National Organization of
Black Law Enforcement Executives
Jessie Lee, Jr.

Douglas DeLeaver

Executive Director

National President

Resolution in Support of the Use of Electronic Control Devices and
Less Lethal Devices by Law Enforcement Officers in Use of Force Situations
Whereas, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is
comprised of approximately 3,500 primarily African-American law enforcement CEOs and
command level law enforcement officials; and
Whereas, NOBLE is a member of the Less-Lethal Working Group, whose mission is to assist
local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in developing, implementing and enhancing
policies governing the use of less lethal (commonly known as non lethal) technologies; and
Whereas, less lethal weapons include such electronic control devices such as TASER® devices
and stun belts; and
Whereas, the protection of life is the paramount duty of every law enforcement officer; and
Whereas, the use of less lethal weapons have been proven to be an effective and preferred
alternative to firearms and the use of deadly force; and
Whereas, less lethal weapons have been proven to reduce both injury and death to arrestees, as
well as greatly increasing officer safety in situations where the use of force is necessary; and
Whereas, sufficient training protocols have been established to address concerns on the proper
use of the device, safe removal of the prongs from victims following deployment, medical
interventions, and reducing citizen’s concerns through public awareness campaigns; and
Whereas, model policies and guidelines concerning the use of such less lethal weapons have
been developed; and
Whereas, proper investigation of each deployment of such device shall assure the public’s
confidence in law enforcement’s use of such weapon.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement
Executives, supports the use of less lethal weaponry as an effective tool in the continuum of
force; and with proper training and investigative review policies, suggests that these types of
weapons be standard issue for every officer performing a patrol or prisoner restraint function.
Adopted at the 31st Annual Conference, on July 27, 2007, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.