Policy Text
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is committed to work in partnership with our community to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life for
the residents and visitors of Kern County through professional public safety services.
To:
All Sheriff’s Office Personnel
From: Chief Deputy Larry McCurtain
Date:
September 19, 2019
Re:
Personal Impact Weapons and Use of Force Reporting Directive
Effective immediately, the following directive will be implemented:
•
Deputies shall not resort to personal impact weapons (hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc.) unless the
subject’s actions suggest an imminent threat of death or serious injury to the deputy or others and no
reasonable alternatives are available.
•
As with other impact weapons, deputies shall avoid hitting/kicking a subject’s head, neck, throat, spine,
kidney or groin due to the potential for serious injury or death. Striking these areas shall be avoided
unless the subject’s actions suggest an imminent threat of deat