Controlling riots is a difficult task for any government with a desire to keep peace as well as protect the constitutional rights of it’s citizens. Under the United States Constitution, the Congress is forbidden to make laws “abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” However, at times, it is a difficult task for a government to determine whether it’s people are a peaceful opposition or an inevitable riot. In the event of a riot, police or military are sent into the middle of mass confusion and chaos in an attempt to suppress or contain the tumultuous situation. In the past, police who were ordered to suppress the opposition with only guns or bare hands were not only a danger to the public, but to themselves as well. Modern technology and non-lethal weapons are allowing police to more efficiently and less physically handle riots and protests.

Riots occur for many different reasons whether they be differences between groups or grievance with the government. Rioters unhappy with the performance of their government for reasons such as famine, inflation, or differences between poor and wealthy will choose to

(Reppert 2001) In his article, “Evolving attitudes toward non-lethal weaponry,” John Alexander argues that “non-lethal weapons would make it easier for governments to authorize use of force in either internal or international situations.” Unlike the past, governments utilizing the new non-lethal weapons could more easily suppress a rebellion or intimidate it’s people. Non-lethal weapons may also violate treaties but Alexander argues that “treaties should be revisited and changed where applicable to meet today's circumstances” because “existing protocols leave no alternative to unnecessary killing…the basic chemical and biological technologies that degrade or destroy material will be developed in any case, through perfectly legal means.” Debate has also risen over non-lethal weapons being used as torture or punishment devices. If they are, the result is long term psychological damage. A study by Amnesty International in 1997 found that batons, rods, and electroshock devices have been used for torture in over fifty countries since 1990. Currently, there are no national or international regulations of electroshock devices. Marines have also found that non-lethal weapons are not as helpful as one would think. Additional support was needed to look after the weapons and for every enemy the military injured by using a non-lethal weapon, two military personnel were needed. (Lewer 1999)

All of the groups outlined have a potential for disturbing the peace but some display more violent tactics than others. While a minority of Political Activists or Students use violence to pursue change, groups like Violent Extremists and Gangs are far more likely to use violence. The voices of Political Activists and Students will be ignored by governments if they choose violence as a means for sending across a political message. A more intelligent and cooperative strategy is boycotting or organizing a sit-in. Groups like Violent Extremists are responsible for planning ambushes and bombings aimed at the government as well as police. Rivalries between Gangs creates violence on the streets which can escalate into a riot. Law Enforcement Agencies are constantly monitoring such groups and their activities and make a presence when the group or groups decide to organize.

Modern non-lethal weapons range from rubber bullets and beanbag shotgun rounds to high-tech nets designed to ensnare people, pepper spray, slippery foams, olfactory agents, stun guns and lasers. The Pentagon is currently testing a new weapon entitled the Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System, or VMADS, which is intended for crowd control and utilizes a microwave beam which burns the victim’s skin. Marine Corps officials claim that there is no permanent damage done by the microwave beam because it only penetrates 1/64th of an inch into a person’s skin and the pain can be instantly stopped by turning off the beam.

riot out of anger and frustration and as a method of communication with the political system. Ethnic, religious, cultural, or political differences may also lead to physical violence between different groups. Relations between the groups may remain peaceful for long periods of time but a threat by one group to another may cause a serious disturbance. When large crowds lawfully gather for an event such as a spectacle sport, there is a great potential for large scale destruction. Persons taking part in the riot may lose a sense of their own identity and give up beliefs for survival or conformity (Deane-Drummond 1975)

In the 1960’s and 70’s, non-lethal weapons were being utilized to suppress riots. At the time, tear gas was the most effective method for disrupting a riot. Used in projectiles and grenades, visible tear gas is in the liquid phase but immediately vaporized once released. It creates a cloud which is useful for locating a mob or as a sign for police without gas masks to stay away. Unfortunately, it is easy and

Some topics in this essay:
Nose Blow, Amnesty International, Enforcement Agencies, Knoblauch Callahan, Constitution Congress, John Alexander, Department Defense, Rights Watch, Congress Pentagon, Security Council, non-lethal weapons, tear gas, human rights, law enforcement, civil disorder, modern non-lethal weapons, modern non-lethal, psychological damage, police military, bridge nose, police officers, law enforcement agencies, prone civil disorder, law enforcement officials, difficult task government,