Beanbag Round
Definition
12-gauge cloth pouch containing lead shot or polymer block, fired at approximately 280 fps for crowd-control pain compliance at 3-15 metres; standard US law enforcement and UK police less-lethal device; identifiable by pouch material and stitching pattern on recovered fragment.
- Gauge
- 12-gauge
- Payload
- Cloth pouch of lead shot or polymer block
- Muzzle velocity
- Approximately 280 fps
- Intended range
- 3 to 15 metres
- Use
- Less-lethal crowd control, US and UK policing
Common questions
How is a fired beanbag round identified forensically?+
Recovered fragments are examined for the distinctive pouch fabric, stitching pattern, and shot or polymer fill, which distinguish it from a lethal shotgun load and from other less-lethal munitions such as rubber baton rounds.
Why does range matter when assessing a beanbag round injury?+
The round is designed to deform and spread its force on impact within its intended range band. Fired at closer range than specified, it behaves more like a concentrated blunt or penetrating impact, which is why close-range beanbag injuries and deaths are documented despite the round's less-lethal design intent.
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