In the riot-related case, what type of round was used against a man not participating in the riot, leading to an excessive force ruling?

• A. Rubber bullet
• B. Tear gas
• C. Bean bag round
• D. Baton

Answer: (C)

When officers control crowds, the force used must be proportional to the threat and necessary to achieve safety. A bean bag round is a blunt, impact projectile designed for crowd control, intended to deter or incapacitate rioters at a distance. It carries real risk of serious injury, especially when aimed at someone who is not participating in the riot or posing any threat. In this scenario, firing a bean bag round at a man who wasn’t involved goes beyond what was needed to manage the situation, making the force excessive and leading to the ruling.

Other tools listed are different riot-control options, but they aren’t the round described. Rubber bullets are also blunt projectiles with injury risk, tear gas is a chemical agent used to disperse crowds, and a baton is a handheld weapon—none of these fit the specific scenario of a round fired at a non-participant in a riot. The crucial point is that force must be directed at those who pose a threat and be proportionate to that threat.