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"Bean Bag" Report: Less-than-lethal is a Lie

Not only can the ammunition used in "bean bag" guns cause serious injury, it can kill. A study based on data collected in Los Angeles County between January 1996 and February 2000, "the most comprehensive medical review yet on the effects of the weapon," showed that these small bags of lead pellets when fired from a conventional shot gun "can cause significant damage when striking any part of the body" (Associated Press, October 9). The report was published in October in the Annals of Emergency Medicine http://www.acep.org/.

In 40 shootings by LAPD and LA County Sheriff's officers, "bean bags penetrated the eye, chest, abdomen and leg of suspects, as well as rupturing spleens and damaging internal organs." One death was reported from internal bleeding caused when a person was hit in the chest.

"Bean bags" were used against protesters in Portland in August, 1998 and on May Day, 2000 (see PPRs #16 & 20). They are in use in all 50 states.

"Bean Bag" Fun Facts: The lead-pellet filled bags weigh about 1.4 ounces. They can pack the energy of a baseball line drive or a punch from a professional boxer. When fired from 30 to 75 feet, the bags produce bruises, abrasions, minor lacerations and, under some circumstances, broken bones. When fired from a distance of 20 feet or less the seriousness of the injury increases. (Source: Michael Keith, president and manufacturer, MK Ballistics Systems)

December, 2001
Also in PPR #25

Portland Copwatch
PO Box 42456
Portland, OR 97242
(503) 236-3065/ Incident Report Line (503) 321-5120
e-mail: copwatch@portlandcopwatch.org

Portland Copwatch is a grassroots, volunteer organization promoting police accountability through citizen action.

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