Department of Defense Nonlethal Weapons and Equipment Review

Under its Less-Lethal Technologies Program, established in 1986, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-the research, development, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Justice-provides funds to identify, develop, and evaluate new or improved devices and other technology that will minimize the risk of death and injury to law enforcement officers, suspects, prisoners, and the general public. Many Federal, State, and local civil law enforcement and corrections agencies use less-lethal weapons and equipment to help minimize the loss of life and property. These devices are used to quell prison riots, suppress mobs, and subdue hostile individuals. NIJ has prepared this equipment review to inform Federal, State, and local agencies about the Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Nonlethal Weapons Program and the less-lethal weapons and equipment used by civil law enforcement agencies. This review does not address issues surrounding DoD's Joint Nonlethal Weapons Program or issues related to nonlethal weapons research and development programs.