Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.This article in the summer 2013 issue of TechBeat discusses efforts to determine the lethality of less-lethal technologies used by law enforcement.
This article from the summer 2013 issue of TechBeat magazine discusses efforts by experts at the Weapons and Protective Systems Technology Center of Excellence (WPSTC) to determine the lethality of less-lethal technologies. Recent work conducted by WPSTC staff members include characterization testing for both the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) and the Pennsylvania State Police. The LASD requested testing on a multi-purpose immobilization device while the Pennsylvania State Police requested testing on oleoresin capsicum sprays. The work of the WPSTC staff allowed each department to make timely and informed decisions regarding purchases of these items. The article also discusses the structuring of the WPSTC and how research efforts are handled by staff members.