Types of Less-Lethal Devices
There are seven types of less-lethal device technologies:
- Conducted Energy Devices. Some CEDs, such as the Taser, can induce involuntary muscle contractions that temporarily incapacitate people. Others deter
an individual from a course of action. These include stun guns and stun belts.
Learn about research on the safety of CEDs.
Learn about an evaluation of two CED models.
Learn how CEDs work. - Directed energy devices. This new technology uses radiated energy to achieve the same effect as blunt force, but has a lower probability of injury. Learn more about the Active Denial System.
- Chemicals. These chemicals include pepper spray (also known as OC — oleoresin capsicum), tear gas and stink bombs.
Read an NIJ report on the safety and effectiveness of pepper spray.
Read the NIJ Journal article Calming Down: Could Sedative Drugs Be a Less-Lethal Option?
Read a summary of a panel discussion of calmatives as riot control agents. - Distraction. This equipment temporarily incapacitates people while causing little harm. Examples include the laser dazzler, bright lights and noise. Learn about research in this area.
- Vehicle-stopping technology. This equipment can stop cars during high-speed chases. Learn more from NIJ's Pursuit Management Web page.
- Barriers. These include nets, foams and physical barriers.
- Blunt force. Projectiles used in crowd-control deter people from a course of action.
Some manufacturers integrate multiple effects into one device. For example, a multisensory stun grenade combines noise, light, chemicals and blunt force. Stun grenades disorient people, giving police officers the opportunity to arrest a suspect without harming them unnecessarily.
Date Modified: July 11, 2008
