Improving Police Capabilities: Baltimore Riots

28
Apr

The tragic events of the recent Baltimore riots point out that police forces require additional tools to reduce riotous behaviour that destroys communities and private property. Regardless of your opinion leading up to those events, there is almost universal consensus on the need to control this self-destructive reaction and the negative after effects.

SDI has a line of products that would give significant tactical capabilities to police in order to create compliance of large crowds that we are witnessing in Baltimore and previously in the Ferguson riots. The BIP round has a standoff range at a distance that is greater than the throwing range of most individuals tossing bricks, rocks and bottles. This, combined with excellent accuracy, will give police standoff safety while being able to deliver rounds on target. Additionally, if those crowds were to rush or charge the police, those same rounds can be used within acceptable safety parameters at short range without shifting between weapon systems.

The BIP has another advantage in that it can deliver payloads in addition to impact pain compliance on the subject. These payloads give the police more tools than traditional tear gas systems that often cause innocent collateral damage.

Option 1: DNA Marker Round

The first variant that could have been used in the current situation in Baltimore is the SDI DNA marker round. This can mark assailants during a melee with an invisible fluid (that can last up to several years on certain mediums) that identifies rioters for future apprehension. Police would be able to apprehend subjects later using a specifically engineered dark light to identify those marked by the substance.

Option 2: MO Round

The second option would be to use the SDI MO round that delivers a noxious order that is extremely pungent. This carries an awful smell and is not easy to get rid of and stays with the assailant for a number of days and weeks. This will act as a deterrent because nobody will want to smell like skunk and likely to run away from the scene. Furthermore the smell stays with the individual for a long period. This can be used as an identifier for future apprehension by police.

Option 3: OC Round

The final option is the use of the SDI OC which is a variant that delivers pepper powder on the target in a more accurate fashion than aerosol discharge and at a greater and more accurate range than traditional less lethal ammunition. All things being said, this situation is very difficult and it is very easy to look at old strategies and methods to the current policing challenges. Changing this requires new products and tools to control situations and reduce the threat of riots getting out of control. SDI’s range of less lethal ammunition gives law enforcement officials greater options and choices.