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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: December 15, 2020  Amends - GO 8.1.4 ( December 18, 2015 ) Number: 8.1.4 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: June Reviewing Authority: HRD / Training Subject: Impact Weapons This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to e stablish guidelines for using impact weapons in accordance with response to resistance. 2. Policy Orange County deputies may utilize agency issued impact weapons, in accordance with agency policy, after completing training approved by the agency. 3. Definitions A. Active Physical Resistance - slight to moderate physical harm: A subject makes physically evasive movements to defea t a deputy’s attempt at control. This may be in the form of bracing or tensing, attempts to push/pull away or not allowing the deputy to get close to him/her B. Expandable Baton – an approved agency baton that expands . C. Impact Weapon – an agency approved exp andable baton, straight handle baton, or weapon of opportunity used for striking. Impact weapons are to be used when empty -handed control techniques are ineffective, but the subject’s resistance level does not merit deadly force. D. Response to Resistance Matrix – The Response to Resistance Matrix is a set of guidelines established to assist agency personnel in their decision -making process regarding the appropriate use of force. E. Straight Handle Baton - a 36 inch, straight, wooden baton used for crowd con trol scenarios. F. Temporary Motor Dysfunction – a type of incapacitation that causes temporary impairment of muscle control. G. Weapon of Opportunity – any item a deputy has available that, though unconventional, may be used as a potential impact weapon, when needed. 8.1.4, Page 2 of 4 4. Procedures A. Deputies shall be authorized to carry impact weapons only after successful completion of approved training to include the proper use and carrying of the weapon. This training will be conducted by a n agency approved instructor. Authorized impact weapons: 1. Expandable Baton 2. Straight Handle Baton (Crowd control situations) 3. Weapons of Opportunity 4. Munitions Fired Impact Weapons (In accord ance with GO 8.1.1) B. Weapons of Opportunity 1. Any available item , through unconventional means , obtained by a deputy during a n exigent circumstances situation requiring use the item as a weapon of opportunity. If an item is used as a weapon of opport unity, it will be considered an impact weapon at a Level 4 or higher response on the Response to Resistance M atrix. 2. If an item must be used as a weapon of opportunity the strikes should only be directed at the same areas of the body and in the same manner as if utilizing an approved impact weapon. 3. In the event a weapon of opportunity is used as an impact weapon, the deputy should disengage as soon as the situation permits and transition to an approved impact weapon, chemical agent, or defensive tactic tec hnique. 4. When an employee of the agency uses a weapon of opportunity as an impact weapon, a Response to Resistance Form , will be completed and forwarded to the Division Commander, along with a copy of the Incident Report. The immediate supervisor shall investigate each incident and verify proper forms are submitted. Copies of the Response to Resistance Form will be forwarded to Professional Standards and Training Sections . C. Guidelines for Use 1. The Expandable Baton is the primary impact weapon for the agency. 2. Members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and other sworn personnel are authorized to carry the straight baton during mobile field force situations. The Expandab le Baton will be utilized in all other duty situations. 3. Impact weapons will be used in accordance with GO 8.1.0. Impact weapons are considered an intermediate weapon under the Respon se to Resistance policy and are authorized when a subject offers ac tive physical resistance (level 4) or higher. 4. Impact weapons are intended to overcome resistance quickly, minimizing the 8.1.4, Page 3 of 4 potential for injury to the deputy and to the person resisting. 5. Authorized impact weapon use will be at 100% effort for maximum effectiveness. 6. Carrying an expandable baton on the duty belt is optional , if the deputy is wearing their issued electronic control device (ECD). D. Striking Areas 1. Deputies should not intentionally strike the head, neck, spine, groin or solar plexus/sternum except w hen deadly force is justified. When utilizing the baton, a subject’s movement may result in the striking of unintentional areas. 2. The following are, but not limited t o, approved target areas in both the closed and open mode for the expandable baton : a. Non-Deadly Force – Level 4 1. Muscular and meaty portions of the arm including the outside of the shoulder, top of the forearm and inside of the forearm but excluding t he elbow. 2. Muscular and meaty portions of the leg (excluding the knee). 3. Center of abdomen (in horizontal