Australian police are using so-called ‘less lethal’ weapons – a category which includes tasers, tear gas and projectile launchers – against protesters with increasing frequency and little scrutiny.  These weapons are termed ‘less lethal’, but they can cause serious injury or even kill if misused. While police are deploying these weapons publicly, they often go to great lengths not to publicise what weapons they have and how they’re being used. Guardian Australia's investigations team spent months reviewing protest footage, court and tender records and speaking to experts to build the most comprehensive picture yet of what our police have in their arsenal and what damage they can do.