delivering

External area clearing or area denial
systems
Certain manufacturers have developed and promoted a
range of “less lethal” systems, including those delivering
riot control agents which appear to be intended to
clear or ensure denial of specific outdoor areas. Some
of these devices appear to be target-activated whilst
others are controlled by a remote operator.
Water restraint system [Israel]
In addition to the standard kinetic effects of high
pressure water jets, the company marketing material
has stated that: “[I]n extreme situations, chemicals can
be injected in the water stream, under officer control, to
further restrain and demobilize the inmate. For example,
when the operator determines that the situation
requires more severe action, Oleoresin Capsicum…
can be automatically injected into the water stream.
Options include the injection of Tear Gas and colored or
colorless dyes if marking the object is desired.” 38
The company marketing materials have stated that:
“A subject sprayed with OC water stream will
experience closing of the eyes, burning sensation of
skin and mucous membranes, uncontrollable coughing,
breathing difficulty, and possible muscle spasms. The
subject is quickly immobilized though not seriously
injured, eliminating the threat…B.A.T.’s Water Restraint
System…will stop inmate fighting in less than 15
seconds…” 39
The company has stated that “[t]he chemical strengths
are selected at the time the B.A.T’s WRS is installed.” 40
No further details are provided as to the nature and
strength of the chemical agents employed in this
system.
“Anti-Riot Warning Mines” [China]
Images of water restraint system (WRS) taken from Biet Alfra
Technologies website
The Israeli company, Beit Alfa Technologies, has
developed and as of November 2015, promoted the
Water Restraint System (WRS) which it described as
“a non-lethal, high-pressure water stream restraining
system designed specifically for control of dangerous
inmate situations in correctional facilities.” 36 According
to the company, the high-pressure water stream
“provides enough force to restrain an average size
human at a distance of 131 feet.” The WRS is available
for both mobile and stationary mounting. Stationary
installations are custom designed to each application
and “typical installations” include “building rooftops
viewing small exercise yards and on self-supporting
towers.” 37
Less than lethal mines displayed on the 9604 Factory Xiangfan City Hubei
Province stall at China Police, 2008. Photograph: © Robin Ballantyne/
Omega Research Foundation.
The Chinese State-owned No. 9604 Factory has
developed and promoted a range of “Anti-Riot Warning
Mines” which have the: “features of both mine and
anti-riot grenade.” These mines “can immediately
work and barricade rioters and raise an alarm when
the distributed mine is lifted and knocked down.” They
can also be used “for guard[ing] along with roadblocks
under main roads and important departments.” 41
According to State-owned No. 9604 Factory
news/25934203_1_jail-administrators-inmates-gas (accessed 20th
November 2015).
36 Water Restraint System, Beit Alfa Technologies, details
available from the company website http://www.bat.co.il/products2.
htm (accessed 9th November 2015).
37 Ibid.
38 Ibid.
39 Ibid.
40 Ibid.
41 No.9604 Factory Xiangfan City Hubei Province, Anti-riot
grenades for police, [In English and Chinese], undated publication,
distributed by company in 2006 [copy held by Omega Research
Foundation].
Remote Control Project 8