Non-lethal weapon

Non-lethal force is the use of force which is not inherently likely to kill or cause great bodily injury. Note that "non-lethal force" generally has a significant risk of causing death: in this context "non-lethal" only means "not intended to kill". For this reason, two new terms, "less than lethal" and particularly "less-lethal", were coined are now being used more often in place of "non-lethal" by many manufacturers and law enforcement agencies (and even those who oppose their common use in riot control).

Examples

• Physical
  • Striking with hands or feet
  • Baton
  • Joint locks or holds
  • Water cannon
  • Pressure point
  • Beanbag round
  • Plastic bullet
  • Rubber bullet
• Chemical
  • Tear gas (CN gas or CS gas)
  • Pepper spray (OC aerosol)
• Electrical
  • Electrocuting water cannon
  • Stun gun (one common trade name is the "Taser" gun)

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To do: distinguish less lethal force, introduce continuum of force.

See also: police, deadly force, weapon, riot control agent