The police have indicated that through the use of low-risk bullets equipped with plastic warheads, the lethal potential can be diminished to one-tenth of that associated with the .38-caliber revolver, which is the current standard firearm. (Image courtesy of Yonhap/NPA)
SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — The police have made the decision to provide each local police officer, including those stationed at district and police boxes, with a firearm within a three-year timeframe, according to NPA’s announcement on Tuesday.
This initiative includes the issuance of a .38 revolver as well as a low-risk revolver (or less-lethal handgun). Notably, the ‘low-risk revolver’ has garnered considerable attention due to its unique features.
It is a 9mm revolver designed to have significantly reduced lethality. The police have indicated that through the use of less-lethal bullets equipped with plastic warheads, the lethal potential can be diminished to one-tenth of that associated with the .38-caliber revolver, which is the current standard firearm.
For instance, a .38 revolver round aimed at an adult male’s thigh can penetrate up to 48 centimeters, whereas a less-lethal handgun’s penetration is limited to 6 centimeters. However, it’s essential to note that even a low-risk round can prove life-threatening if it strikes a vital organ.
This design not only helps mitigate recoil but also provides a heightened sense of security during firing. Furthermore, the range of the low-risk pistol surpasses that of a Taser by threefold, and its plastic warhead contributes to this extended range.
The police have indicated that through the use of low-risk bullets equipped with plastic warheads, the lethal potential can be diminished to one-tenth of that associated with the .38-caliber revolver, which is the current standard firearm. (Image courtesy of Yonhap/NPA)
These less-lethal handguns are also 25 percent lighter than traditional models and boast a 30 percent reduction in recoil upon firing, making them more user-friendly and easier to carry. Additionally, they offer the flexibility to use various types of ammunition, including low-risk, regular, and specialized fear ammunition in 9mm caliber.
These firearms are equipped with an innovative “smart module” inserted into the gun’s handle. This module automatically records crucial information such as the time and location of firing, shooting angles, the number of shots fired, and the ammunition type used.
Functioning akin to a black box, this smart module has the potential to substantially reduce controversies surrounding potential police overreactions by providing accurate evidence of the circumstances in which the firearm was employed. Optional accessories like a laser pointer can also be attached to enhance accuracy.
The National Police Agency’s objective is to minimize risks, particularly the risk of fatalities, during the process of apprehending criminals. By doing so, they aim to enhance the proactive engagement of police officers in the field.
In a recent announcement, the National Police Agency revealed plans to distribute 5,700 less-lethal handguns to districts and police boxes in the year 2024. This is part of a broader goal to supply 29,000 handguns over three years, effectively achieving a one-to-one firearm-to-officer ratio.
Currently, around 50,000 local police officers working in districts and police boxes are equipped with approximately 22,000 .38 caliber handguns. The police’s intention is to progressively expand the distribution of less-lethal handguns to other specialized units, including detectives.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
