The Role of Green Shotguns in Police Procedures: Beanbag Rounds and Less-Lethal Ammunition

In the TV show The Rookie, officers carry one regular shotgun and one green shotgun. The green shotgun is specifically designed for less-lethal rounds, such as beanbag rounds, which are used to enforce compliance or stop resistance where no weapons are being used by the suspect.

Green Shotguns for Less-Lethal Ammunition

Green shotguns, specifically a Remington 870 with green furniture, are commonly used to fire less-lethal rounds. These rounds are typically beanbag rounds intended to subdue suspects without causing lethal harm. Evidence suggests that these rounds are highly effective in stopping resistance and enforcing compliance.

Specially dedicated shotguns for bean bag rounds are often visibly marked with yellow or green markings or bright orange stocks to minimize the risk of accidentally loading lethal ammunition into the weapon. The primary purpose of these markings is to ensure that only less-lethal rounds are used in such scenarios.

Color Coding and Safety Measures

The use of color-coding for less-lethal shotguns is a safety measure to prevent the accidental use of lethal rounds. In my experience, each type of weapon has a distinct color:

Green: Non-lethal rounds, such as rubber slugs or bean bag rounds. While these are not intended to kill, they are still capable of causing significant pain and discomfort. Orange: Typically used for tear gas canisters, these rounds are highly irritant and can cause serious discomfort. Their vivid color makes them easy to distinguish from lethal rounds. Blue: For training purposes, these rounds do not store or fire live ammunition, making them suitable for practice without the risk of injury. Black: Carries and fires live ammunition, which is lethal. This color is used to clearly differentiate these weapons from their non-lethal counterparts.

A frequent concern with less-lethal shotguns is the potential for accidental loading of lethal rounds. By using color-coding, police officers can avoid such mishaps, ensuring that they are equipped with the appropriate ammunition based on the situation at hand.

Less-Lethal Weapons for Specific Situations

The green shotgun is commonly employed in scenarios requiring the use of less-lethal weapons, particularly during riot and crowd control situations. However, the preference and effectiveness of these weapons can vary based on the situation and the level of resistance encountered.

There is a wide range of less-lethal weapons available, including Tasers, batons, and other non-lethal devices. Shotguns, while less common, are sometimes used as an alternative to Tasers or pepper spray due to their broader area of effect and potential for more precise targeting.

Transition to Modern Firearm Technologies

Many law enforcement agencies have shifted from shotguns to modern firearm technologies, such as the AR-15, which are favored by many officers for their versatility and effectiveness. Shotguns, while still valuable in certain scenarios, are gradually being replaced by more modern and specialized weapons.

It is important to note that the classification of weapons as assault rifles or shotguns is often a matter of semantics and does not reflect their intended use. From a practical standpoint, most officers are well-versed in the operation and use of various firearms, and the choice of weapon is often based on the specific needs of the situation.

In conclusion, the green shotgun in law enforcement is a specialized weapon used for firing less-lethal rounds like beanbag rounds. The color coding and safety measures ensure that these weapons are used appropriately to minimize the risk of harm to both suspects and officers. As the landscape of law enforcement continues to evolve, the use of less-lethal weapons remains a critical tool in maintaining public safety and order.