Introduction to the LAPD’s Decision
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has ordered its officers to stop using a specific type of less lethal weapon during protests. This decision comes after a federal judge found the department in contempt of a previous ruling that limited the use of these weapons and ordered a ban on them as a crowd control tool.
Background of the Contempt Order
U.S. District Court Judge Consuelo B. Marshall issued the order, citing evidence that LAPD officers had violated her previous restrictions on the use of the 40mm launchers during protests against immigration enforcement last summer. The order stated that there was evidence of the weapons being used on protesters who did not pose an immediate threat of violence or physical harm, and that warnings were not provided before using the munitions.
Examples of Misuse
The contempt order included a list of examples of the misuse of the 40mm launchers, including:
- An officer firing at a man who had his hands up at a protest, then shooting the same man in the face, causing a jaw injury that required surgery.
- An officer shooting a woman in the head with the weapon while she was seated and holding a sign.
- An officer shooting a man in the groin, then shooting a lawyer in the groin when the lawyer asked the officer for his name.
- An officer shooting a man in the back of the head while the man was leaving a protest.
The Weapon in Question
The 40mm launchers use a small gunpowder charge to fire 40 millimeter foam or sponge projectiles. LAPD documentation shows the type of less-lethal weapon that is the subject of the judge’s order this week. (LAPD)
History of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit behind this week’s order was filed in 2020 by Black Lives Matter, following complaints that officers used these and other weapons indiscriminately against demonstrators during protests that followed the murder of George Floyd. Judge Marshall issued a preliminary injunction in 2021 that said officers were only permitted to use the launchers if they had been specifically trained on the weapons and met qualification requirements each year.
Conditions for Use
The injunction outlined specific conditions for the use of the 40mm launchers, including:
- Officers could only fire the weapons at persons "violently resisting" police or who "poses an immediate threat of violence of physical harm".
- Warnings should be given ahead of time.
- The launchers must not be used to target the head, neck, face, eyes, kidneys, chest, groin, or spine.
- They must be fired when the officer is at least 5 feet away from the person who is a target.
Conclusion
The LAPD’s decision to ban the use of 40mm launchers during protests is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of protesters and adhering to the guidelines set forth by the court. It emphasizes the need for law enforcement to use less lethal weapons responsibly and with strict adherence to protocols designed to protect both officers and the public.
FAQs
- Q: What type of less lethal weapon has the LAPD banned from use during protests?
A: The LAPD has banned the use of 40mm launchers during protests. - Q: Why was the ban implemented?
A: The ban was implemented after a federal judge found the LAPD in contempt of a previous ruling limiting the use of these weapons. - Q: What are the conditions for the use of 40mm launchers as per the preliminary injunction?
A: The conditions include specific training, violent resistance or immediate threat, prior warnings, and restrictions on target areas and distance. - Q: What organization filed the lawsuit leading to the ban?
A: The lawsuit was filed by Black Lives Matter in 2020.
