What is the primary purpose of a shotgun in law enforcement?

The primary purpose of a shotgun in law enforcement is crowd control. Shotguns are particularly effective in situations where officers need to manage large groups of people, as they can deliver a spread pattern of shot, making them less likely to miss targets compared to a precision firearm. This capability allows law enforcement to disperse or deter aggressive crowds effectively without resorting to more lethal means.

While shotguns can be used for other purposes, such as delivering less-lethal ammunition for crowd control or training, their primary application in a law enforcement context focuses on managing high-stress situations involving multiple individuals, aiming to maintain public safety and order. The adaptability of a shotgun to shoot various types of ammunition, including non-lethal options, further solidifies its role in crowd control scenarios.