menghilangkan polisi’s Arsenal
## Mar del Plata to Equip Municipal Patrol with Non-Lethal Weapons
Mar del Plata will soon deploy a new set of non-lethal weapons, designed primarily to bolster safety and security during the busy summer season. Mayor Guillermo Montenegro announced the initiative while facing criticism from those who see this approach as potentially dangerous.
The plan involves the acquisition of 30 handguns and 15 non-lethal tactical rifles, available from January. The cost of these new additions is not being publically disclosed. Montenegro, affirming his commitment to maintain public order, stated, “We will spare no effort to achieve that goal and are committed to exploring all legitimate tools available.”
Additionally, although no specific training details were provided, officials emphasized the “strict protocols” that officers will undergo before implementing these weapons.
The company providing these tools is Byrna Technologies, a company that markets their products as a safe and effective alternative to traditional weaponry. Their website highlights the ease of use and the range of their projectiles, emphasizing their ability to disable attackers without resorting to lethal force.
Some models, like the Byrna SD pistol, use CO2 cartridges to fire .68 caliber projectiles, which can incapacitate targets by employing potent irritants capable of causing pain and temporary incapacitation at a distance of up to 20 meters. Byrna also produces the Tactical Compact Rifle (TCR), marketed for “home defense.” It operates similarly, utilizing CO2 cartridges, boasting a range of features like foldable sights and a compact design intended to resemble traditional firearm aesthetics.
These weapons internationally have garnered some controversy. Critics argue that despite the “non-lethal” label, the potential for serious injury remains high and that these technologies simply transition violence into a more insidious, harder-to-regulate form.
Further concerns arise from the lack of age restrictions and the easy accessibility of these weapons. While Byrna maintains an 18-year age minimum for purchase, the accessibility online remains a point of possible misuse.
A 2016 report by the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCOLO) and Physicians for Human Rights titled “Covert Lethality” explores the risks associated with such devices by detailing potential adverse effects attributed to kinetic impact projectiles and chemical irritants. The findings are alarming, definitively proving that these devices can cause injury, permanent disability, and even death.
The report recommends that governments play a proactive role in regulating these technologies, suggesting international trade controls and stricter safety protocols similar to those implemented for existing firearms. This approach remains hotly contested, with ongoing debates around the definition of “non-lethal” when it comes to the dynamic between genuine advancements in public safety and the potential for unchecked harm.
What are the potential risks associated with the ease of use and range of non-lethal weapons?
## Interview: Non-Lethal Weapons in Mar del Plata
**News Anchor:** Joining us today to discuss the controversial decision to equip Mar del Plata’s municipal patrol with non-lethal weapons is Dr. Maria Hernandez, a criminologist and expert on police use of force. Dr. Hernandez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Hernandez:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** Mar del Plata’s mayor, Guillermo Montenegro, insists that these new weapons are necessary to ensure public safety, especially during the busy summer season. What are your thoughts on this justification?
**Dr. Hernandez:** It’s important to acknowledge the need for public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement during peak tourism seasons. However, the introduction of any new weapon, even categorized as “non-lethal,” requires careful consideration. While these weapons are marketed as safer alternatives, they are still capable of causing significant pain, injury, and potentially even death [[1](https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/NLW%20ReferenceBook%202012.pdf)].
**News Anchor:** Byrna Technologies, the supplier of these weapons, emphasizes their ease of use and range. Doesn’t this make them an attractive option for police, potentially reducing the need for lethal force?
**Dr. Hernandez:** The ease of use can be a double-edged sword. If officers are not adequately trained in their deployment and the context-specific limitations, there’s a risk of misuse and escalation. Moreover, the range of these weapons can lead to a greater reliance on them, potentially overshadowing de-escalation tactics and dialog.
**News Anchor:** Mayor Montenegro has assured the public that officers will undergo “strict protocols” before using these weapons. What kind of training do you think is essential in this context?
**Dr. Hernandez:** Training should go beyond simply learning how to operate the weapon. It needs to encompass a thorough understanding of the weapon’s limitations, potential side effects, and ethical considerations. Officers must be trained in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and the appropriate use of force continuum, ensuring these tools are truly a last resort.
**News Anchor:** What are your biggest concerns regarding the implementation of these non-lethal weapons in Mar del Plata?
**Dr. Hernandez:** My biggest concern is the potential for these weapons to be seen as a quick fix, overshadowing the need for broader societal solutions to crime prevention and community building. We need transparency regarding the training protocols, clear guidelines for deployment, and robust mechanisms for accountability to ensure these weapons are used responsibly and ethically.
**News Anchor:** Dr. Hernandez, thank you for sharing your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Hernandez:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial discussion that requires continued public scrutiny and open dialog.
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