NZ POLICE SPONGE ROUNDS:

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Our recently appointed replacement Police Commissioner seems to have aroused some commentators interest in police weaponry - when he mentioned that while the NZ Police would not be adopting recently trialled armed patrols .. they would instead focus on other forms of equipment such as body armour and "SPONGE ROUNDS".

It is remarkable how these media experts NOW object to police techniques and weapons that were publicly announced nearly seven years ago .. 

These expert spokespersons have noticed that police weapons may be injurious to anyone targeted hit..

Re-Post of my old blog on these Sponge Rounds:

Thursday 2nd January 2014:

NZ POLICE XM1006 Non Lethal SPONGE ROUND

XM1006 SPONGE ROUND

Superintendant Bruce Dunstan, Commander of NZ Police National Tactical Groups, today (29/11/2013) publicly announced a new tactical option – a sponge round fired from a 40mm gas launcher as already in use by A.O.S and Special Tactics Groups. - The rounds have a 30metre range but may be fired at "extremely close range" with no greater risk of serious injury". The high density sponge nose is aerodynamic in flight and is designed to spread its blow over 4.5 times the surface area of its 40mm calibre on impact.

"While the round does cause pain, bruising and abrasions, there is a wealth of international medical evidence that shows the risk of serious or life threatening injury is extremely low. However, if it assists police to resolve an armed situation safely without having to resort to firearms, then it has justified its use."

                             New Zealand Police Picture: "XM1006 SPONGE ROUND"

The weapon shown in the NZ Police photo is a Heckler & Koch (HK69A1) MZP1 multipurpose police variant, rubber bullet and tear-gas grenade launcher (weighing 2.52kg.). This is a break action, breech loaded single shot. (- Made in Italy under license by Luigi Franchi S.p.A.).

- Wikipedia says that the spin stabilised 28gm projectile may be fatal at ranges closer than 10 to 15 metres, - the sponge round fired from a 40mm M203 or M79 military grenade launcher provides temporary incapacitation by blunt trauma (but may cause broken bones) out to 50metres, retaining a velocity of 200 feet per second at 50 metres.

The 40MM 'eXact iMpact' XM1006 cartridges are made by SAFARILAND – part no. 6325 - they are quoted as costing between US$55 and US$25 per round.

                                                   SPONGE ROUND & SECTION

'Defense Technologies' says that the optimal target zone is the "large muscle groups of the buttocks, thigh, and even the knees of the subject." These areas provide sufficient pain stimulus, while greatly reducing serious or life threatening injuries. "However, the size and weight of this round makes it the safest of all choices for engaging the abdomen or upper torso of the subject."

 Marty K.