As a part of this project, the Institute for Law and Justice conducted a survey of nearly 600 law enforcement agencies, including police departments, sheriffs departments, jails, and prisons on their use and the effectiveness of LTL weapons, as well as training requirements and weapons being considered for purchase. Case studies were also conducted on selected agencies. The study reviewed legal issues on both lethal and LTL force and the use-of-force policies, including guidelines developed by two national groups, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The survey found that agencies are increasingly using OC spray to incapacitate attacking or threatening persons. Compared to all other LTL alternatives included in the survey, OC received the most favorable ratings in all four categories of effectiveness. Flashlights received the lowest ratings in all four categories. Side-handle and telescoping batons are considered more effective than conventional batons or flashlights. Projectile weapons and stunning devices received high scores for subduing suspects, fewer citizen complaints, and officer safety, but lower scores than most other weapons for public safety concerns. Among the recommendations are that improved LTL weapons be developed, that recertification training be improved, that agencies take steps to limit legal liability, that polices and procedures be improved, and that a national database on excessive force be developed. Exhibits and appended additional information about LTL weapons