ABE: Evaluating LTL Technology

Until recently, law enforcement and corrections professionals have lacked a source of information about less-than-lethal (LTL) products in order to make purchasing decisions. However, a joint study was conducted by Pennsylvania State University’s Institute for Engineering Defense Technologies and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) which tested LTL munitions and launchers under simulated field conditions giving police and corrections personnel information on manufacturers’ data sheets, as well as comparative information among manufacturers. A variety of attributes for each type of munition were noted and included: method of engagement, cartridge size, material, weight, and the launcher required. This article presents the results of this study, as well as providing a word of caution that only one type of projectile is appropriate for every circumstance and that at the conclusion of this study new products were becoming available.