While the behaviour of riot police may not have become any more sophisticated since they were cracking skulls during the ’60s, their equipment has.
As the New York Times‘ illustrated evolution shows, they’ve gone from billy clubs, rudimentary gas masks and tear gas, to kevlar, non-lethal shotguns (?!) wireless communications and flash bangs. But one thing has remained the same: tear gas. [NY Times]
Ozoneocean
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2:27 PMSeems they went backwards. In the 90s they were enlightened and now it’s suddenly an Orwellian nightmare.
Steve
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 3:26 PMNext stop: Combine!
Steve
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 3:27 PM“non-lethal shotguns (?!)”
If you looked at the infographic it doesn’t actually say ‘non-lethal’, rather the much more ominous “less-lethal”
Mr Odd
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 9:28 PM‘less-lethal’ is the right term.
They can still kill, like a head shot on a kid. Just like tasers and pepper spray, must still be used with care. But much nicer than a lead round.
Osiris Fox
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 4:42 PMA march and a riot are not the same.
Mr Odd
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 9:31 PMI’ll say, one is MOSTLY peaceful and legal, the other is a total break down in law and order.
Drew
Monday, December 12, 2011 at 1:52 PMRiots often do start from what appears to be a march… The police are simply coming prepared for the worst, they aren’t super man and cant change into riot gear at the snap of the fingers in a phone booth.