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Quest for Alternatives to Lethal Force: A Heuristic View

NCJ Number
123533
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1990) Pages: 8-22
Author(s)
K Peak
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The evolution of nonlethal weapons is traced, as developed for and used by law enforcement personnel from 1829 to the present.
Abstract
The purpose of the historical review is to provide heuristic trend information for predicting the implications and directions of nonlethal weapon research and development. The review indicates that man has long sought to devise and employ protective instruments without the killing power of their lethal counterparts. Also, efforts to put nonlethal tools into the hands of police have not always been accompanied by altruistic motives. It is evident that many manufacturers are much more adept at profiteering than at the research and development of their products. Some of the more recent, high tech equipment has proven too costly to develop, resulting in the financial failure of the manufacturer. Another problem of marketing nonlethal devices is that they will inevitably fall into the hands of criminals. For future law enforcement needs and purposes, nonlethal weapons may prove beneficial in at least five situations: riot or crowd control; close proximity encounters; to halt fleeing suspects; hostage situations; and barricade situations. Differences in the philosophy toward and the application of force by American and Japanese police are discussed. 25 references. (Author abstract modified)