ABSTRACT
The premise behind less lethal impact munitions (LLIMs) is simple: Deliver blunt impact similar to a baton strike, but from an increased distance to decrease the potential for both the subject and officer being seriously injured. Designed to inflict pain, LLIMs are referred to by many terms: plastic bullets, extended-range batons, rubber bullets, sponge grenades, baton rounds, beanbags, and kinetic rounds. The intent of the deployment of these devices is, of course, to stop an action or gain the compliance of an unwilling subject. LLIMs come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and calibers (Chapter 3). Materials used for these projectiles have varied greatly, including wood, plastic, rubber, and foam. They are generally categorized into rigid, soft (flexible), and frangible and may have varying injury potential and thus different applications (levels of force). The interaction of these rounds with the human body is of the utmost concern, yet suitable inexpensive methods have not been developed to evaluate and compare rounds.
Effective and Safe
