Less-than-lethal

The term 'less-than-lethal' describes weapons or tactics designed to incapacitate a target without causing permanent injury or death. These tools are often employed by law enforcement and military personnel for crowd control, subduing aggressive individuals, or in situations where lethal force might escalate tensions unnecessarily. Common examples include rubber bullets, tear gas, and tasers.

Less-than-lethal meaning with examples

• During the recent protests, law enforcement opted to use less-than-lethal measures, such as rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse crowds without escalating violence, allowing for a more controlled response to public unrest.
• The military's strategy in certain combat zones includes the use of less-than-lethal options to subdue threats, minimizing civilian casualties while maintaining a tactical advantage in sensitive environments.
• In training scenarios, police officers are taught to first consider less-than-lethal alternatives, such as tasers or bean bag rounds, before resorting to lethal force, promoting a philosophy of de-escalation.
• The controversial use of less-than-lethal technology has sparked debates about its effectiveness and safety, especially when misapplied, leading to unintended injuries and raising questions about the ethics of its deployment.
• Advocates for reform in policing have called for increased investment in less-than-lethal weapons and training, suggesting that such measures could reduce fatalities in encounters between officers and civilians.