PART III.  INSTRUMENTS OF FORCE Most projectiles are relatively inaccurate, particularly at longer ranges, and cannot be aimed at an individual with accuracy so there is great risk of hitting vulnerable areas above the waist, especially the head, neck, chest and groin. In particular, when shooting multiple projectiles, they are inherently indiscriminate and arbitrary, hence should be avoided. In order to improve accuracy, an accuracy measurement or standard is needed to which these weapons should conform. Although projectiles may be used for the purpose of incapacitating an individual, they should only ever be used when the situation meets the criteria for the potential use of lethal force, that is when there is an imminent threat to life or limb. When used in a public context, and considering the high risk of lethality of rubber coated metal bullets, only rubber bullets should be used. In serious disorder the following should be observed: • Blunt trauma projectiles should not be used at close range (and only at, or beyond, the minimum intended range specified for the weapon and projectile). • Sensitive parts of the body should not be targeted, in particular the head, neck, chest and groin. • Projectiles are often inaccurate, especially with increasing range,216 which heightens the risks of hitting sensitive parts of the body unintentionally. • These weapons should only be used against specific individuals. They should not be used against crowds due to the risks of hitting bystanders. ATTENUATING ENERGY PROJECTILES Following the history in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom developed a system, referred to as “attenuating energy projectiles” (AEP), which is claimed to be more accurate than plastic and rubber bullets. An AEP is a form of baton round in which the front part collapses/crumbles on impact with a person and so absorbs some of the energy in itself. This is supposed to make it less severe in its impact on the body. These bullets usually do not immediately incapacitate a subject, and law enforcement officials armed only with these weapons should bear in mind that they are less well protected and therefore not expose themselves or be exposed to unnecessary risks by confronting subjects who may be armed with a firearm.a The AEP “is intended for use as an accurate and discriminating projectile, designed to be fired at individual aggressors. The issue, deployment and use of AEP in a public order situation will be subject to authority levels and command measures of the highest integrity”. In principle, it is deployed in a two-person team structure, where one officer handles the system while the other assists in the recording of the use and effect of rounds. “The minimum number of AEP System teams will be deployed in order to achieve the lawful objective. The System will only be deployed in open view of the public when its use is imminent. (…) Where the use of the System becomes necessary only the minimum number of rounds will be fired in order to achieve the lawful objective”.b Every round fired will be reported and the commanders in charge will issue a report spelling out the circumstances and reasons for deployment. There are high standards for AEP gunners which include compulsory training, accuracy standards and regular retraining. The AEP is clearly considered a specialist weapon rather than a generalist tool. a College of Policing (2013): Use of force, firearms and less lethal weapons [Internet]. https://www.app.college.police. uk/app-content/armed-policing/use-of-force-firearms-and-less-lethal-weapons/ [Accessed 19 February 2015] b 216  Ibid. The recommended safety distance for using many of these types of ammunition is 40 metres. 95