Control_Devices_and_Techniques

Policy 303CSU Police Department Draft Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentControl Devices and Techniques - 1Control Devices and Techniques 303.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy provides guidelines for the use and maintenance of control devices that are described in this policy. 303.2 POLICY In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the CSU Police Department authorizes officers to use control devices in accordance with the guidelines in this policy and the Use of Force Policy. 303.3 ISSUING, CARRYING AND USING CONTROL DEVICES Control devices described in this policy may be carried and used by members of this department only if the device has been issued by the Department or approved by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Only members who have successfully completed department-approved training in the use of any control device are authorized to carry and use the device. Control devices may be used when a decision has been made to control, restrain or arrest a subject who is violent or who demonstrates the intent to be violent, and the use of the device appears reasonable under the circumstances. When reasonable, a verbal warning and opportunity to comply should precede the use of these devices. When using control devices, members should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to minimize injuries and unintentional targets. 303.4 RESPONSIBILITIES 303.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES The Watch Commander may authorize the use of a control device by selected personnel or members of specialized units who have successfully completed the required training. 303.4.2 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Chief of Police or designee shall control the inventory and issuance of all control devices and shall ensure that all damaged, unsafe, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or munitions are properly disposed of, repaired or replaced. The Chief of Police or designee shall review, inspect and approve all authorized control devices prior to issuance for departmental use. Every control device will be inspected annually by the designated instructor for a particular control device. This safety inspection shall be documented. CSU Police Department Draft Policy Manual Control Devices and Techniques Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentControl Devices and Techniques - 2303.4.3 USER RESPONSIBILITIES All normal maintenance, charging or cleaning shall remain the responsibility of personnel using the various devices. When not carried in a duty gear holster or otherwise readily available while on- duty, all control devices shall be safely stored in the member's assigned locker or designated area. Any damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or munitions, along with documentation explaining the cause of the damage, shall be returned to the Rangemaster for disposition. Damage to State property shall be documented and forwarded through the chain of command, explaining the cause of damage. 303.5 BATON GUIDELINES The need to immediately control a suspect must be weighed against the risk of causing serious injury. The head, neck, throat, spine, heart, kidneys and groin should not be intentionally targeted except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others. When carrying a baton, uniformed personnel shall carry the baton in its authorized holder on the equipment belt or exterior vest. Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry the baton as authorized and in accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor. 303.6 OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC) GUIDELINES As with other control devices, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray and pepper projectiles may be considered for use to bring under control an individual or groups of individuals who are engaging in, or are about to engage in violent behavior. Pepper projectiles and OC spray should not, however, be used against individuals or groups who merely fail to disperse or do not reasonably appear to present a risk to the safety of officers or the public. 303.6.1 OC SPRAY Uniformed personnel carrying OC spray shall carry the device in its holster on the equipment belt or exterior vest. Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry OC spray as authorized, in accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor. 303.6.2 PEPPER PROJECTILE SYSTEMS Pepper projectiles are plastic spheres that are filled with a derivative of OC powder. Because the compressed gas launcher delivers the projectiles with enough force to burst the projectiles on impact and release the OC powder, the potential exists for the projectiles to inflict injury if they strike the head, neck, spine or groin. Therefore, personnel using a pepper projectile system should not intentionally target those areas, except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others. Officers encountering a situation that warrants the use of a pepper projectile system shall notify a supervisor as soon as practicable. A supervisor shall respond to all pepper projectile system CSU Police Department Draft Policy Manual Control Devices and Techniques Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/28, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentControl Devices and Techniques - 3incidents where the suspect has been hit or exposed to the chemical agent. The supervisor shall ensure that all notifications and reports are completed as required by the Use of Force Policy. Each deployment of a pepper projectile system shall be documented. This includes situations