Created: 9/12/2006 9:08:02 PM 
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Air Force secretary says nonlethal weapons such as high-power microwave devices should be used on American citizens in crowd-control situations before they are used on the battlefield.
Secretary Michael Wynne says domestic use would make it easier to avoid questions in the international community over any possible safety concerns.
The Air Force has funded research into nonlethal weapons, but Wynne said the service isn't likely to spend more money on development until injury issues are reviewed by medical experts and resolved.
Nonlethal weapons generally can weaken people if they are hit with the beam.
Some of the weapons can emit short, intense energy pulses that also can be effective in disabling some electronic devices.
Wynne says an injury to someone in an unintended way from the use of such weapons would lead to severe international criticism.
©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
