FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) — Less-lethal weapons are drawing new interest as a series of fatal police shootings have sparked outrage and protests around the country.

A company in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, makes blunt-impact projectiles that make people double over in pain, but do not cause lasting injuries.

Micron Products manufactures the projectiles, using technology patented by Security Devices International, a defense technology company.

They are among many companies marketing less-lethal weapons to police departments.

Sixteen law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and six in Canada have bought the projectiles, including police departments in East Hartford, Connecticut; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

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