Non-Lethal Weapons and Policing

The use of these non-lethal weapons have been on the rise with the police, especially with the new technology weapons have been becoming more advanced.
             Non-lethal weapons do belong in policing and there is much evidence to support in favor for that. In 2005 a conference was held about non-lethal weapon use by two Houston police officers, Bratton and Conley, who specialize in force. Their main focus at the conference was about how society should be educated on these weapons. Any misconceptions should be cleared up so the public knows exactly what non-lethal weapons are and under what circumstance they would be used in. The Houston Police Department is an example of how stun guns can be used effectively. Now every officer carries a stun gun as opposed to in the past only each unit had a stun gun. It is mentioned that each police officer is trained in various non-lethal weapons. I feel it is very important for the public to know this and Bratton and Conley agree, they stress it heavily. For example an officer must know they must handcuff a suspect quickly after using a stun gun because the effects last only for a few seconds. Part of an officers training is to know the exact effects of a non-lethal weapon. This will help the understand when to use these weapons and in the end make it safer for the public, officers and even suspects. (Anonymous 2005).
             All around the United States more non-lethal weapons are being used. In Orange County, California police officers are using shotgun fired bean bags in an attempt to reduce the use of lethal weapons. When an officer confronts a suspect this is the weapon they use. Just because the gun is non-lethal does not mean it does not hurt. When they hit they can cause severe pain and even incapacitate someone. (Anonymous 1999) There is a reason that beanbag shotguns have been around for a while because they work and are effective. Since then technology has improved and so have the weapons.