A fresh take on less lethal....have you heard of these? Would you depend on them?

New options in the world of less lethal

The Alternative Ballistics LP (images here: http://base.officer.com/11320357 )

What it does—The blunt force impact device instantly converts an officer’s duty weapon into a less-lethal weapon system.

Uses—When a single officer desires a less-lethal option without putting himself or the public at risk.      Made by—Alternative Ballistics LP

From the company—a low-cost option. Training is easily incorporated into regular firearm training sessions

BIP OC (Blunt Impact Projectile Oleoresin Capsicum Round) (image here: http://base.officer.com/11447727)

What it does—allows the “surgical” application of pepper spray at a safe distance. With precise dispersion, the 40MM BIP OC round can be targeted at an individual or small group within a localized area

Uses—Crowd control, riots

Made By—Security Devices Int’l

From the company—“ Its inflammatory effect causes the eyes of bystanders to water and close, temporarily taking away the subject’s vision.”

Z-RO non-lethal compliance weapon—(classified as ‘future product’ on co. website…in development)

What it does--obstructs engaged target’s vision for 10 to 15 minutes

Uses—Riots and crowd control

Made by—Shield Defense Systems (SDS)

From company—“Z-Ro inflicts NO lasting damage or harm to the engaged target…and will inflict Z-RO damage to their retinas and cornea”

PhaZZer Enforcer—(requested image)

What it does--The Conducted Energy Weapon immobilizes targets by firing two dart projectiles and delivering a safe but effective combination of voltage and amperage at 19-22 pulses per second.

Mde by: PhaZZer Electronics Inc.

From the company: The PhaZZer Enforcer was initially released in April 2010, but was relaunched with several upgrades in June 2014. "The unit requires no registration as it has been classified by the ATF to be a "Non-Firearm”due to the Nitrogen Propulsion Deployment System. There are no codes for activation and thus the unit is immediately operational upon receipt."

(Dvorak Instruments—asked kb to send new PR)

(MaxStop IRP—suggested by kb) http://www.maxstopirp.com/

Less lethal on patrol: Thoughts from the field

Kyle Briggs, Sheriff's Deputy Coroner with the Stanislaus Co. (Calif.) Sheriff's Office

Briggs is trained in deploying a less lethal shotgun.

"Recently I responded with 3 additional Deputies for a report of a fight with weapons. The male was armed with a big tree branch. When we arrived on scene, we had learned that the male had now barricaded himself in an outhouse. He had broken many windows and also had made threats to kill the reporting party. When we approached the outhouse and attempted to have the male surrender, he started throwing items around the outhouse. He was talking to his dog and saying his goodbye because he wished for us to kill him. Before we had made contact with the outhouse, all 4 Deputies on scene had talked about all use of force tools we had. I grabbed the Less than Lethal Shotgun, another Deputy would deploy his taser, another would deploy his patrol rifle and another his handgun. We were able to talk the male out of the outhouse and safely arrest him without using force. It helped having the diversity of tools we all deployed."

Briggs likes to see a less lethal option that is small and compact. If it's not compact, he'd says he'd prefer a sling. Still, sometimes the best weapons cannot be bought. "My Less than Lethal weapon of choice is my Verbal skills. I have been able to avoid fights by being able to talk suspects into handcuffs."

Frank Borelli, Cygnus Law Enforcement Group's editorial director

"My agency issues TASERs, OC spray and ASP friction lock batons--all of which are less lethal. Wwhile the baton CAN be a lethal force option, I’ve never deployed it that way."

What does Borrelli look for in a less lethal option: "As close to 100 percent incapacitation with limited risk of permanent injury is preferred. Ease of deployment, minimal on-going training requirements… you know… keep it simple, fast and effective.  Oh, yeah; my Chief likes for them to not cost a ton.

"I think PHAZZER is going to give TASER a run for their money. PHAZZER allows for firing OC “pepperball” munitions, rubber bullets, etc.  The versatility of the tool will, in my opinion, add to the attractiveness of it."