The Los Angeles Police Department’s use of foam-firing 40mm less-lethal launchers is drawing intense scrutiny as policies clash with real-world enforcement.
Story Overview
- LAPD’s less-lethal weapon policy restricts use to immediate threats.
- Summer 2025 protests saw controversial use, leading to injuries.
- A January 2026 ruling banned 40mm launchers in crowd control.
- LAPD faces accountability challenges amid ongoing investigations.
LAPD’s Less-Lethal Weapon Policy
The LAPD’s rulebook on deploying 40mm less-lethal launchers strictly limits their use to scenarios involving immediate threats to public or officer safety. This policy, though in place for some time, garnered heightened attention during the summer 2025 protests against immigration enforcement. During these protests, LAPD officers controversially used the launchers, resulting in injuries from head and groin shots, sparking public outcry and legal scrutiny.
LAPD rulebook shows when cops can — and can’t — fire ‘non-lethal’ weapons https://t.co/M4UydVomPb pic.twitter.com/I2HvUg3fl0
— New York Post (@nypost) January 18, 2026
Despite the policy’s clear stipulations, the use of these weapons during protests has led to accusations of misuse. The controversy gained momentum when the L.A. City Council voted in December 2025 to continue allowing the use of these launchers, alongside tear gas, under the oversight of California’s AB 481 annual review. This decision came under fire as it appeared to contradict the LAPD’s own stringent guidelines.
Judicial Intervention and Contempt Ruling
In January 2026, a U.S. District Judge, Consuelo B. Marshall, found the LAPD in contempt of a 2021 injunction that restricted the use of 40mm launchers. This ruling specifically banned their use in crowd control and protests. The injunction initially aimed to curb excessive force following the 2020 protests and required officers to issue warnings and undergo specialized training before deploying these weapons. The contempt ruling reflects the ongoing challenges in enforcing policy adherence within the LAPD.
The LAPD’s immediate response to the ruling was to issue an internal memo prohibiting the use of 40mm launchers during crowd control. This decision underscores the department’s acknowledgment of the judicial order, yet it also highlights the tension between maintaining public safety and adhering to legal constraints.
Impact and Repercussions
The implications of the ban on 40mm launchers in protests are significant. In the short term, the LAPD must adjust its crowd control tactics, potentially increasing the risk of chaos during large gatherings. The department’s history of civil rights issues further complicates its ability to maintain public trust. With 86 complaints related to the 2025 protests under investigation, including 59 for excessive force, the LAPD faces mounting pressure to reform its approach to less-lethal weapon use.
Long-term, the city risks further lawsuits and settlements, having already paid over $50 million in 2024 alone for civil rights and unlawful force claims. The judicial precedent set by the contempt ruling could influence broader law enforcement practices across California, particularly in light of AB 481’s emphasis on public review of military-style equipment.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Key stakeholders in this situation include the LAPD, the L.A. City Council, and advocacy groups like Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles. The LAPD, led by Chief Jim McDonnell, argues for the necessity of these weapons as de-escalation tools, while also recognizing the liability risks they pose. The City Council’s decisions reflect a balancing act between public safety and oversight, often influenced by federal judicial rulings that override local authority.
Advocates for reform, such as attorney Carol Sobel, emphasize the necessity of holding the LAPD accountable for policy violations and protecting the rights of protesters and journalists. The ongoing investigations and legal challenges illustrate the complex power dynamics at play, where judicial decisions significantly impact local law enforcement policies and practices.
