39 12 gauge (shotgun) kinetic impact projectiles 38-40 mm launchable projectiles The ODIHR Human Rights Handbook on Policing Assemblies states that “[kinetic impact] projectiles are very high on the use of force continuum and next on the scale to the use of firearms”, and “if used incorrectly they can cause death or serious injury”.58 The handbook and the UNODC/OHCHR Resource Book on the Use of Force and Firearms in Law Enforcement both recommend that kinetic impact projectiles should only be used when there is an immediate risk of serious injury or death and should only be aimed at individuals posing such a threat.59 The ODIHR handbook, recommends that skip-firing – the practice of firing kinetic impact projectiles at the ground in front of someone so that they skip up and hit them – be avoided and, importantly, it states that kinetic impact projectiles “should never to be shot indiscriminately into a crowd”.60 Skip-firing or ricochet, makes the projectiles’ trajectory unpredictable,61 increasing the risk that vulnerable areas of the body or persons other than those targeted will be hit. What monitors should observe and record • In what circumstances were the kinetic impact projectiles used? • What were the projectiles made of (e.g., hardened rubber, wood, plastic)? • What did the projectiles look like? Monitors should try to record the shape and size, and take images or video, focusing on any logos, names or other markings that might identify the manufacturer or model. 58 59 60 61 ODIHR, Human Rights Handbook on Policing Assemblies, op. cit., note 2, pp. 80-81. UNODC & UN OHCHR, Resource Book on the Use of Force and Firearms in Law Enforcement, op. cit., note 24, pp. 94-95. ODIHR, Human Rights Handbook on Policing Assemblies, op. cit., note 2, pp. 80-81. Symons, M.; Smith, G; Dean, G.; Croft, S. & O’Brien, C., Less Lethal Technologies Review of Commercially Available and Near-Market Products for the Association of Chief Police Officers, (Sandridge: United Kingdom Scientific Development Branch, 2008), p10, <ht tps://w w w.yumpu.com/en/ document/read/11273383/less-lethal-technologies-review-of-commercially-icpra>.