The ethical system that explains the use of less lethal force technology centers around a concept known as the “justifiable use of force.” According to this principle, participants in a conflict are morally and legally obligated to exhibit restraint when engaging with one another. This means that any application of physical or mental force must be necessary, proportional, and objectively reasonable in order to be considered justifiable. In practice, this translates into law enforcement officers attempting to de-escalate conflicts whenever possible before resorting to the use of deadly weapons such as firearms.

Less lethal technologies provide law enforcement officers with an alternative way for resolving potentially dangerous situations without having to resort to more extreme measures like shooting someone or physically restraining them. The most common forms of these devices include stun guns, pepper sprays, and rubber bullets which allow police officers to subdue suspects without inflicting severe bodily harm or death. By providing an intermediary step between verbal warnings and deadly weapons, these tools give police officers greater control over how they respond during potentially volatile scenarios while still maintaining their safety and the safety of those around them.