Policy Text
Electronic Control W eapon - 1 Printed Date: 2017/06/13
© 1995 -2015 Lexipol, LLC
Policy Oakland Police Department
304 Policy Manual
Electronic Control Weapon
304.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the issuance and use of electronic control weapon s (ECW s).
304.2 POLICY
The electronic control weapon is intended to control a violent or potentially violent individual, while
minimizing the risk of serious injury. The appropriate use of such a n ECW should result in fewer
serious injuri es to officers and suspects.
304.3 ISSUANCE AND CARRYING ELECTRONIC CONTROL WEAPON S
Only members who have successfully completed department -approved training may be issued
and carry the electronic control weapon .
ECWs are issued for use during a member’s current assignment. Those leaving a particular
assignment may be required to return the ECW to the D epartment’s inventory.
Officers shall only use the ECW and cartridges that have been issued by the Department.
Members carrying the ECW shall perform a spark test for a standard cycle prior to every shift.
When carried while in uniform , officers shall carry the ECW in an approved support -side-draw belt
holster on the side opposite the duty weapon. An approved thigh holster may be used in place of
the belt holster. The cross draw position using only the support -side ha nd is permitted . Tactical
Team members may use approved holstering systems that meet the specific needs of their tactical
equipment and special operations.
(a) All ECWs shall be clearly and distinctly marked to differentiate them from the duty weapon
and any other weapon .
(b) Whenever practicable, officers should carry two or more cartridges on their person when
carrying the ECW .
(c) Officers shall be responsible for ensuring that their issued ECW is properly maintained
and in good working order.
(d) Officers shall not simultaneously draw and hold an ECW and any firearm .
Officers shall not take a non -working ECW into the field. Any non -working ECW shall be turned in
to the ECW coordinator in the Training Section as soon as practical. Any member who discovers
a non -working ECW shall notify their immediate supervisor without delay.
Officers shall not alter ECW s in any way.
Oakland Police Department
Policy Manual
Electronic Control W eapon
Electronic Control W eapon - 2 Printed Date: 2017/06/13
© 1995 -2015 Lexipol, LLC
304.4 VERBAL AND VISUAL WARNINGS
A verbal warning of the intended use of the electronic control weapon shall precede its
application, unless it would otherwise endanger the safety of officers or when it is not practicable
due to the circumstances. The purpose of the warning is to:
(a) Provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply with the directives
of the officer.
(b) Provide other officers and individuals with a warning that the ECW may be deployed.
If, after a verbal warning, an individual is unwilling to voluntarily comply with an officer’s lawful
orders and it appears both reasonable and feasible under the circumstances, the officer may, but
is not required to, display the electrical arc (provided that a cartridge has not been loaded into the
ECW ), or the laser in a further attempt to gain compliance prior to the application of the ECW . The
aiming laser should never be intentionally directed into the eyes of another as it may permanently
impair his/her vision.
The fact that a verbal or other warning was given or the reasons it was not given shall be
documented by the officer deploying the ECW in the rela ted report.
304.5 USE OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL WEAPON
The electronic control weapon has limitations and restrictions requiring co nsideration before its
use. The ECW should only be used when its operator can safely approach the subject within the
operational range of the ECW . Although the ECW is generally effective in controlling most
individuals, officers should be aware that the ECW may not achieve the intended resu lts and be
prepared with other options.
304.5.1 APPLICATION OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL WEAPON
The electronic control weapon may be used when the circumstances perceived by the officer at the
time indicate that such application is reasonably necessary to overcome one’s resistance and effect
an arrest or other lawful seizure .
Flight alone from a pursuing officer, without other reasonable circumstances or factors, is not
cause for the use of the ECW to control an individual.
An application is each time the trigger is depressed on the ECW . A standard cycle is five seconds.
Sparking or testing of the ECW is not a use of force.
304.5.2 DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The use of the electronic control weapon on certain individuals should be avoided unless other
options appear ineffective or would present a greater danger to the officer, the subject or others,
and the officer believes that the need to control the individual outweighs the risk of using the ECW .
This includes:
(a) Pregnan t Women : Officers shall not use the ECW against a woman who the officer knows,