Policy Text
Policy
303Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove 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
Garden Grove Police Department authorizes officers to use control devices in accordance with
the guidelines in this policy and the Use of Force Policy.
All new sworn employees will complete an orientation and qualification with their authorized
control devices during their orientation program. The orientation program will include the issuance
and instruction in the Use of Force Policy. Should there develop an exception, the employee(s)
can continue with their field training program, provided the employee(s) successfully passed
an Academy’s Firearms Training course (California POST approved). The minimum passing
qualification score will be 80% of the highest possible score.
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 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.
Officers are authorized to carry only the following control devices:
(a)Approved baton/ASP
(b)Approved Chemical Agent
(c)Approved kinetic energy projectile shotgun
(d)Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW)
(e)PepperBall Delivery System
(f)Approved 40mm kinetic energy projectile single and multi-launchers and munitions
(g)Approved 12 gauge “gas rounds” (SWAT Team only)
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Control Devices and Techniques
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentControl Devices and Techniques - 2(h)Approved 40 mm “gas rounds” (SWAT Team only)
Community Service Officers assigned as Field Report Writers are authorized to carry only the
following control device:
(a)Approved Chemical Agent
Control devices are not intended to replace firearms or self-defense techniques. They may be
used to control a dangerous or violent subject when deadly physical force does not appear to be
justified and/or necessary; or attempts to subdue the subject by other conventional tactics have
been, or will likely be, ineffective in the situation. Control devices may also be used in situations
where there is a reasonable expectation that it will be unsafe for officers to approach a person
and take him or her into custody without the probability of injury to the officers or suspect.
303.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
303.4.1 DIVISION LIEUTENANT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Division Lieutenant 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 RANGEMASTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Rangemaster 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 Rangemaster or the designated instructor
for a particular control device. The inspection shall be documented.
303.4.3 USER RESPONSIBILITIES
All normal maintenance, charging or cleaning shall remain the responsibility of personnel using
the various devices.
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 City property forms shall also be prepared and forwarded through the
chain of command, when appropriate, 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. 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.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Control Devices and Techniques
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentControl Devices and Techniques - 3303.6 TEAR GAS GUIDELINES
Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based
on the circumstances. Only the Division Lieutenant, Incident Commander or Crisis Response Unit
Commander 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