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A PepperBall analysis of a major metropolitan police department in the western United States found that reported use-of-force incidents declined, including a reduction in deadly-force incidents, following adoption of the PepperBall non-lethal system. PepperBall will highlight these findings at IACP 2026 in Orlando, Florida, October 24–27, alongside the TAC-PATROL™ and VKS PHANTOM™ launchers introduced earlier this year at SHOT Show. Attendees can meet the PepperBall team at Booth #1775.
What the Data Means for Patrol
For chiefs evaluating ways to reduce uses of force, those numbers deserve attention. They show why giving patrol officers access to non-lethal tools belongs in the conversation about response options, training and accountability.
Patrol officers are often first to arrive at calls involving armed individuals, barricaded subjects or escalating behavior. Giving those officers a means of responding from a distance can create more time to assess conditions, communicate and make decisions about the level of force needed. PepperBall continues to work with agencies to bring these capabilities into everyday patrol, backed by training and practical equipment choices. The complete use-of-force analysis will be available at the PepperBall booth.
Two New Launchers Built Around Patrol Needs
PepperBall will also feature two launchers brought to market at SHOT Show 2026. The TAC-PATROL and VKS PHANTOM offer different configurations for agencies considering how non-lethal tools fit into their patrol response.
PepperBall TAC-PATROL™
Designed specifically for daily patrol, the TAC-PATROL combines a compact, lightweight design with features that make it easier to carry, access and operate from a patrol vehicle. Its push-button folding stock allows officers to maneuver in tighter spaces, while a 60-round hopper and lightweight 4500 PSI carbon fiber air tank support extended use. The semi-automatic .68-caliber launcher was developed with the realities of patrol work in mind, providing a readily accessible non-lethal option for officers responding to changing conditions.
PepperBall VKS PHANTOM™
The VKS PHANTOM offers a compact, magazine-fed alternative for situations where mobility and maneuverability are priorities. Featuring a six-inch barrel, compatibility with both standard PepperBall round projectiles and VXR™ projectiles, and a maximum range of 150 feet, the VKS PHANTOM gives officers and tactical teams another option for operations in confined spaces. Its lightweight construction and flexible air-source configurations support a variety of operational requirements.
Both launchers expand the choices available to agencies looking for equipment that fits the way patrol officers work.
Supporting the Officers Who Respond First
“The numbers matter because chiefs need to know whether the tools they put in officers’ hands are making a difference,” said Michael Lee, Vice President of State and Local Sales at PepperBall. “We see an opportunity to keep building on these results by making non-lethal options more accessible to patrol. When an officer can address a threat from a distance, there may be more time to communicate, reassess and avoid a more serious outcome. The TAC-PATROL and VKS PHANTOM reflect the practical side of that commitment. They give departments more ways to equip the officers who respond first.”
Attendees can visit PepperBall at Booth #1775 during the IACP Exposition, October 25–27, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
For media inquiries, contact Naomi Schware at nschware@pepperball.com.
