Solaren News

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

At Solaren Risk Management, we require all armed security officers to carry a minimum of two less-lethal weapons while on duty to minimize the risk of severe injury.

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

News | Back to all news

Sept. 9, 2024 | by: Solaren Risk Management

Let’s Discover the Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in the U.S. began in the mid-19th century, with New York and Boston leading the way, as they were the most populated and developed cities at the time. Initially, police officers were issued batons, which are considered “less-than-lethal” weapons. Firearms didn’t become standard issue until later in the century, as officers needed to confront increasingly well-armed criminals. Today, advancements in technology have expanded the range of less-than-lethal options, but first, let’s clarify what that term means.

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

What is a less-than-lethal weapon defined as?

  • A less-lethal weapon is defined as: a “device designed or converted to expel or propel less-lethal ammunition by any action, mechanism, or process, with the purpose of incapacitating, immobilizing, or stunning a human being by causing a less-than-lethal impairment of physical condition, function, or senses, including physical pain or discomfort.

Examples include beanbag rounds or rubberized projectiles” (2019, FBI). These weapons are intended to incapacitate individuals without the risk of causing severe injury or death.

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

Technological advancements have introduced new options

Technological advancements have introduced new options, such as chemical agents like pepper spray and conducted energy weapons (CEWs) such as Tasers. These tools are used by over 11,000 American law enforcement agencies to reduce the risk of serious injury. A study conducted by Professor Geoffrey Alpert of the University of South Carolina, funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), examined over 24,000 use-of-force incidents across 12 major law enforcement agencies. The study found that the use of physical force increased the risk of injury, while less-lethal weapons reduced that risk by up to 70% (Bulman).

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

Minimizing the risk of severe injury

At Solaren Risk Management, we require all armed security officers to carry a minimum of two less-lethal weapons while on duty to minimize the risk of severe injury. Our goal is to protect the community, not harm it. Our training in the use of these tools is comprehensive, led by experienced active and retired law enforcement personnel. This ensures our team is fully prepared to handle any situation, prioritizing the safety of both our clients and the public.

The Impact of Less Than Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

If you’re interested in less-lethal weapons training or want more information about our other offerings,

…please contact our training team at [email protected]. At Solaren, we are safety aware because we care!

“We are safety aware because we care”

  1. (2019, April 26). Leoka definitions. FBI. https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2019/resource-pages/definitions.
  2. Bulman, P. (n.d.). Police use of force: The impact of less-lethal weapons and tactics. National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/police-use-force-impact-less-lethal-weapons-and-tactics.

Tags: less than lethal weapons, new less than lethal weapons, non lethal weapons

Annual Tomato Arts Festival Returns to the 5 Points Neighborhood

Offering A Multitude Of Safety & Traffic Control Equipment For Rental To Our Clients & Partners. Construction work zones, special events…

Solaren Risk Management Participated in Nashville’s Unique Tomato Art Fest

Solaren Risk Management was proud to participate in Nashville’s unique and eccentric late-summer Tomato Art Fest.

Solaren’s Team Travels to Huntsville, Alabama For Opening Weekend at the Orion Amphitheater

Solaren’s Team was responsible for law enforcement staffing at The Orion Amphitheater through partnership with Huntsville Police Department.

Tis the Season for Retail Security

With more people out shopping there will be more people out with an intent on theft and that’s where Solaren’s Retail Security comes in.

The Solaren Risk Management Team Travels to Virginia For the 2022 Blue Ridge Rock Festival

This four-day festival spanned five stages and hosted almost two hundred artists. Providing security for an event of this magnitude is no small undertaking.

We Are Growing! Announcing Dana Weybrew as Traffic Control Field Operations Coordinator

We are excited to have Chrissy on board, and know her knowledge and experience will be an asset to the team.

Solaren Hosts Company Leadership Training And Retreat In Gatlinburg, TN

Despite the struggle, we are ecstatic to kick off the year 2021 with a new vision and perspective as we hosted our annual company retreat

Solaren for Rent

Solaren provides quality security services with qualified professionals in Tennessee and beyond, but we also rent out some of the equipment that we use.

Healing the Gap: Bridging Security and Emergency Services with Casualty Care Training

Solaren security guards participated in the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) course, developed and taught by the Nashville Fire Department.

Solaren Supports the TN Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence at Their Pearls & Pinstripes Gala

The TN Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence is hosting a virtual Pearls & Pinstripes Gala, Presented by Solaren Risk Management, LLP.

Solaren Risk Management is employed by top brands in the industry. These are just a few examples of some of our clients.

Solaren Risk Management was founded in early 2017 by two friends, Jack K. Byrd III and Curtis E. Dodson. We have proudly delivered unarmed and armed security services, off-duty police services, and investigation services for commercial and government clients. Our presence ensures the security of people, properties, and assets. Our Officers share an unwavering commitment to safeguard every post under our watch.

Solaren is a leading provider of Security & Police Personnel in the state of Tennessee & the Southeastern United States.

Contact Us

(615) 218-2842

1000 Pleasant Grove Pl.
Ste 300
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122