USE OF NON- LETHAL WEAPONS IN SRI LANKA

Aim To introduce Non-Lethal weapons and ammunition being used during public order operations. To identify the situations where Police can use Non-Lethal weapons.

Use of Non Lethal Weapons A benefit for the Law enforcement officers. Engineered to save lives. Minimise injury. User Training. Type of the person used against. Situations where it can be used. Officers must be familiar with the equipment and the Scale of force.

Proportioned to the threat or to the attack. Medical assistance. Selection of Weapon.

Soft Kinetic Projectiles.

Considerations before use Type of the crowd. Evaluate the level of aggression. Distance -SHORT DISTANCES -LONG DISTANCES Duration of the incapacitating effects Identification of the target. Clothing. Possible danger for other citizens

Water cannon Water cannons are commonly used in crowd and riot control, for dispersal or prevent movement on a particular position. These water cannons are like pressure washers, but not quite as strong.

Advantages It is specifically suited for the control of small crowds. Shoots a high-velocity stream of water. It is considered as a non-lethal option for crowd control and anti-riot operations. Advantages It is specifically suited for the control of small crowds. Prevents forming of large crowds. Controlled remotely from within the vehicle by a joystick. Moveable. Can use to move objects and barricades.

Disadvantages Bad publicity Shortage of water. Gets more media attention. Difficulty in moving in a large gathering. Good for demonstrators in a warm day.

Gas Guns

Gas Canisters used by Sri Lanka Police Tear Gas Gas Canisters used by Sri Lanka Police

Tear gas, is a chemical weapon. Gives the common citizens a way out of danger or from an aggressor. Effects of exposure. Injuries occurred. Disadvantages. Wind direction. Can have an effect on the Police. Thrown back at the Police.

Batons used by Sri Lanka Police Police officers are using different types of wood and rubber batons.

Human strike points Although not marked in the slide, please note that the genital areas are to be considered as red zone too.

Electric Pistol

The TASER X26 (T.A.S.E.R. = Thomas Appleton Swift’s Electrical Rifle) is a software upgradable electronic control device. Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) use propelled wires or direct contact to conduct energy to affect the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system. The TASER device is to be used only for lawful self- defence or in the defence of others. Shooting with an electric pistol will have direct interference with Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). The use of the TASER is designed to cause incapacitation and involuntary muscle contractions, making secondary injuries a possibility.

Still not in use in Sri Lanka. Good option in Hostage rescue situation. Utilize in S.W.A.T operations. Should only be used by a trained person. Can cause injuries.

Situations it can be used Can be used in a hostage rescue Situation. In a sudden close contact situation requiring immediate, instinctive response. To make an arrest, prevent escape, or overcome resistance. Also to protect himself or protect another, including preventing the suspect from harming himself/ herself.

Public Order Protective gear

Less lethal options. Negotiation Police dogs Barriers to restrict or impede movement Vehicle stopping devices.

Legal Provisions. Section 138 of the Penal Code “Unlawful Assembly”. Section 89 of the Penal Code “ Nothing done in Private Defence is an Offence”. Section 90 of the Penal Code “Right of Private Defence of the Body and of Property” . Section 77 of the Sri Lanka Police Ordinance “ Power to give directions prohibiting or regulating processions.

Scenario Discussion

Details of the scene Suspect is in front of a shopping mall Suspect is armed with a Samurai sword. Has already harmed a civilian. Mentally disturbed. Threatens to kill anybody who comes near him.

Discussion. What kind of a situation Police is faced with ? What kind of weapons that can be used ? How to use it ? When to use it ? Why we use it ? Who is going to use it ? Precautions ?

SUMMARY Definition Presentation of different types of less lethal weapons Presentation of deferent types of less lethal ammunition

Questions

Thanks.

SHORT DISTANCES

LONG DISTANCES

Effects of exposure

Disadvantages.