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

Exclusive: Police forces argue bean-bag and foam baton rounds are less harmful than firearms, but the projectiles have been linked to deaths around the world

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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.