Previous legislation—passed as a result of public outcry—had all but barred the use of less-lethal weapons such as tear gas and blast balls for Seattle police.

New rules are now in place on how Seattle police can control crowds with weapons such as blast balls, tear gas and pepper spray following a final vote by city councilmembers on Tuesday.The 6-3 decision by city leaders lays out clear policies for when police may use less lethal weapons.

City councilmembers will vote on allowing SPD officers to use less lethal weapons such as pepper balls and tear gas to disperse crowds