Expert: Dick Rogers - 3/6/2004

Question
I am writing a research paper regarding the use of non-lethal devices in the police force.  Given your expereince I was hoping you could lend me your opinion on this topic.  Do you think non-lethal devices can be integrated in to the current police forces of this country? Did you, or anyone you know, have any experience with these kinds of devices? Ex..Tazers, Ammunition ( or any other kind of non lethal force).  I would appreciate any comments or ideas you may have on these types of devices, and wheather or not you believe they are a viable option within the police force.

Answer
Bart, when I was still active our department was very involved with testing various non-lethal weapons.  The Tazer was fairly successful except that there were malfunctions and when they occur, the next step is physical force which usually resulted in injuries.  We even experimented with nets.  At the time PCP was popular and suspects under its influence had incredible strength...the nets were tested in hopes they could be subdued without anyone getting injured.  Rubber bullets and bean bags were on the horizon...Don't like them because usually they are not easily controlled when multiple officers are firing them.  I think the Manadnock baton is a farce...just look at the training taped and if anything they provoke violence not end it.  Given the fact that some suspects are extremely violent yet do not have a weapon, I favor an electrical device similar to a cattle prod.  They are not popular because of the "humanistic" element but if the object is to subdue the violent suspect, the means, if they are not life threatening, even if not popular to the lay public, should be employed.  Hope this helps.. Also, I feel too little research is done on this subject.