DEVICES AUTHORIZED FOR USE 11 Figure 2.4. Russian manufactured direct contact electric shock stun devices © Robin Ballantyne/Omega Research Foundation. Projectile electric-shock equipment (see figure 2.5) is designed to temporarily incapacitate subjects by using high-voltage, low-amperage electrical signals which, when administered, cause the subject to lose neuromuscular control. While their aim is to enforce compliance through incapacitation rather than pain, their application is not a painless experience. In order to prevent misuse, it is essential that strict guidelines on permissible use are in place and training courses are attended before any individuals are equipped with these weapons. The physical effects of electric-shock equipment can include burns, puncture wounds, welts and scarring. Use on individuals with underlying health issues or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of exposure can lead to serious injury or death. Photographic evidence indicates that direct-contact stun weapons have been used by police in Azerbaijan (electric-shock shields), Kazakhstan (stun batons) and Armenia (stun batons).18 United Nations (UN) and Council of Europe monitoring reports indicate the use of electric-shock weaponry by police or corrections officials in all the states they have visited in the region in the past 12 years, including Kyrgyzstan (2011), Armenia (2010), Kazakhstan (2009), Georgia (2005), Azerbaijan (2002) and Uzbekistan (2002).19 III. Riot control agents Riot control agents, or chemical irritants, are designed to temporarily deter an individual or group by producing sensory irritation. They are commonly defined as locally acting chemical agents that rapidly produce ‘disabling physical effects’ through sensory irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory 18 ‘Azerbaijan jails opposition Facebook activist’, Dawn.com, 2011, <http://www.dawn.com/ news/626506/azerbaijan-jails-opposition-facebook-activist>; Omega Research Foundation archives; and <http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?155169-The-Armed-Forces-of-ArmeniaOfficial-Thread/page299&s=e13a14e9611a0b6ba791c045301fc915>. 19 All the reports are available to download at <http://www.cpt.coe.int/en/states.htm>.