Non-lethal weapon

Non-lethal weapons are tools designed to manage conflict while minimizing the risk of death or permanent injury.

These weapons are intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons like knives or firearms. Because of this goal, many organizations prefer the term "less-lethal" rather than "non-lethal." This change in wording acknowledges that any application of force carries some level of risk. Even when used correctly, these tools can cause serious injury or death through allergic reactions or improper use. The primary purpose is to provide a middle ground between verbal communication and lethal force.

These tools function through several different scientific modalities to achieve their effects. Kinetic projectiles work by using blunt impact to activate pain receptors in the body. This sensation is intended to elicit a change in behavior from the target. Other technologies use light to affect visual perception or acoustics to affect hearing.

Chemical agents, such as oleoresin capsicum, target the eyes, nose, or mouth to cause discomfort. Each method relies on a specific physical or chemical interaction to incapacitate a person temporarily.

There are many different types of ammunition and devices used in these situations. Kinetic rounds include rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and sponge grenades. These rounds rely on the transfer of kinetic energy to create blunt force trauma.

Some specialized rounds, like the Taser XREP, combine kinetic impact with an electroshock effect. Other systems use high-pressure water, known as water cannons, to disperse large crowds.

In the 1980s, the development of high-tensile plastics like Kevlar and Lexan also changed how these tools were used. These materials allowed for better shields and armor for those managing crowds.

Historically, military and police forces had very few options to de-escalate conflict. In the past, officers often had to choose between using no force or using lethal firearms. Some groups used batons, horses, or even bayonet charges to control crowds. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Non-lethality Policy Review Group called for new developments. They wanted weapons that were more life-conserving and environmentally friendly. This led to organized research by governments and manufacturers to fill the gap between talking and shooting.

Specific milestones in the development of these tools changed how they are used today. In 1990, the FBI became the first official law enforcement agency to use oleoresin capsicum.

In 2001, the United States Marine Corps revealed the Active Denial System. This is a focused high-frequency microwave device designed to heat living matter rapidly. The beam only penetrates a few millimeters into the skin. However, it can cause a person's skin temperature to jump in as little as two seconds.

Modern technology has also introduced the "pepperball" system used in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

This system uses a marker similar to a paintball gun but operates at a higher pressure. The specialized pepperball has a thicker shell than a standard paintball. When it hits a target, the shell breaks to disperse capsaicin, the active ingredient in pepper spray. This provides a way to deliver chemical irritants with more precision than a standard aerosol spray.

Despite their design, these weapons must be used with extreme care to avoid tragedy. Most fatalities occur due to factors like misplaced shots, ricochets, or pre-existing medical conditions. For example, some rubber bullets were designed to be fired at the ground to ricochet toward a target. If they are fired directly at the head, they can be lethal. Because different parts of the body have different levels of vulnerability, hitting the head, neck, or eyes is much more dangerous. The goal remains to minimize casualties, but the risk of harm is never zero.