16 organizations and civil society organizations. The results of such monitoring should be considered during training and when updating internal polices or guidance. 4.4 TRANSPARENCY 4.4.1 States and law enforcement agencies should be transparent about their regulation of the use of less-lethal weapons and related equipment and the policies on and criteria for their lawful use. This transparency should include information on the risks resulting from the use of such weapons or equipment. Where manufacturers provide guidance on the risks associated with the use of their less-lethal weapons, this should also be subject to such transparency requirements. Wherever it is possible to do so, States should consider consulting the public prior to the procurement of new types of lesslethal weapons, and law enforcement agencies should be transparent about the types of weapons at their disposal. 4.4.2 The anonymity of law enforcement officials and/or victims may be preserved where necessary and appropriate. Where legitimate limitations are imposed on the detail included in transparency measures, such limitations should not be used as a justification for suppressing the publication of aggregate data. 4.4.3 Relevant data and information should also be shared within law enforcement communities, including at the regional and international levels. 4.5 TRAINING 4.5.1 Law enforcement officials shall be trained in the lawful use of force. This should include training on the applicable human rights principles and standards; on how to avoid the use of force, including through de-escalation techniques, mediation and effective communication; on how less-lethal weapons may offer a safer and effective alternative to firearms; and on which individuals or groups may be especially vulnerable to the use of certain less-lethal weapons.53 Training should be both scenario-based and theoretical in nature, See African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, General Comment on the Right to Life, para. 30. 53