Policy Text
TRAINING BULLETIN
Evaluation Coordinator: Commander
Automatic Revision Cycle: Years
partment Training Bulletins shall be used to advise members of current police techniques and
procedures and shall constitute official policy.” Index Number: V-Y
Alpha Index: Safety in Reality
Based Training Date of Issue / Revision
21 Dec 06
“De
Safety in Reality Based Training
Introduction
Reality Based Training uses realistic training scen arios similar to those an officer encounters on
duty. It incorporates all force options outlined in the Oakland Police Department's General Order
K-3, Use of Force, and teaches an officer how to and tests his/her ability to select the appropriate
force for a situation under stress conditions. As part of Reality Based Training. the Department uses Marking Cartridges. This Training
Bulletin provides instruction for using Marking Cartridges in Academy, SWAT, Canine,
In-Service, Patrol Rifle, and other Specialized Unit trai ning exercises.
Equipment
Marking Cartridges
FX Marking Cartridges are lead primer, gun-powd er encased, dye-filled capsules that resemble
bullets. The dye in these capsules is 55% water and 5% ethylene glycol; the rest is a soap
compound. Marking Cartridges are loaded into mag azines and inserted into a regular duty firearm
converted to fire the capsules or into a specifically designed firearm which fires marking
cartridges only.
A dye-filled round travels approximately 400 feet per second and has an average accuracy of 6
inches at 25 yards. The dye-filled round has a ma ximum range of 145 yards. Because of its speed,
a round can cause a welt on exposed skin. Should it strike exposed skin close to a bone, the skin
can break open.
The ability of a dye-filled round to cause pain provides realism to the training and leads to the
association of pain with tactical, unsafe decisions.
The firearms used in Reality Based Training are, in most cases, the same firearms officers carry on
duty. Because firearms are used, a potential for danger exists, and officers follow strict safety
protocols at all times.
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Safety in Reality Based Training, Index Number V-Y
Simunition FX Marking Cartridges
Simunitions is the brand name of the Non-Lethal FX Marking Cartridge used in the Department's
Reality Based Training programs.
Simunitions also sells lethal ammunition and, in fact, has only two products that are non lethal, FX
Marking Cartridges and Secruiblank, which do not shoot any projectiles. All other ammuni tion
sold by Simunitions is lethal ammunition and strictly prohibited from use in Reality Based
Training.
Conversion Kits and Marking Cartridge Specific Weapons
Pistols
The Department uses Glock 17TFXD pistols specifically designed to fire Simunition FX Marking
Cartridges.
These weapons are identical to the Department i ssued Glock model 22, except for the blue colored
lower receiver and blue colored magazine floor plate. These firearms do not accept a 9mm, 40 or
45 caliber live round. These weapons fit into the duty issued Safariland 070 and 070-5 holster.
Revolvers
Revolvers are fitted with inhibiter rings, which prohibit the loading of live ammunition into the
revolvers' cylinders
Submachine Guns
Simunition conversion kits are used for MPS submachine guns and are recognizable only by the barrel extension located on th e front of the weapon muzzle.
AR15 Carbines
AR 15 carbine rifles converted for Marking Cartridges have the upper receiver replaced by a
Marking Cartridge bolt assembly and barrel, which is colored blue. These converted weapons
accept a regular magazine but do not fire a live .223 caliber or 5.56 mm r ound. The magazine used
for the converted carbine is a clear-plastic, box-fed magazine, which accepts FX Marking
Cartridges only.
Shotguns
Shotguns are converted by the insertion of a barre l inhibiter, which restricts the chambering of a
live round of shotgun ammunition. FX Marking Cartridges are inserted into a plastic hull, which
acts as a shotgun shell. The hull is white and is distinguishable from a live shotgun shell.
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21 Dec 06 ● Oakland Police Department
Safety Equipment
In order to minimize injury, all officers with Marking Cartridges shall wear protective/safety
equipment. The following list of safety equipment is mandatory for personnel near or training with
Marking Cartridges:
Eye and Face Protection
Personnel shall wear:
• Eye protection rated ANSI Z 87.1.
• Face/head protection that prevents the Marking Cartridge from st riking the front and side of
the head and ears.
Throat Protection
Officers wear a throat prot ector to protect the throat and neck from injury.
Groin Protection
All personnel at a training site involved in trai ning with Marking Cartridges shall wear a groin
protector. This requirement applies to males, females, observers, role-players, and instructors.
Recommended Protection
It is recommended that officers undergoing Reality Based Training consider the use of the
following:
• Gloves
• Long sleeve shirts to protect the arms
• Body armor for added protection and realism
• Long pants
Because the noise from the FX Marking Cartridge is not loud enough to damage hearing, hearing
protection is not necessary.
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Safety in Reality Based Training, Index Number V-Y
Safety Protocols
In order to safely conduct Rea lity Based Training using Marking Cartridges, officers perform the
duties detailed below. Although specified officers have defined responsibilities, any student participating in Reality Based Training may call a cease action during