‘Less lethal’ deaths: courts examine role of controversial police weapons before three Australians died

The use of the so-called ‘less lethal’ weapons in incidents that led to the deaths of three people in NSW and Victoria has come under scrutiny. Composite: Getty/AAP

At least three people died within four months of one another after being shot with “less lethal” projectiles and stun guns at their homes, sparking a series of inquests and civil cases that could overhaul how police officers use force.

Police forces have argued the projectiles – such as bean-bag and foam baton rounds fired from weapons similar to shotguns and other launchers – provide officers with a less harmful alternative to firearms.