DIGHTON, Mass. (WPRI) — A local police department trained several officers a new method that could lead to a decreased use of excessive force.

The Dighton Police Department said on Tuesday they used two 12-gauge Less-Lethal Beanbag Shotguns. Six members of the department have been trained to use this new type of gun.

Rather than a typical gun that deploys a bullet, this gun launches a beanbag round, or “super sock,” that disorients the subject it’s used on.

The goal is the subject’s disorientation from the impact will last long enough to get them into custody without using excessive force, according to the department.

“Our hope is that this equipment will provide our officers with another resource to use while responding to service calls in an effort to keep the Dighton community safe,” said Chief Nichols.

This new equipment was funded with money from the department’s annual budget.

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