Visual Glossary

Recording and identifying military, security and police (MSP) equipment used in human rights violations, torture and ill-treatment might provide the only evidence to prove that the incident happened and help identify the perpetrators. However, there is a lack of reporting “tools” to help people do this. This glossary is designed to help human rights monitors, researchers, campaigners and journalists recognise the different types of equipment used by law enforcement officers and accurately report on the equipment.

We recommend that the glossary is used in conjunction with Mispo.org (www.mispo.org), an image database which contains more information about the equipment featured in this glossary and Amnesty International’s Monitoring and Investigating Equipment Used in Human Rights Abuses.

What is covered in this glossary?

This glossary is split into sections, with each section covering a different type or “group” of equipment. “Groups” of equipment covered in this glossary include: electric shock equipment, restraints, launchers for chemical irritants, kinetic impact and other munitions, chemical irritants, and kinetic impact weapons (launched & handheld).

Please note that although these “groups” of equipment are often referred to as “less lethal” or “less than lethal”, they can still cause serious injuries and death, even when used as the manufacturer intended.

As with all types of technology, MSP equipment changes over time so this glossary will be periodically reviewed and updated to include new and emerging MSP technologies. 

Further information on the categories of the equipment can be found here and a table of all the terms used English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese can be found here.

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A remote controlled device with capabilities to deliver electric shocks. Designed to be worn around the waist, arm, leg or ankle. Remote control activation varies between models but can be up to 100m / 328 feet.
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A remote controlled device visually similar to prisoner tracking / tagging devices but with capabilities to deliver electric shocks. Plastic cuff and stun device attaches to the ankle.
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A small pistol-shaped weapon which holds a cartridge which fires two darts attached to wires up to 5 metres and delivers an electric shock to the target causing severe pain and collapse.
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A complex system which fires Taser cartridges controlled via a wire from a distance. Cartridges can be stacked 3 high and in an almost endless number wide. Can be fitted at entrances as a permanent fixture.
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A small pistol-shaped weapon which holds a cartridge which fires two darts attached to wires up to 35 feet / 10 metres and delivers an electric shock to the target causing severe pain and collapse. Can also be used as a stun gun in direct contact (“drive stun” mode).
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A small pistol-shaped weapon which holds 3 cartridges which each fire two darts attached to wires and delivers an electric shock to the target causing severe pain and collapse. The 3 cartridges can be fired immediately one after the other either into one target or multiple targets
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A long range kinetic impact / projectile stun weapon fired from a standard 40mm grenade launcher. The round breaks apart on impact administering an electric shock resulting in severe pain and collapse. At the time of writing (2011), this product was still in development.
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A long range kinetic impact / projectile stun weapon with 4 barbed electrodes. The XREP is fired from a shotgun – either a standard 12 gauge or the specially produced X12. The round breaks apart on impact administering an electric shock resulting in severe pain and collapse. These are no longer sold by Taser, however they may still be in use with some police forces
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Usually have 2 or 4 electrodes on the tip Some have electrode strips of metal along the length of the baton. Some have a spiral of metal around the baton along the length. Some only have electrodes on the tip. Can look identical to “normal” batons i.e. non-stun batons except for a switch and small electrodes on the tip.
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Extendible baton – usually extends to 2 or 3 times retracted length. Some have 2 or 4 electrodes on the tip. Some have electrode strips of metal along the length of the baton. Some only have electrodes on the tip.
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4 metal electrodes. Some can also spray chemical irritants. There are many different designs / sizes / shapes available.
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2 metal electrodes (sometimes 4). Some can spray chemical irritants. There are many different designs / sizes / shapes available.
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Designed for the civilian / self-defence market. Eight metal electrodes on a “handle-shaped” stun gun. Easy to grip.
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Available in both concave for pinning a subject to the floor / a wall and convex designs - circular, rectangular and square shields are/have been on the market. Features one or many electrodes / sparking points. Additional metal spikes bolted onto some models.
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Available in both convex – circular, rectangular and square shields – and concave for pinning a subject to the floor / a wall are/have been on the market. Features one or many electrodes / sparking points. Additional metal spikes bolted onto some models.
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Usually have 2 or 4 electrodes on the tip which can be hidden under a removable cover / disguised as a torch. Visually similar to a “normal” – i.e. non-stunning – torch / flashlight.
