Policy Text
Page 1 of 6 2/15 (Rev 12/17)
LESS LETHAL FORCE WEAPONS
The purpose of this General Order i s to establish policy for le ss lethal force weapon
selection, purchasing, training , qualification, maintenance, an d record keeping.
I. Definition
A. Less lethal force weapons are designed to deliver less letha l ammunition
for the purpose of incapacitati ng, immobilizing, or stunning a human being
through the infliction of any le ss than lethal impairment of ph ysical
condition, function, or senses, i ncluding physical pain or disc omfort. Less
lethal force weapons authorized fo r on-duty use are as follows:
1. Launcher (Impact Weapon) 2. Conducted Electrical Weapon 3. Shotgun (Impact Weapon)
II. Intent
A. The Sacramento Sheriff's Depar tment recognizes that officers are the first
responders to critical incidents . Situations may require immed iate action
by officers before specialized units can arrive. It is therefor e necessary to
provide officers with the option of utilizing a variety of less lethal force
weapons.
B. It is not the intent of this General Order to compel the use of less lethal
force weapons when, in the judgem ent of the individual officer, deadly
force may be required.
III. Authorized Users
A. Less lethal force weapons are authorized and restricted to o fficers,
approved by their Divisi on Commander, who have:
1. Completed a departmentally appr oved user course specifically
related to the individual weapon utilized.
Page 2 of 6 2/15 (Rev 12/17) 2. Agreed to maintain training and qualifications requirements in
accordance with Department G eneral/Operations Orders.
IV. Authorized Weapons and Ammunition
A. All less lethal weapons carri ed on-duty shall be of a type a pproved and
issued by the Department; this i ncludes launchers, conducted el ectrical
weapons, and shotguns. The Rangemas ter shall retain the master list of
approved weapons, ammunition, approv ed modifications, and requi red
training for all less lethal w eapons. The Rangemaster may amend the list
with the approval of Executive Staff.
V. Purchasing
A. Officers will carry and use onl y those less lethal weapons a uthorized and
purchased by the department.
B. Conducted Electrical Weapons will be purchased through the R ange, as
well as the appropriate holsters , cartridges, batteries, and as sociated
equipment.
C. Launchers are classified as fi rearms and must be purchased t hrough the
Range.
D. Shotguns are classified as fi rearms and must be purchased th rough the
Range.
E. To ensure consistency relati ve to issuance procedures and pr oper
inventory control, all department ally owned firearms will be as signed to the
Professional Standards Division’ s Range Unit and issued for car ry and
use per the guidelines in General Order 2/09. Additionally, all firearm
purchases will be made by the Range Unit through the normal bud get
process.
VI. Training
A. Selected officers who wish to deploy a launcher, conducted e lectrical
weapon, or a less lethal shotgun mu st satisfactorily complete a
departmentally approved user course.
B. All officers assigned to Field Services are required to atte nd, and
satisfactorily complete, a depar tmentally approved user course for long
range less lethal impact weapons.
Page 3 of 6 2/15 (Rev 12/17) VII. Deployment
A. Officers shall consider depl oying a less lethal weapon when it will enhance
the safety of the officer or public, enhance a tactical advanta ge, or when
directed by a supervisor.
B. When or if the tactical situati on permits, the officer shoul d warn of the
impending use of a less lethal we apon in an attempt to gain vol untary
compliance.
C. The officer deploying a less lethal weapon wil l have another officer armed
with a firearm to cover them and use lethal force if necessary.
D. All officers assigned to Field Services shall carry a long r ange less lethal
impact weapon (shotguns and launchers) during their duty shift.
E. If officers choose to double- up, only one long range less le thal impact
weapon is required to be in their vehicle.
F. Conducted Electrical Weapons are not a substitute for long r ange less
lethal impact weapons.
VIII. Cautions
A. Officers should exercise caut ion and make every attempt to a void the
"non-strike" areas for impact w eapons. For maximum effectivene ss,
impact weapons should be aimed at t he person's chest or back ar ea.
B. Officers should carefully eval uate the circumstances before using impact
weapons on individuals who may be more susceptible to injury. Criteria to
consider include:
1. Women who are k nown to be pregnant
2. Elderly persons
3. Children
4. Individuals with known health problems
IX. Supervisory Notifications
An officer who deploys a less le thal weapon sha ll notify a supe rvisor as soon as it is
practical.
Page 4 of 6 2/15 (Rev 12/17) X. Reporting requirements
An officer who discharges a less lethal weapon, regardless of w hether such
discharge results in any injury , shall complete the following:
A. Crime report (if applicable) or
B. Incident report (if applicable