Hooray for the use of non-lethal weapons by the LAPD!

[jacquelope]

I don't know if they regularly use non-lethal weapons but it doesn't matter - I still want to give a positive shout-out because this option was used.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Knife-wielding-intruder-creates-a-scare-at-Stapl?urn=nba-wp330

Knife-wielding intruder creates a scare at Staples Center

An armed intruder stormed onto the Staples Center court just over an hour before Saturday's matinee matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Though authorities don't know what the man's intentions or motivations were, he was brandishing a knife, and was eventually brought down after a hail of rubber bullet fire from security guards and police officers after a 20-minute standoff and led into custody. No fans, authorities, or members of either organization were hurt or seriously threatened.

[annabanana]

1. Please look into the results of rubber bullets before you cheer. . .n/t

[jacquelope]

2. How bad are rubber bullets and bean bags compared to lead bullets? n/t

.

[NutmegYankee]

3. It would appear the result was non-lethal. nt

[speltwon]

4. The proper term, accepted in the Law Enforcement and force science community is "less lethal"

Any method of physical force CAN result in a death. A simple punch, or even a baton strike to the femur can. Shockingly rare, but possible. Regardless, any time less-lethal, or negotiating tactics or any option below deadly force is able to be successfully used to place either a violent felon or a violent mentally ill person threatening himself or others, into custody - it's a good thing.

Successful use of such tactics is far far more common than people realize, because they rarely make the news. If it bleeds, it leads.

I've personally taken at least a couple of dozen of armed, violent individuals into custody w/o any significant force. NONE of those incidents made even a blurb on the backpage of the newspaper. Only the ones where deadly force was used, or serious injuries etc. resulted did.