Policy Text
Policy
305Fremont Police Department
Control Devices and Techniques
305.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use and maintenance of control devices that are described
in this policy.
305.2 POLICY
In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the Fremont
Police Department authorizes officers to use control devices in accordance with the guidelines in
this policy and the Use of Force Policy.
305.3 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 officers 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, officers should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to
minimize injuries and unintentional targets.
305.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
305.4.1 ARMORER AND RANGEMASTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The department Armorer or Range Master shall control the inventory and issuance of all control
devices and shall ensure that all damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or
munitions are properly disposed of, repaired or replaced.
Every control device will be periodically inspected by the department Armorer or Range Master,
or the designated instructor for a particular control device. The inspection shall be documented.
305.4.2 USER RESPONSIBILITIES
Any damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or munitions, along with
documentation explaining the cause of the damage, shall be returned to the department Armorer or
Range Master for disposition. Damage to City property forms shall also be prepared and forwarded
through the chain of command, when appropriate, explaining the cause of damage.
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305.5 BATON GUIDELINES
Refer to the Impact Weapons policy (304)
305.6 TEAR GAS GUIDELINES
Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based
on the circumstances. Watch Commanders, Incident Commanders or Tactical Commanders may
authorize the delivery and use of tear gas, and only after evaluating all conditions known at the
time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.
When practicable, fire personnel should be alerted or summoned to the scene prior to the
deployment of tear gas to control any fires and to assist in providing medical aid or gas evacuation
if needed.
Only officers or supervisors trained in the use of tear gas weapons should discharge such devices
at the scene.
Refer to the annual Military Equipment Report for a listing of authorized tear gas: https://
www.fremontpolice.gov/about-us/transparency-portal/ab-481
305.7 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 or against barricaded suspects based on the
circumstances. Watch Commander, Incident Commander or Tactical Commander authorization
is required prior to use for a barricaded suspect. 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.
305.7.1 OC SPRAY
Uniformed personnel carrying OC spray shall carry the device affixed to their person in a secure
manner. 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.
Deployment distances are specified via the manufacturer of a minimum of 3 feet with a maximum
effective range of 10-12 feet. This minimum distance generally should be considered during
deployment to prevent eye damage to the subject. Using OC spray closer than manufacturer's
recommendations generally should only be considered when higher levels of force would be
reasonable, or in defense of the officer's life. The use of alternate means of deploying the OC
spray, e.g., swabbing the eyes, is prohibited.
Authorized OC Spray: Defense Technologies MK-6.68oz, or Defense Technologies MK-4 3oz
305.7.2 PEPPER PROJECTILE SYSTEMS
The Fremont Police Department employs two types of Pepperball systems:
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1) Pepperball FTC Launcher(Black, under-system air tank, hopper fed, standard ball Pepperball
munitions)
2) Pepperball VKS Launcher (Black with Yellow Markings, AR-15 style, magazine fed, VXR
UltraSonic-Welded and Spin Stabilized munitions)
Prior to deployment of ANY Pepperball system, personnel must be properly trained and certified
to deploy the specific Pepperball system they plan to deploy (FTC or VKS).
Pepper