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Material used to cover the eyes, sometimes the entire face, designed to eliminate all vision. Can deny all sensory stimuli. Sometimes especially made items are used, other times old sacks or cloth is used.
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Two metal plates each with 4 finger holes and joined by a single / short chain-link.
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Designed to attach handcuffs to leg cuffs to further restrict movement. Any cuffs can be used in the combination
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Large metal “collar” with metal handcuffs attached via short chain-link.
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3 cuffs all attached to the same small ring. Allows subject to be cuffed to a fixed object or cuffed closely to multiple subjects. A ratchet allows for use on a range of wrist sizes.
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Two cuffs connected by a short chain. A ratchet allows for use on a range of wrist sizes.
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Two cuffs connected by a solid bar. Can be snapped quickly over a wrist to “capture” a target. A ratchet allows for use on a range of wrist sizes.
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Two cuffs connected by hinges. A ratchet allows for use on a range of wrist sizes.
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Larger size cuff. Could be used as leg cuffs albeit with a short chain. A ratchet allows for use on a range of wrist / ankle sizes.
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Resembles a plastic “cable tie” (which are also used).
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Two cuffs (usually larger than handcuffs) attached by a chain – up to 30cm – to allow subject some movement.
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Two cuffs (usually larger than handcuffs) attached by a chain to allow subject some movement.
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Can weigh up to 8kg (approx. 17.5lbs). Currently traded in China.
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Often craft made or older models – a rigid metal bar connects two rings.
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Fabric belt with metal grips Can be used on ankles, wrists, waists etc. or as part of a restraint bed / board.
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Can include a number of different restraint points. Most common 8 points of restraint (a combination of which can be used at any one time) includes: 2x ankle, 2x wrist, 2x shoulder, 1x waist, and 1x chest.
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Various models exist. US models tend to have straps, cuffs or material restraints at wrists, ankles, waist, chest or shoulders. Chinese models tend to be in the style of a child's high chair with metal handcuffs and leg restraints attaching the subject to a chair with a lockable metal table or tray.
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Various models exist. US models tend to have straps, cuffs or material restraints at wrists, ankles, waist, chest or shoulders. Chinese models tend to be in the style of a child's high chair with metal handcuffs and leg restraints attaching the subject to a chair with a lockable metal table or tray.
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Two small cuffs connected by a solid metal bar. Some cuffs are internally serrated
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Metal handcuffs attached to a leather waist-worn belt for use whilst transporting subjects.
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A single cuff that be anchored to a wall or other fixed object. Less common, but also available, is a double wall cuff (see below)
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Fabric / velcro straps that fold round the legs / arms / body of a suspect – designed to reduce the ability of the suspect to kick / punch.
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Single barrel. Single Shot Fires 37/38 or 40mm ammunition
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A metal attachment that fits over the barrel of a shotgun or rifle. A grenade is inserted in the “launching cup” and a blank round fired which expels the grenade to a range of 50-100m. Can be fitted to the barrel of a conventional shotgun or assault rifle to fire 37/38 and 40mm grenades.
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3, 6, or 9 barrels. Usually fires 37/38 or 40mm ammunition. Often vehicle mounted, free standing or a fixed installation. Allows sequential firing, rapid fire or bursts of fire.
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Can be vehicle mounted, free standing or a fixed installation. Allows sequential firing, rapid fire or bursts of fire. Fires a wide range of munitions.
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Can be vehicle mounted, free standing or a fixed installation. Allows sequential firing, rapid fire or bursts of fire. Fires a wide range of munitions.
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The launcher pictured, fires specially designed 44mm ammunition. Various ammunition available including soft rubber buckshot, dye-marking ball, CS gas ball and soft rubber balls Also available as a single shot launcher (Flash-Ball Mono).
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5 or 6 barrels / 5 or 6 shot. Usually fires 37/38 or 40mm ammunition. Can rapidly fire ammunition.
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2-shot Double Action Caibre 12/50. Fires rubber balls Short range
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5-shot. 36 calibre. Specially designed cartridges contain 4 rubber balls.
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Usually 12 or 24 gauge. Can often fire both lethal and less than lethal projectiles. Can be single or double barrelled.
