BEANBAG ROUND Meaning and
Definition
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A beanbag round refers to a type of non-lethal projectile designed for use in firearms or dedicated launcher systems. It is typically made of a fabric or synthetic material filled with small round pellets or bags filled with lead shot or sand. The purpose of a beanbag round is to incapacitate or temporarily immobilize an individual without causing significant or potentially fatal injury.
Beanbag rounds are commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel during certain crowd control situations, where the use of lethal force is discouraged. The round is intended to be fired directly at the target and delivers a powerful impact upon contact, causing pain and discomfort, but without penetrating the skin. The round's design ensures that the energy is dispersed over a larger surface area, minimizing the risk of severe injury or fatality.
The use of beanbag rounds allows law enforcement agencies to maintain control in volatile situations while minimizing the risk of permanent harm to individuals involved. It is important to note, however, that improper usage or firing at close range can still result in severe injury or even death. Proper training and adherence to strict guidelines are crucial when utilizing beanbag rounds to ensure their safe and effective use.
Beanbag rounds can also be referred to as flexible baton rounds or impact rounds due to their capacity to diffuse energy upon impact, although the specific design and composition may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Etymology of BEANBAG ROUND
The word "beanbag round" is derived from the combination of two terms: "beanbag" and "round".
The term "beanbag" originated from the late 19th century, referring to a small bag filled with dried beans, used as a toy or as a projectile in non-lethal situations. The term "bean" itself can be traced back to Old English, from the word "bēan", meaning a leguminous plant with edible seeds.
The term "round" in this context refers to a single projectile fired from a firearm. In the case of beanbag rounds, they are typically round-shaped projectiles made of cloth or leather filled with small lead pellets or similar material.
Therefore, the term "beanbag round" refers to a non-lethal projectile, often used by law enforcement or military forces, which consists of a small bag filled with a material like lead pellets that is fired from a firearm.
