Fact Check: Rubber bullets and teargas are commonly used for crowd control by police.

Fact Check: "Rubber bullets and teargas are commonly used for crowd control by police."

What We Know

Rubber bullets and tear gas are indeed widely utilized by police forces for crowd control during protests and demonstrations. According to a UC Berkeley expert, these crowd-control weapons (CCWs) include a range of projectiles and chemical irritants that can cause significant harm. Rubber bullets, which can vary in composition, are not classified as live ammunition but can still inflict severe injuries, especially when fired at close range. Tear gas, a common chemical irritant, is also frequently deployed to disperse crowds, although its use can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory issues and injuries from canisters.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has reported that the use of tear gas has injured over 119,000 people, highlighting the extensive application of these weapons in crowd control scenarios. Furthermore, a report in The Lancet discusses the health impacts of these weapons and emphasizes their increasing use by police forces globally.

Analysis

The claim that rubber bullets and tear gas are commonly used for crowd control is supported by multiple credible sources. The UC Berkeley expert provides a detailed account of how these weapons are employed and their potential for causing harm. This source is reliable as it draws on the expertise of Dr. Rohini Haar, a physician with significant experience in treating injuries from these weapons.

Additionally, the ACLU's report on the injuries caused by tear gas and rubber bullets further corroborates the claim, providing statistical evidence of their widespread use during protests. The report's findings are based on case studies from various countries, adding to its credibility.

On the other hand, some sources, such as the NPR article, also note the risks associated with these crowd-control tactics, reinforcing the notion that they are prevalent in law enforcement practices. The potential for misuse and the indiscriminate nature of these weapons when deployed in crowds raises ethical questions about their continued use.

While the sources consulted are generally reliable, it is important to note that discussions around crowd-control weapons can be politically charged. Thus, while the information presented is factual, interpretations may vary based on individual perspectives on law enforcement and civil rights.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that rubber bullets and tear gas are commonly used for crowd control by police is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources. The widespread deployment of these weapons during protests, along with documented injuries and health risks, confirms their role in law enforcement practices aimed at managing crowds.

Sources

1. Are crowd-control weapons dangerous? Very, says UC Berkeley expert
2. Natural rubber - Wikipedia
3. From 'Flash Bangs' To 'Rubber' Bullets: The Very Real Risks of 'Riot Control Agents'
4. Rubber (2010 film) - Wikipedia
5. As Tear Gas Injures More Than 119,000 People, Researchers Call for Crowd-Control Weapons Regulations
6. Rubber (2010) - IMDb
7. Rubber | Tropical Plants, Petroleum, & Natural Gas | Britannica
8. The health consequences of crowd-control weapons