Launchers that fire soda can-size foam projectiles to subdue uncooperative individuals were successful in just more than a third of the encounters when they were deployed by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2023, according to a new report.
In eight of the 133 instances where the less-lethal projectiles were deployed last year, they failed to stop their targets and officers then shot the individuals with firearms, according to the report.
The LAPD report released this week evaluating the effectiveness of the launchers was requested by city police commissioners in response to the Feb. 3 fatal shooting of 36-year-old Jason Lee Maccani of Camarillo.
Full story: LAPD less-lethal launchers often ineffective in subduing suspects, report says – Daily News
The use of foam projectiles like the ones implemented by the Los Angeles Police Department raises several concerns about the weapon’s efficiency and safety. While the purpose of these weapons is to subdue individuals without fatal injuries this has turned out to not be the case due to the recent fatality of Jason Maccani which can underscore some serious potential risks. Instances, where this has happened, underline the serious need for reconsideration of the deployment of these weapons. Law enforcement agencies around the United States grapple with the challenges pertaining to the use of force and non-deadly weapons this brings. Innovation and evaluation is key to helping this never happen in the future.