Whereas, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is comprised of approximately, 3,500 primarily African-American law enforcement CEOs and command level law enforcement officials; and

Whereas, NOBLE is a member of the Less-Lethal Working Group, whose mission is to assist local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in developing, implementing and enhancing policies governing the use of less lethal (commonly known as non lethal) technologies; and

Whereas, less lethal weapons include such electronic control devices such as TASER ® devices and stun belts; and

Whereas, the protection of life is the paramount duty of every law enforcement officer; and

Whereas, the use of less lethal weapons have been proven to be an effective and preferred alternative to firearms and the use of deadly force; and

Whereas, less lethal weapons have been proven to reduce both injury and death to arrestees, as well as greatly increasing officer safety in situations where the use of force is necessary; and

Whereas, sufficient training protocols have been established to address concerns on the proper use of the device, safe removal of the prongs from victims following deployment, medical interventions, and reducing citizen’s concerns through public awareness campaigns; and

Whereas, model policies and guidelines concerning the use of such less lethal weapons have been developed; and

Whereas, proper investigation of each deployment of such device shall assure the public’s confidence in law enforcement’s use of such weapon.

Now, therefore be it resolved, that the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, supports the use of less lethal weaponry as an effective tool in the continuum of force; and with proper training and investigative review policies, suggests that these types of weapons be standard issue for every officer performing a patrol or prisoner restraint function.