Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus
Center for Community and Public Safety
Less-Lethal Weapons: Policies, Practices and Technologies Certificate Program
An outreach program of Penn State’s University College
This material is based upon work supported by the United States Marine Corps under contract number M67004-03-D-0014 Delivery Order number 0032. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Marine Corps.
The Less-Lethal Weapons: Policies, Practices and Technologies Non-Credit Certificate consists of seven modules:
- Module 1: Introduction and Theory
- Module 2: Technologies 1 - Kinetics
- Module 3: Technologies 2 - Riot Control Agents and Related Technologies
- Module 4: Technologies 3 - Maritime and Land Vehicle Stoppers
- Module 5: Technologies 4 - Advanced and Emerging Technologies
- Module 6: Less-Lethal Applications and Public Order
- Module 7: Integration of Less-Lethal Weapons in Decision-Making
The certificate is targeted to law enforcement personnel as a refresher or familiarization program on Less-Lethal weapons. Students will be awarded one Continuing Education Credit (CEU) for every ten hours of instruction. A total of 6.2 CEU’s will be awarded for this certificate.
The Less-Lethal Weapons: Policies, Practices and Technologies Certificate will be awarded only upon the completion of all seven modules. All module prerequisites must be met and a grade of PASS is required in each module in order to earn the certificate.
The first module, “Introduction and Theory,” provides historical background on less-lethal weapons and introduces the underlying principles regarding their use. It introduces themes that may recur in subsequent modules, such as the force continuum; political, ethical, legal and medical implications and considerations; and tactics, techniques, and procedures related to the use of all less-lethal technologies. The next four modules cover the variety of less-lethal technologies currently available. The sixth module introduces students to the application of these technologies in missions involving crowd control, and noncompliant individuals.
The final module integrates the use of less-lethal weapons into decision-making. This module includes a problem-solving exercise involving the selection and deployment of less-lethal weapons. Students will determine adequate manpower levels and deployment for the mission, drawing on the information they have acquired in the previous six modules.
At the conclusion of each module, students complete an assessment of their understanding of the information imparted in that session. This certificate program is not designed to train students in the actual, hands-on of less-lethal weapons. Rather, it provides a general refresher or initial familiarization with these weapons operation, combined with in-depth knowledge regarding the appropriate use of these weapons within the context of law enforcement. This knowledge will equip the student to apply more effectively the tactics, techniques, and procedures associated with each less-lethal technology.
Admission
Graduates of accredited high schools and students with high school equivalency diplomas (GED) may register for this certificate.
Requirements
A Penn State certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all seven required modules as outlined below. All modules require familiarity with the Internet. Students can enroll for the culminating module, Integration of Less-Lethal Weapons in Decision-Making, only after they have successfully completed the other six modules.
Certificate objectives
At the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Recognize kinetic and riot control less-lethal weapons; maritime vessel and vehicle stoppers; and new less-lethal weapons based on emerging technology.
- Define the types of less-lethal weapons available within the U.S. military.
- Recall political considerations involving the use of less-lethal weapons.
- Restate ethical considerations involving the use of less-lethal weapons.
- Review legal considerations involving the use of less-lethal weapons.
- Discuss medical implications and considerations surrounding the use of less-lethal weapons.
- Discuss less-lethal weapon applications for crowd control and non-compliant individuals.
- Analyze the need for, then invent, design, and apply tactics, techniques, and procedures involving the use of less-lethal weapons on a mock mission involving crowd control and non-compliant individuals.
- Recall information sources that will deepen the student’s understanding of less-lethal weapon policies, practice, and technologies.
University Policies
Access: Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about physical access provided, please contact the person listed for the location you wish to attend.
Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is cancelled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by the University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 865-4700/V, (814) 863-1150/TTY.