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NSW mounted police
The NSW Mounted Police Unit, also known as the “Mounties” is a small unit of the NSW Police Force, focused on crowd control and ceremonial duties.
man catchers
Man catchers, also known as catchpoles, thief catchers or anti-riot forks, are weapons consisting of a long pole with a restraining device at the end. Police use these weapons to trap the victim’s arm or neck.
public order and riot squad (NSW)
The Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) is a full-time riot squad of the NSW police. Their primary role is to control demonstrations.
crime stoppers (NSW)
NSW Crime Stoppers Ltd is an incorporated public company that operates in partnership with the police and the private sector. Crime Stoppers operates a tip line for people to report on other members of their community with a focus on drug law enforcement. They also run public education campaigns on topics including child protection, dangerous driving and graffiti.
NSW traffic stops guide
a guide to police powers and reducing your risk of being charged on NSW roads
water cannons
Water cannons are “less-lethal” weapons used by police forces for crowd control, made infamous during civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s. Despite their designation as less-lethal, these weapons can cause serious injury and death.
pepper spray / oleoresin capsicum (OC)
Pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, is a chemical used in various police weapons to inflame mucous membranes, causing temporary blindness and extreme pain. Its effects are similar to tear gas, but police use it in different situations and with different deployment mechanisms.
BearCat (ballistic engineered armoured response counter attack truck)
The BearCat (Ballistic Engineered Armoured Response Counter Attack Truck) is an armoured personnel carrier produced by Lenco Industries. BearCats have become popular with police forces throughout the world as part of a trend towards police militarisation.
sound cannon/long range acoustic device (LRAD)
The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), or sound cannon, is a weapon that emits a painful high frequency sound to disperse crowds. It can also be used as a loudspeaker for mass notification. Police claim that the LRAD is a communication device, not a weapon, but the device causes extreme pain and permanent hearing damage.
tasers/electroshock weapons
A taser (also known as a conducted electrical weapon, electroshock weapon or electronic control device) is a weapon that delivers an electric shock of up to 50,000 volts to its victim, causing extreme pain and disabling muscle function. They are marketed as an alternative to firearms but have not been shown to reduce police shootings
batons
Batons are high impact weapons designed to cause pain and injury ranging from bruising to broken bones. They are especially dangerous when striking the head, neck, chest, spine, kidney and tail bone. Striking in these areas can cause unconsciousness, permanent disabilities, or death.
baton rounds
Baton rounds or kinetic impact projectiles are bullets that are designed to cause pain in victims. Despite their marketing as “less lethal” these bullets can cause severe injury or death. Some baton rounds are designed to be fired from regular firearms, and others for use with specialist riot guns which resemble shotguns or grenade launchers.