Bloomington Police are training officers to use less lethal launchers. The launchers are modified shotguns that fire bean bag rounds, which are considered less lethal.
The guns are clearly marked "LESS LETHAL" and are used to bring confrontational situations with violent individuals to an end. Officers hope by using the new less lethal launchers they can reduce the amount of injuries, not just to officers, but to the individuals being taken into custody as well.
The department's goal is to ensure officers can minimize harm while handling threats to public safety.
The launchers have an orange stock and fore end.