Definition of terms used by the Less Lethal Working Group:

Less Lethal - Less-lethal, non-lethal, or compliance weapons are all terms for weapons that are designed to have a minumum chance of killing or seriously injuring the intended target. Like any weapon, however, there is always the chance of injury or death, and thus the term non-lethal may be misleading.

Use of Force Continuum - this is a guideline used to law enforcement officials on how much force is appropriate to use in a given circumstance. There is no universally accepted use of force continuum, though many law enforcement agencies have their own standards used in training their officers or officials.

Proper Use of Force - aka legally justifiable use of force; using an amount of force that is legal and appropriate for a situation.

Some common non-lethal or less-lethal technologies:

TASER - though technically a brand name, TASER is often used to refer to any electronic stun gun or other electroshock weapon. By administering an electric shock either from a close proximity or at a range, an TASER or stun gun disrupts basic muscle function, incapacitating the target.

Pepper spray - aka OC Spray, Mace spray; pepper spray is a chemical agent that irritates the eyes, causing tears, pain, and blindness in the target or targets, rendering them incapacitated. The chemical used in pepper spray can be administered directly through a hand-held aeroesol spray can, or at longer ranges by being fired out of a launcher.

Tear gas - any one of a number of chemical agents, including pepper spray (OC spray), that is used to create irritation in the eyes. Tear gas is usually delivered at a range from a launcher.