Less-lethal Experiments/Research and Publications

Less-lethal Force Options: Reduce Your Program's Liability
We wrote and article that was published on Officer.com in October 2008 explaining steps law enforcement agencies can take to reduce their liabilities when using less-lethal force options.

 Read the Article: Less Lethal Force Options

Electronic  Device Control Testing:
In 2006, we independently tested TASER X26, TASER M26 and STINGER systems to determine which was more effective against a goal-oriented human volunteer.

In 2007, we independently repeated our blind study with the TASER X26 against the STINGER S200 to determine which was more effective against a goal-oriented human volunteer.

See Police One Article: Police One

Specialty Impact Munitions (SIM) Testing:
In 2004, 2005, we tested several impact munitions to determine lethality potential. The rounds were fired into covered and bare calibrated ballistic gelatin and MBM ballistic soap. Penetration depth and energy were measured and captured with high-speed video. Our forensic testing model has been validated on human volunteers.

Munitions tested included, but were not limited to: 12 gauge bean bags (Accusox, Defense Technologies, etc.), 40mm Exact Impact sponge (Blue nose), 40mm Orange nose (OC), ARWEN, Sage Co., Pepperball, FN303, Stingball grenade, 40mm bean bag, wood batons, rubber batons, foam batons, and others.
 

ECD (Electronic Control Device) Testing:
We have independently tested electronic weapons (TASER) and related evidence. Knowledge gained from this testing has assisted us in providing forensic analysis and reconstruction related to deployment failures and in-custody deaths. Our examination methods have adopted worldwide.

Rick Wyant has published an article in the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) related to the collection of TASER evidence.

Download AFTE Journal Paper: The Advanced TASER M26, X26: Forensic Considerations (1.8MB PDF)

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TASER/ OC Flammability Testing:
To provide ongoing assistance to law enforcement, we have continually tested TASER’s when deployed simultaneously with Pepper spray (OC). Since 2004, we have tested dozens of sprays in a practical environment to determine if a fire hazard exists with certain types. Our testing protocol has been accepted by OC manufacturers. These results have been presented nationwide and published in the following publications:

Police One: "Electronic control device safe": Can you trust the label?
Law Officer Magazine, August 2007: Taser Safe, Or Flammable? (324k PDF)

NOTE: Additional formulas have been tested since these publications were distributed. Please contact us for further information. Other publications are forthcoming.