Non-lethal weapons, also called nonlethal weapons, less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons such as knives and firearms with live ammunition. It is often understood that unintended or incidental casualties are risked wherever force is applied, however non-lethal weapons minimise the risk of casualties as much as possible. Non-lethal weapons are used in policing and combat situations to limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable, where rules of engagement require minimum casualties, or where policy restricts the use of conventional force. However, these weapons occasionally cause serious injuries or death due to allergic reactions, improper use and/or other factors; for this reason the term "less-lethal" has been preferred by some organizations as it describes the risks of death more accurately than the term "non-lethal", which some have argued is a misnomer.
An instruction on oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Demonstration of the use of a Taser gun on US military personnel. The device was originally developed for use by civilian police.
Long range acoustic device mounted on police vehicle, 2004 Republican National Convention, New York City
Swedish police in riot gear, carrying an extended telescopic baton
A weapon, arm, or armament is any implement or device that is used to deter, threaten, inflict physical damage, harm, or kill. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime, law enforcement, self-defense, warfare, or suicide. In a broader context, weapons may be construed to include anything used to gain a tactical, strategic, material, or mental advantage over an adversary or enemy target.
Selection of weapons collected by security officers at an airport
An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools.
A four-wheeled ballista drawn by armored cataphract horses, c. 400
Medieval Indian weapons