What are chemical and inflammatory agents used for in law enforcement?

Chemical and inflammatory agents are recognized within law enforcement as an intermediate level of force, which means they are employed to control situations where other methods may not be appropriate or effective. This classification allows law enforcement personnel to use these agents to enhance their ability to respond to various scenarios without resorting to lethal means. The intent is to provide officers with tools that can help mitigate threats while minimizing the risk of causing permanent harm.

Using chemical and inflammatory agents, such as tear gas or pepper spray, enables officers to manage crowds, subdue violent individuals, or handle potentially dangerous situations in a manner that aims at de-escalation. By employing these agents, officers can gain control while maintaining a safer environment for both the public and themselves. The emphasis on intermediate-level force also underscores the importance of using proportional responses based on the level of threat encountered, aligning with use-of-force policies that prioritize resolution with minimal harm.

In contrast, chemical agents are not strictly for crowd control or limited to self-defense situations alone. They are not intended to permanently incapacitate threats, as their use is based on the principle of temporary incapacitation to enable law enforcement officers to take necessary actions without causing long-term damage.