A pepper-spray projectile, also called a pepper-spray ball, pepper-spray pellet, or pepper ball is a projectile weapon made up of a powdered chemical that irritates eyes and nose (see pepper spray). These non-lethal weapons launch a fragile ball which breaks upon impact and releases an extremely effective super irritant, a powder called PAVA (capsaicin II) pepper.
The launchers are often slightly modified .68 caliber paintball guns. Most of these guns are Tippmann pro-carbines or similar and are set to fire in the 350ft/s range. The systems are generally contact safe and target accurate within 60 feet and have an effective range that provides area saturation with PAVA within a 200 foot range.
Description
Pepper-spray weapons systems are used by law enforcement, military and other organizations, and individuals. The weapon is used generally in the role of stand-off weapons, where physical proximity to a suspect is deemed dangerous but deadly force is not warranted. The systems are not limited to classic standoff situations and allow agents to apply as many rounds as required to bring individual suspects, multiple suspects, or crowds into compliance.
Agents can also employ the weapon to deny access or bring suspects out of hiding, or can quickly load various specialized projectiles to break glass and disperse barricades, mark suspects for later round ups, or apply impact as required. Although generally considered non-lethal when properly used (targets should exclude the face, eyes, throat or spine)[1], deaths have occurred when they have been fired at inappropriate areas. In one well publicized incident, in 2004 where the Boston Police Department during crowd control situation killed 21-year-old Victoria Snelgrove using a pepper-spray projectile weapon.[2][3]
These guns can be loaded with paintballs to mark rioters so they can later be identified and arrested.
References
- ^ Product sell sheet from vendor (PepperBall Technologies). Retrieved December 9, 2006 [1]
- ^ Associated Press. From The New York Times October 27, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2006 from [2].
- ^ Slack, Donovan and Suzanne Smalley. The Boston Globe September 21, 2005. Retrieved November 30, 2006 from [3].
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