Why not use tasers, police batons or rubber bullets? This seems barbaric for police
Tasers: which China has their analogue of that thing back in 2010s, and even stun batons used by some outfits, tasers doesn't work so well in such engagement scenarios. Think of it like musket shooting but much closer and even more chaotic, and worse of all you don't get to lob a second volley and even time to reload.
Police baton: with pole arms being a common sight, anyone who bring anything shorter (except for those shield bearers) is at a disadvantage.
Rubber bullets: this presents 2 problems -
1. muddles the "no firearms" red line which, ironically, both sides still adheres to, because you simply can't tell a launcher from firearm, and the report of rubber bullet firing from those of firearms in such situation.
2. rubber bullets doesn't work so well against those who wear body armor.
But not those "Q-tips", oh no...you won't want somebody drive that thing right up your arse.