What category of force do tools like pepper spray and batons fall under?

Tools like pepper spray and batons are classified as intermediate weapons because they are designed to be used as a means of force that is between physical coercion and deadly force. Intermediate weapons are intended to incapacitate a subject without causing permanent harm or death; they offer law enforcement personnel a non-lethal option to manage a situation.

Pepper spray can temporarily disable an individual by causing irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, while batons can be used to strike, block, or control a suspect but are not meant to be lethal in nature. This classification reflects a careful consideration of balancing the need for officer safety and control with the objective of minimizing injury to the individual being restrained or subdued.

Understanding the role of intermediate weapons is crucial in the context of use of force policies, as they provide law enforcement officers with the means to respond effectively to various levels of resistance without resorting to lethal options.