Projectiles designed to incapacitate a target without causing fatal injuries are employed by law enforcement and military personnel in situations requiring less-than-lethal force. These projectiles encompass a range of technologies, including beanbag rounds, rubber bullets, pepper spray projectiles, and sponge grenades. For example, beanbag rounds utilize small fabric bags filled with lead shot to deliver a blunt impact, effectively stunning a target.
The primary objective of these specialized munitions is to minimize the risk of serious injury or death while effectively controlling dangerous situations. Their development stems from a growing need for tools that bridge the gap between verbal commands and lethal force. Historically, options for controlling aggressive or non-compliant individuals were limited, often leading to escalations with potentially tragic outcomes. These less-than-lethal options provide a valuable alternative, allowing for more controlled and measured responses, particularly in crowd control, riot situations, and apprehensions of potentially armed individuals.