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Single shot, break-open grenade launcher with fixed sights and removable foregrip. Wooden buttstock – more modern versions tend to be plastic. Usually fires 37/38mm or 40mm grenades. These are the most commonly seen weapons during riots.
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Single shot, break open launcher. Usually fires 37/38mm or 40mm grenades. Picatinny rails which allow further fitting of sights / lights / foregrips, and other accessories
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The launcher pictured, fires a wide range of specially designed 56mm ammunition. Fires CS gas, CN gas, smoke, rubber ball, and stun grenades. Distinctive: ribbed barrel, handle / buttstock / trigger unit. The Chouka launcher in the foreground has a shorter barrel than the Cougar launcher in the background.
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1970's UK-style rubber bullet grenade launcher – now obsolete however visually similar pieces of equipment have been photographed recently in the Middle East (2011). Modified signal pistol. Fired ammunition such as the rubber “bullet” below.
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Short barrel. Single shot. Retractable buttstock. Usually fires 40mm grenades. Can have a detachable rail to allow further fitting of sights / lights / foregrips, and other accessories.
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Uses compressed air to launch specially designed small plastic projectiles with metal filled nose and irritant payload. Launches dye marking, OC, “impact”, and CS+OC rounds. Semi-automatic with a 15-round circular magazine. Also sold as an under-barrel attachment for conventional rifles.
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Fires hot PAVA, training powder, water, or dye marking Pepperball projectiles. Averages 700 rounds per minute in full automatic mode. CO2 powered.
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CO2 powered. Fires pepper balls, rubber balls, training balls and rechargeable electric bullets which administer an electric shock.
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CO2 powered. 10-round magazine. Fires hot PAVA, training powder, water, dye marking or glass shattering Pepperball projectiles.
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Launches FN303 projectiles (see Section 4) using a CO2 cylinder incorporated into the magazine. Also available: pistol version. Picatinny rail for easy attachment of sights, fore grip, and other accessories.
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A 37/38 or 40 mm grenade launcher is attached underneath the barrel of a conventional assault rifle.
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37/38 – 40mm in calibre. Fired from a grenade launcher. Can contain: CN, CR, CS, OC/Pepper, PAVA or a mix thereof. Can also contain dye / paint for marking targets. rritants are dispersed as powder, liquid or smoke (pyrotechnic).
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45mm in calibre. Fin-stabilised. Fired by placing over the barrel of a rifle. Long distance / high velocity.
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9mm calibre. Fired from any 9mm pistol or revolver. Can contain: CN, CS, OC/Pepper, PAVA or a mix thereof.
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Items containing dye / paint to mark targets for later identification Dispersal methods available: sprays / sprayers (incl. via water cannon), grenades / cartridges, mines, projectiles. Also offered as “personal protection” sprays.
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Can be thrown by hand or fired from a “launching cup” fitted to a rifle or shotgun (such as those set out in Section 3). Can contain: CN, CR, CS, OC/Pepper, PAVA or a mix thereof. Can also contain dye / paint for marking targets. Irritants are usually dispersed as powder, liquid or smoke. Some grenades separate into 2 or more pieces. Some contain multiple “submunitions” or disks of irritants. Some are explosive.
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Can contain: smoking tear gas, dye marking, explosive tear gas, or rubber balls. Can be wired together in a “daisy” or strung together to cross roads, pathways, perimeters, etc.
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Chemical irritant whose extreme smell leads to temporary incapacitation. Dispersal methods include: hand-held spray, liquid / mist fired from a water cannon or hand grenade. Can be combined with sound and/or light to create a multi-sensory effect as well as dye marking properties for later identification of subjects.
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Small plastic sphere which, on impact, splits to release contents. Can contain a number of different irritants / compounds such as: hot PAVA powder, marking projectiles, water-filled projectiles, and scented powder (for training). Also available as a glass breaking solid nylon projectile.
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Usually 12 or 24 gauge shotgun cartridge. Fired from a shotgun – see Section 3 for examples. Can contain: CN, CS, OC/Pepper or PAVA – usually in powder form.
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A small fabric bag filled with a heavy material (such as lead shot). Designed to open up in flight and impact over a greater surface area. Can be either 12 gauge or 37/38 / 40mm and fired from a shotgun or grenade launcher.
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Leaves a coloured or UV mark on impact for later identification of subjects. Can be combined with a chemical irritant such as OC powder. Comes in a range of calibres including 37/38 and 40mm, and 44mm . Less common but also available: dye marking mine, 9mm pistol ammunition, and specialised “Pepperball-style” projectiles. Most common varieties are usually fired from a shotgun or various types of grenade launcher.
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Rubber projectile, fin-stabilised. Usually 12 gauge in calibre and fired from a shotgun.
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A soft sponge nose / tip, backed up with a hard plastic body. Usually 40mm in calibre. Fired from a grenade launcher.
