Guidance

Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-lethal Weapons (SACMILL)

Updated 16 April 2024

SACMILL provides independent advice to UK government departments and organisations on the biophysical, biomechanical, pathological and clinical aspects of less-lethal weapon systems.

It is responsible for:

  • issuing independent statements on the medical implications of the use of specific less lethal weapon systems, when used in accordance with published operational guidance provided to users
  • giving advice on the risk of injury from specific less-lethal weapon systems striking specific areas of the body, in a format that will assist both those responsible for developing policy and for operational users to help make tactical decisions.

Its advice is used to inform decisions relating to the balance of risk of harm to the public against the need for an effective operational capability.

Appointments to SACMILL are made by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans and are remunerated attracting a daily fee of £380. SACMILL names are not released to the public for security reasons.

All appointments and re-appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

2024

January

The Chair and 3 members of the SACMILL have been reappointed for a further 3 years. The Chair’s reappointment will commence on 1 April 2024 and expire 31 March 2027. The 3 members’ reappointment will commence on 1 May 2024 and expire 30 April 2027.

2021

April

4 new members have been appointed for a period of 3 years. The appointment will commence on 1 May 2021 and will expire on 30 April 2024.

March

An Independent Chair of the SACMILL has been appointed. The appointment will commence on 1 April 2021 and expire on 31 March 2024.

2020

July

Reappointment of 2 members from April 2019 to March 2026.

Appointment of acting Chair from March 2019 to February 2021.

2015

June

1 new member for 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2018.