[naloth]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

With TL9 equipment, police tactics change dramatically because defensive equipment improves greatly. In the case of patrol officers, reflex tacsuits give them superior protection (DR 20/10) for minimal weight (15 lbs) and minimal cost ($3,000).

I suspect we'll have more "response" than patrol as technology increases.

Reflex is a nice midway point between anticipating a response and interacting with normal folks, though I suspect even lighter clothing that will count as a few points of DR. For officers that mostly interact in "normal" situations, they won't want to wear around the equivalent of heavy winter clothing.

In the case of SWAT officers, powered combat armor gives them incredible protection from conventional weapons.

I suspect that will remain military hardware, unless the general public and suit up as well (which is a whole other set of problems). Robots (very limited AI or remotely operated) and drones are more likely.

In addition, nonlethal weaponry greatly improves. The average patrol car with probably add a CAW with Sleep rounds and a Portable MAD for crowd control. SWAT vans will probably add an ETC Anti-Material Rifle and an ETC Payload Rifle with a wide variety of rounds to allow them to fulfill a wide variety of missions (an ETC Anti-Material Rifle can deliver a 15 mm Biochemical round filled with Sleep Gas from 3,000 yards away). Primary sidearms would include Electrolaser Carbines with 25 mm UGLs with Tangler rounds while secondary sidearms would include Electrolaser Pistols.

Tanglers and Electrolasers (especially with variable settings) seem good. Sleep rounds just aren't fast enough. That's why we don't use traqs now.

Combat Shotguns just get better too. You can have a variety of rounds depending on your needs. I suspect each patrol car will carry one for instances where you need breaching or stopping power.

Gyrocs are another possibility. Judge Dredd style peacemakers for everyone...

So, what else would near future police carry?

Investigators could benefit from sensory equipment (tricorder?) and an AI assistant (skill assist, record interviews, fact check statements, tap databases).

Even regular officers might have an AI looking over their shoulder to scan faces, track interactions, or log paperwork.

Would there be any reason to carry lethal weapons when there are so many good and effective nonlethal options?

Sure. Doors, cars, and even sometimes drugged people can brush off non-lethal weaponry. Electrolasers don't have good penetration either unless they incorporate a very lethal cutting setting. Last, but not least people react differently to "I'll survive this" and "oh crap they are going to kill me" damage. It's good to have a healthy fear that lethal force can be used if you are deemed a big enough threat, even if the police keep it as a last resort.