Policy Text
Amir El -Farra , CHIEF OF POLICE
Professional Standards Division NUMBER: 2023 -04
ISSUED: May 11 , 2023
Amended Less -Lethal Shotgun Engagement Distances
This training bulletin is intended to advise all Garden Grove Police Department Sworn Staff of the recommended
distances for the application of less -lethal shotgun projectiles.
The Garden Grove Police Department currently deploys the Remington 870 shotgun as a less lethal force option
for sworn personnel. This weapon system/force option can be deployed for the purposes of:
De-escalating a dangerous or p otential deadly situation
To protect officers or other persons from harm, including the suspect from self -inflicted injury
When such force is necessary and appropriately used in an effort to reduce the potential for death or
serious injury to all persons involved
Under circumstances where tactical application will increase the likelihood of safety to officers and/or the
public
Examples of scenarios where less -lethal shotguns can and should be deployed include high -risk vehicle stops,
armed and dangerous s uspects, and suspects who are actively or physically displaying violent tendencies.
Previously, the Garden Grove Police Department had a recommended minimum standoff distance of 30 -feet, for
the less lethal shotgun. This was largely in part due to the the n utilized 2nd generation less lethal shotgun
munitions. These 2nd generation munitions consisted of a square -shaped bean bag, which expanded upon
release from the shell/casing, (see below). There were several case studies during this period where signific ant
injury occurred when the 2nd generation bean bag round was applied within 30 -feet.
2nd Gen Bean Bag Round 3rd Gen CTS “Super Sock” Round
TRAINING BULLETIN
Due to these limitations and concerns, CTS then developed the 3rd generation less lethal round. The CTS 3rd
generation bean bag round is synonymously referred to as the “Super -Sock” round. The 3rd generation munition
consists of an improved design that gives the projectile improved accuracy through its flight stabil ity features.
The more pliable and edge -free projectile makes the round less likely to penetrate the skin and cause serious
injury or death. This technology permits the “Super -Sock” round to be ready for impact once it is fired.
Recently, the Garden Grov e Police Department conducted research in reference to the minimum standoff
distance for the CTS “Super -Sock” round. Per the manufacturer’s recommendation, they do not publish or
emphasize “minimum safe standoff distance” for their munitions. Instead, the emphasis is placed on shot
placement as being the most critical factor in determining effectiveness and the potential for injury.
Through research, we have learned that several Federal, State, and Local agencies have adopted/set a 5 -foot
minimum safe stan doff distance for the CTS “Super -Sock” less lethal round. This was concluded after extensive
testing and application in sterile and kinetic environments. Garden Grove Police Department also conducted its
own testing and determined that the CTS “Super -Sock” less lethal munition deviated after reaching a distance
of 75 -feet or more.
With these findings and information in mind, the Garden Grove Police Department Training Staff recommends
the effective range for the CTS “Super -Sock” less lethal round is 5-75 feet. Application of the “Super -Sock” round
within 5 -feet may be considered hazardous and/or deadly force.
Further case studies and information indicate there are increased risks of injury and/or death if the CTS 3rd
generation “Super -Sock” round impacts s pecific locations on the target’s body. These locations were determined
to be the head, neck, spine, upper chest area, kidneys, lower back, and groin. Officers should avoid targeting
these locations, unless lethal force is considered.
For information rega rding target zones, refer to GGPD Policy 303.
Created by: GGPD Range Staff