of less-than and less-than-lethal tools in capturing, subduing and arresting offenders: physical restraint, chemical weapons, electrical shock devices, and impact tools. Ideally, law enforcement would like to have a less-lethal weapon whose impact is totally effective at extended range and completely safe. This article describes seven advanced technological weapons that are in development or currently being tested by the military and select law enforcement agencies and include: (1) Sticky foam--a chemical restraint that solidifies upon contact with its intended target and immobilizes the suspect; (1) WebShot--a net that can be fired at suspects and constricts both flight and fight movement; (3) Jet Protector--launches 10 milliliters of the chemical irritant, oleoresin capsicum (OC), out to 21 feet; (4) Extended Range Electronic Projectile--allows for the delivery of Taser’s electro-muscular disruption effect at extended ranges through a wireless, self-contained projectile; (5) Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems (XADS)--a wireless weapon that shoots electricity through the air; (6) Active Denial System (ADS)--a millimeter-wave weapon aims directed energy at a target heating the top layer of skin to a temperature of 130 degrees; and (7) acoustic weapons- a direct beaming of uncomfortable acoustics approaching painful levels, thereby throwing a suspect’s balance off.