A. Less lethal devices provide officers with alternative resolutions short of the use of deadly force. In deciding to deploy any less lethal force option, officers should carefully evaluate conditions and factors they know, or have reason to believe, may affect a subject’s response to the application of force or may increase the secondary risks (such as injuries caused by a fall) of the force application.
Less lethal devices are not intended as the first response to potential lethal situations. In no situation are officers required to use less force than is being threatened by a subject. In the interest of public safety, less lethal options shall not be employed against lethal threats except when lethal cover is available and in place, to provide protection for the officers employing these tools, as well as innocent parties who are not involved.
B. Less Lethal devices may be used, when necessary:
1. To overcome a subject’s combative intent, active physical resistance, and/or assaultive behavior
2. To control, disable or subdue persons bent on harming themselves or others and/or
3. To provide self-defense.
C An officer is justified in using less lethal force in circumstances where an officer reasonable believes that other force options would be ineffective or impractical.
D. Only officers who have successfully completed a training course designated by the Captain of the Education & Training Section in the use and deployment of less lethal weapons will be permitted to deploy such weapons.
1. The Department will provide officers, at a minimum, biannual training in the use of less lethal weapons. This training will also include the use of OC spray and impact weapons.
E. Only Department authorized less lethal options and equipment may be used. At this time, the TASER, Department issued OC spray, specialty Patrol C.A.R.T. (Chemical Agent Response Team) munitions, impact weapons (including the expandable baton), and the beanbag round for the Remington 870 shotgun, are approved for use by appropriately trained patrol officers.
F. Personnel assigned OC spray, Patrol C.A.R.T or TASER less lethal force options are authorized to use these agents or devices during demonstrations, consistent with Department policy, unless otherwise directed by a Supervisor or the Incident Commander. Officers should weigh the capabilities and limitations of these force options in a crowd control setting. Less lethal force, specifically OC spray (Oleoresin Capsicum) or other riot control agents, shall not ordinarily be used to overcome passive resistance by nonviolent and/or peaceful protesters, absent additional compelling factors, or unless previously approved by the Incident Commander.