A new investigation has examined the range of so-called “less lethal” weapons available to Australian police and raised concerns about the level of public scrutiny surrounding their use.
According to the investigation by Ariel Bogel and Nino Bucci, police agencies have access to a variety of crowd-control tools, including OC spray, tear gas, flashbang grenades and projectile systems designed to release irritant powders.
These weapons are often described as less lethal alternatives to firearms. However, experts cited in the investigation argue they can still cause serious injuries or death if misused.
Rohini Haar, a medical adviser at Physicians for Human Rights who has researched the health impacts of such weapons globally, said: “All of these weapons can kill people.”
The report highlights concerns about transparency and oversight regarding how these weapons are used during public order operations and protests in Australia.
The investigation also points to broader questions about accountability, public awareness and the risks associated with crowd-control tactics.