It's the best non lethal method for subduing a hostile inmate. There are no harmful side effects and it is another layer of protection for correction guards who have a tremendously difficult job as it is. To say that it might be used inappropriately doesn't carry much weight as anything can be used inappropriately, including the belts on their pants, the keys they carry, to the credit card they have in their wallets. You'd be surprised what can be used as a weapon. This is the least harmful method and actually most humane.