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2-4 soft rubber balls in one cartridge case. Different calibre munitions available such as .32, .36, 12 gauge shotgun rounds and 44mm grenades. Typically fired from a shotgun or grenade launcher.
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3 or 4 small rubber / plastic balls in one cartridge case. Available in many different calibres including .32, 9mm, and 12 gauge – those pictured above are .36 in calibre and are fired from revolver / pistol.
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Approx. 8-10 small rubber / plastic balls in one cartridge case. Different calibre munitions available such as .32, 12 gauge shotgun rounds and 44mm grenades. Item picture above, typically fired from a shotgun or grenade launcher.
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Lightweight rubber projectile. Fired from a 12 gauge shotgun.
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Hard, dimpled, rubber projectile. Fired from a 12 gauge shotgun.
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Fired from a modified signal pistol. This was notoriously inaccurate. This item is now obsolete however visually similar pieces of equipment have been photographed recently (2011).
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Multiple rubber projectiles in one cartridge case. Usually fired from a 37/38mm or 40mm grenade launcher or 12 gauge shotgun.
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Three wooden projectiles in one cartridge case. Fired from 37/38mm or 40mm grenade launchers.
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A fabric construction with a small “head” filled with lead shot. Has either 1 or a number of fabric tails. Can be either 12 gauge or 37/38mm or 40mm and fired from a shotgun or grenade launcher.
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Straight baton with side-handle. Commonly made of plastic or aluminium.
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Straight baton with metal spikes on the head.
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Straight baton with two handles on either side.
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Usually made of steel.
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Usually comprised of metal (steel or moulded lead) encased in thick leather and used for striking / slapping a target.
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Metal baton with sharp metal spikes the entire length.
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Commonly made of rubber, plastic, or wood. Can range in length from approx. 12 inches (30cms) to 36 inches (91.5cms). The longer batons are commonly sold as “riot batons”.
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Extendable baton – usually extends to 2 or 3 times retracted length. Typically made of aluminium. The impact can feel like a whip.
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Attached to a wall or ceiling these dispense chemical irritants into a confined space. They can be either manually operated or automatic using motion sensor technology.
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Different to “capture” hoods as these are made of netting and are not designed to impair vision. A thick piece of materials covers the mouth to prevent a subject spitting on those nearby whilst netting covers the eyes and nose so as not to impair vision.
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A wide range of devices exist to launch a net over a target, some of which combine a net with chemical irritants or electric shock devices.
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Metal extendible pole with half-moon / semi-circle end designed to trap a subject. The item pictured is large enough to encircle the waist of a subject. Others have smaller “grabbers” on the ends designed to grip wrists and ankles. Some incorporate an electric shock element. Some have “anti-grabbing” spikes
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Loud bang and bright flash of light emitted at once or close together – designed to disorient target. Various calibre / types of devices available which can be hand-thrown or rifle fired.
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Emits a “deterrent tone” to disperse a crowd or can be used as a mega phone-type device to convey instructions over a large area. Can be free-standing, vehicle-mounted, embedded in a riot control shield or body-worn (i.e. over the shoulder).
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Emits a “deterrent tone” to disperse a crowd or can be used as a mega phone-type device to convey instructions over a large area. Can be free-standing, vehicle-mounted, embedded in a riot control shield or body-worn (i.e. over the shoulder).
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Designed to cause temporary loss of vision. Blinding weapons are illegal under Protocol IV of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Some products can “dazzle” suspects from up to 1000m in daylight and up to 3000m at night. Can be rifle-shaped with bipods and picatinny rail, as a baton, or designed to be attached as accessories to small arms or light weapons
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Designed to cause temporary loss of vision. Blinding weapons are illegal under Protocol IV of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Some products can “dazzle” suspects from up to 1000m in daylight and up to 3000m at night. Can be rifle-shaped with bipods and picatinny rail , as a baton, or designed to be attached as accessories to small arms or light weapons
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Small (“pocket-sized”) plastic device used to apply pressure to a subject in order to restrain or disarm. Forces compliance through pain.
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Can be free-standing, vehicle-mounted, building-mounted, or “backpack” style. Some mix chemical irritants and/or dyes in with the water.
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