Non-Lethal Weapon

NATO Definition of a Non-Lethal Weapon

A weapon that is explicitly designed and primarily employed to incapacitate or repel persons or to disable equipment, while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury and damage to property and the environment.

The Role of Non-Lethal Weapons

In addressing threats non-lethal options minimise the risk of fatalities and serious injuries whilst preventing harm being caused to the critical infrastructure and the environment. Non-lethal means can be used by civilian law enforcement and military organisations to resolve conflict using a lower level of force than conventional lethal options which remain available to support if necessary.

Utilizing Non-Lethal Weapons

Non-lethal weapons should be used if it is felt, in the circumstances, that any life may be saved although it is recognised that no technology or device can be guaranteed to be completely non-lethal and injuries or deaths may occur even when all possible precautions are taken.

 

Non-lethal weapon technology chosen to be used by civilian law enforcement or military personnel must be balanced against the risk to bystanders and users whilst being appropriate, acceptable and lawful in the circumstances.

The Future for Non-Lethal Weapons

The development of new non-lethal technologies will continue to allow civilian law enforcement and the military to have the benefit of exploiting alternative means of dealing with life threatening situations without having to resort to the use of lethal force.