DOUGLAS COUNTY— The Lawrence Police Department has made a full transition from traditional patrol shotguns to a less lethal “beanbag” option this week, according to a statement from department.
The old shotguns, which were commonly used beginning in the 1970’s, are now fully retired and all ammunition, safely disposed of. Sworn personnel will complete training on the less lethal shotgun this week. Personnel who become certified on the less lethal shotguns will be required to qualify annually.
Many departments throughout the country have made slow transitions but after consulting LKPD’s Rangemaster and others, Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart called for an immediate and complete turnover.
“Since I began my journey to reimagine policing in Lawrence, I knew this change would take place. When they’re able, officers already utilize safer compliance options such as pepper spray and tasers, so this decision was essentially a no-brainer. No one wants an incident with a deadly outcome; not the police, not the community, and certainly not the person in crisis nor that person’s family. But the truth is, people in crisis or those committing violent crimes, simply are not thinking rationally and our officers took an oath to protect the innocent and keep Lawrence safe and secure. Having more tools to confine, deescalate, and conclude a dangerous situation, while reducing the risk of fatality, will always be our goal.”
Traditional tools like batons, tasers and pepper spray remain available, but require close range for successful use, increasing danger and decreasing time for de-escalation. Less Lethal shotguns deploy a drag stabilized beanbag from ranges up to 75 feet, which can give officers time and distance to make better tactical decisions than is permitted during face-to-face encounters. They’re also uniquely different in appearance from a regular shotgun as they have an orange fore-end and stock. As outlined in department policy (Policy 303, Control Devices) the tools are designated for use when a person is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe use of less lethal impact rounds, the subject has made credible threats of self-harm or harm to others, riotous behavior in which dangerous projectiles are being thrown at officers or others, or if there is probable cause to believe the person has already committed a violent crime and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.
LKPD’s polices for use of less lethal options highlights the importance the department places on the value of life and de-escalation strategies. Click here to read the department's policy manual.