Jackson Police to replace 12‑gauge beanbag shotgun with 40mm less‑lethal launcher in policy update

The Town Council on Sept. 15 approved a Police Department policy update to replace the department’s 12‑gauge beanbag shotgun deployment with a dedicated 40mm less‑lethal launcher and foam/OC payloads.

Chief of Police Michelle Weber said the change separates policy from procedures and aligns the department with current standards used by many agencies. Lieutenant Les Russell described the technical reasons for the shift: 40mm launchers are a dedicated platform with a rifled barrel that improves aiming and range and uses larger-surface-area projectiles designed to reduce the risk of penetrating trauma. Officers would use a variety of projectiles including foam impact rounds, OC (oleoresin capsicum) payloads that disperse pepper spray, and marking rounds that leave a paint spot for later identification.

Russell noted the department’s 12‑gauge beanbag configurations included repurposed shotguns that can be mistaken for lethal firearms in low light and have limited effective range and consistency; by contrast 40mm systems are engineered for less‑lethal effects, longer engagement distances and more consistent energy delivery on impact. The policy change, Councilor Schechter said, reflected careful departmental review; the council voted to approve the revised chapter of the police manual.

What’s next: The department will implement the updated policy, procure the 40mm launchers and rounds consistent with budgetary and training requirements and incorporate procedural details under the town manager’s authority for administrative procedures.