Which types of less than lethal weapons are authorized for use by local police officers? According to the 2003 BJS Law Enforcement and Management Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey, nearly all local police departments authorize their patrol officers to carry pepper spray (98% of agencies) and a baton (95% of agencies). An estimated 23% of departments authorized the use of conducted energy devices (CED) weapons such as Tasers or stun guns. Three-fourths of departments serving a population of 1 million or more authorized CEDs, as did about half of those serving at least 50,000 but fewer than 1 million residents. |
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