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Abstract
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The present study explored the usability of a less-lethal launcher from the end-user's perspective. A within-subjects field experiment (N = 16) tested the FN 303® in a lab condition, enabling optimal firing conditions, and in a high-pressure simulated operational condition (SOC).
RESULTS showed that the high-pressure SOC, which was both psychologically and physiologically challenging, provoked significantly more subjective workload and substantial increases in cortisol biomarker secretion. Importantly, the SOC had a deleterious effect on participants' shooting accuracy at a static target at 30 m. Moreover, as might be expected, accuracy was affected, notably in the hazardous vertical y-axis. Finally, the SOC significantly influenced participants' perception of overall usability of the FN 303®. These findings, combined with reduced accuracy, could become critical factors during real-life crowd control operations. To the authors' knowledge, no empirical work has tested less-lethal launchers from an end-user's perspective. Recommendations are made in regard to selection, training, skill maintenance, and design. Practitioner Summary: A less-lethal launcher was tested under two conditions (lab vs. simulated operational condition). Workload, salivary cortisol as biomarker, shooting accuracy, and the weapon's perceived usability were measured. Increased workload led to reduced vertical accuracy, even at 30 m distance. Also, the reported usability of the less-lethal launcher was significantly lower in the simulated operational condition.
Language: en |