Revealed: the āless lethalā weapons Australian police donāt want you to know about
Launchers that shoot ābullet-like missilesā, chemical irritants and stinger grenades: experts say these weapons can cause serious injury or even death. But they are deployed
Launchers that shoot ābullet-like missilesā, chemical irritants and stinger grenades: experts say these weapons can cause serious injury or even death. But they are deployed by police against crowds with little scrutiny Projectiles that release powder designed to burn the eyes and throat. Flashbang grenades. Teargas.
Launchers that resemble semi-automatic rifles. In Victoria, police have refused to publicly provide the make and model of their rubber bullets and other weapons even to the stateās parliamentarians due to āoperational and community safety considerationsā. Contracts worth millions for these weapons are often with third-party distributors rather than the manufacturers, obscuring what police have access to.
During coronial inquests, after baton rounds and other weapons may have contributed to deaths, Victoria police have sought suppression orders that bar media from describing any details of weaponry. In some states, details about Tasers have been suppressed during inquests, including the training materials given to officers.
Guardian Australia approached each force in the country for a list of the manufacturer and model of their less lethal weapons but all declined to provide one, with most citing operational safety. Continue reading...
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