Which of the following is considered a "less-lethal weapon" in police use of force?

A less-lethal weapon is designed to incapacitate a person without causing permanent injury or death, making it an important tool in policing to de-escalate potentially violent situations while minimizing harm. Rubber bullets fit this definition as they are designed to deliver a painful impact that can incapacitate an individual without penetrating the skin, thereby reducing the risk of fatality in comparison to conventional firearms. Their use can deter aggressive behavior while providing a tactical advantage in controlling a situation.

In contrast, Tasers, while also considered a less-lethal option, utilize electroshock technology that can lead to unintended injuries depending on various factors such as the circumstances under which they are deployed. Conventional firearms are lethal weapons by design and intended to incapacitate through fatal force, making them unsuitable for this classification. Handcuffs, while restraint devices, do not fall under the category of weapons at all, as they are intended to secure and restrain a person rather than incapacitating them. Therefore, rubber bullets accurately exemplify what constitutes a less-lethal weapon in the context of police use of force.