‘Less lethal’ deaths: courts examine role of controversial police weapons before three Australians died

Exclusive: Police forces argue bean-bag and foam baton rounds are less harmful than firearms, but the projectiles have been linked to deaths around the world Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt least three people died within four months of one another after being shot with “less lethal” projectiles and stun guns at their homes, sparking a series of inquests and civil cases that could overhaul how police officers use force.Police forces have argued the projectiles – such as bean-bag and foam baton rounds fired from weapons similar to shotguns and other launchers – provide officers with a less harmful alternative to firearms. Continue reading…