Policy Text
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NOISE -FLASH DI VERSI ON DEVICES
Purpose :
The purpose of this Training Bulletin is to establish guidelines for the deployment and use of Noise -
Flash Diversion Devices (NFDD) , sometimes referred to as “Flash bangs”.
Oakland Police Department trained personnel are authorized to use NFDDs in situations when the
use of a diversion would ; facilitate ent ry into a building or structure , assist with the apprehension of
a subject , and/or reduce the risk of injury to the public and OPD personnel. This device produces a
bright flash and a loud noise to stun or disorient an individual.
The Oakland Police Depart ment is committed to safeguarding the community and preserving life.
The Department has implemented measures and policies to ensure none are violated. Regardless of
deployment, NFDDs will be utilized in accordance with OPD Core Values and our Mission.
Overview :
Within the scope of police operations, the preservation of life is paramount. When devices and tools,
such as the NFDD, are used within the scope of training and policy, they can provide a tactical
advantage in the furtherance of this goal. Reas onable utilization of such specialized devices which
provide distracting stimuli to the ; visual, auditory, and equilibrium systems of a su bject , by qualified
personnel, can safely provide a substantial contribution towards successfully and safely resolving
critical incidents .
Training :
Only personnel who have successfully completed departmentally approved training in the utilization
of Noise -Flash Diversion Devices (NFDD) shall be issued or authorized to deploy NFDDs . Members
shall attend and pass the OPD SWAT School and be current SWAT members prior to being
authorized to carry and deploy NFDDs. Training shall be conducted by a certified instructor and
minimally include ; safe handling of the devises , authorized carrying and transportation, proper
methods of deployment , potential hazards, physiological and psychological effects on people, and
the safety recommendations set by the manufacturer. Training must also include deploy ment of live
and/or training devices and indoctrination to the device’s physiological and psychological effects.
Re-certification shall be conducted every year and those not re- certified should not deploy devices
except in exigent lifesaving situations.
Authorization for Use :
TRAINING
BULLETIN
Evaluation Coordinator: Training Division
“Department Training Bulletins shall be used to advise members of current police techniques and
procedures and shall constitute official policy.”
Index Number: III-P.05
Alpha Index: High Risk Incidents
Barricaded Subject Incidents
Critical Incidents
Effective Date:
8 Feb 23
2
Diversionary Devices , Index Number III-P.05
The Tactical Commander/Incident Commander must provide prior authorization of transporting
Noise -Flash Diversionary Device for any tactical team planned or unplanned operations. Only
trained Oakland Police Department current SWAT Team members are authorized to transport and/or
use NFDDs within the scope of this training bulletin.
Except in extreme emergencies (i.e., life -threatening situations ), Noise -Flash D iversionary D evices
shall not be transported to the field without prior authorization.
Deployment :
Members should gather as much intelligence as possible to include: the presence of young children
or elderly, flammable material, a potential drug lab, and any other potential hazards prior to the
possibility of using the NFDDs. The existence of any of these factors may discourage the use of
NFDDs.
The purpose of flashbangs is to distract and momentarily incapacitate anyone in the deployment vicinity. To do so, flashbangs must be deployed such that it does not burn a person or flammable material. The Department follows these practices to achieve that purpose:
Absent exigent lifesaving incidents, members should consider the following factors:
• Devices shall only be deployed by trained SWAT Team members, who have completed the
necessary training.
• Members shall visually clear the area of people prior to deploying devices.
• Members shall visually clear the area of potential hazards (including fire hazards) prior to deploying devices.
• Every effort should be made not to deploy NFDDs near a person.
• Members shall consider the size of the room prior to deploying due to the chance of a device
striking a wall and changing directions.
Due to the potential fire hazard, members should have a fire extinguisher available prior to deploying
the device. If feasible, members should utilize proper protective gear such as eye and ear protection
as well as flame resistant gloves. Members should consider staging Oakland Fire Department and
medical personnel due to potential fire hazards.
Justification for Use:
NFDDs shall only be used in the following situations :
• Barricaded subject
1and/or hostage situations
• High -risk warrant services
1
A barricaded subject incident is an incident in which a person armed with a weapon, explosive, or other dangerous device
seizes control of a location and refuses to surrender to police custody. A barricaded subject incident may or may not
include the taking of hostage. In a barricaded subject incident, the primary obj ective is the safe release of all hostages, if
any and the peaceful surrender of the suspect(s). Steps in this procedure can be adopted for use during sniper incidents
and during crimes in progress in which innocent bystanders are in danger. Also, steps in this procedure can be adopted
for use during a high-risk arrest or the high -risk service of a warrant.
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8 Feb 23 ● Oakland Police Department
• Discouraging dangerous animals from attacking
• Circumstances wherein distraction of violent persons and/ or those under the influence of
alcohol and/or drugs is believed necessary to facilitate apprehension
• Active shooter