Why Less Lethal Weapons Should Be Used by All Law Enforcement?

Emily Tibbetts

Professor Kershner

English Composition I (ENG 101)

April 14, 2011

Why less lethal weapons should be used by all law enforcement

The use of less lethal weapons should be used by all law enforcement agencies in the United States, as an alternative to a fire arm. Everyone should be all for the use of these weapons because they are "less lethal" than a traditional fire arm and they will cause very little bodily harm: if any. Although deaths could occur while using these less lethal weapons, they are still more proactive than using a fire arm to solve a situation. These weapons are made to work efficiently and to be more effective while handling different situations that could escalate: making this a safer and more productive non-life threatening procedure, other than resorting to a fire arm.

Some people are against the use of these less lethal weapons and even more now because the name is changing to "non lethal" this makes people upset. John Alkward says "They actually could, would, and can cause injury or death, such as the "Kinetic Impact Munitions" (bean bag gun) these are meant to cause pain but not serious injury. They are expected to produce contusions, abrasions and hematomas; however they may cause bone fractures, injuries to internal organs, or death. Some people feel that these less lethal weapons are being abused and used in "excessive force". The argument against and towards this is called police discretion, these officers are well trained to handle any situation that could arise so if it is inappropriate and excessive than that is against the law and they will serve justice.

This paper will be discussing why police are more confident while having these less lethal weapons: while it makes there job easier and less stressful because these weapons are generally less harmful and life threatening than a gun. They are very efficient in crowed control; when they are facing numerous people who do not want to corporate and abide by the law.

The fundamental mission of government is the protection of its citizens. As the most visible arm of government, law enforcement officers are on the front line in the fight to protect citizens from harm, and to preserve public order. To attain this goal, society grants police officers authority unique in civil government, that of controlling the behavior of their fellow citizens. In the most direct way, and on a daily basis, police officers are engaged in the control and management of the behavior of other members of society.

Law enforcement dealing with high volume crowds, less lethal weapons are very effective and a much safer approach. Instead of police running around pointing guns at everyone like it's a war zone; which