Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 580.12
Page 1 of 4
580.12
LESS LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEM S
7-18-2023
PURPOSE
This policy establishes guidelines for the use and deployment of various less l ethal weapon systems.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to deploy and use less l ethal weapon systems as
instructed in d epartment training in order to maximize the safety of all individuals involved in an incident.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITIONS
1. 12-GAUGE SUPER -SOCK ® BEANBAG ROUND : A less lethal 2.4- inch 12- gauge shotgun round
firing a ballistic fiber bag filled with 40 grams of lead shot at a velocity of 270- 290 feet per second
(FPS). CTS Supersock rounds are discharged from a dedicated 12- gauge shotgun that is
distinguishable by an orange butt stock and fore grip. This round provides accurate and effective
performance when fired from the approved distance of not fewer than five (5) feet. The maximum
effective range of this munition is up to 75 feet from the target. The Model 2581 S uper-Sock® is in
its deployed state immediately upon exiting the barrel. It does not require a minimum range to “unfold” or “stabilize.” The Super -Sock® is an aerodynamic projectile. However, accuracy is
relative to the shotgun, barrel length, environmental conditions, and the operator. The Super -
Sock® is very accurate. However, effectiveness depends on many variables, such as distance,
clothing, stature, and the point where the projectile impacts.
2. PEPPERBALL (LIVE- X ROUND) : A less l ethal frangible .68 caliber sphere containing 2.5 grams of
2.5% PAVA powder (PAVA powder is a synthetic version of capsaicin or “OC ,” which is an irritant
found in chili peppers). The pepperball is fired from purpose- built pepperball guns that are
energized by a compressed air at 280 -425 fps and delivers 8.85 -20.65ft/lbs . of kinetic energy on
impact in addition to the dispersion of synthetic irritant. Pepperballs can be fired accurately and
effectively to a distance of 150 feet.
3. PEPPERBALL (GLASS BREAKER) : A solid nylon .68 caliber sphere. The Glass Breaker is fired
at 280 -325 FPS from purpose- built pepperball guns that are energized by compressed air. It
delivers 0- 30 ft/lbs of kinetic energy on impact. Glass Breakers can be fired accurately and
effectively up to a distance of 30 feet. Glass Breaker rounds will be loaded into a yellow
magazine.
4. 40MM EXACT IMPACT SPONGE (BLUE TIP) : A less l ethal 40mm lightweight plastic and foam
projectile fired from a single or multi -round purpose built 40mm grenade launcher with a rifled
barrel at 325 FPS. The 30- gram foam projectile delivers 120 ft/lbs . of energy on impact. The 40mm
Exact Impact Sponge Round provides accurate and effective performance when fired from the approved distance of not less than five (5) feet and as far as 131 feet from the target.
5. 40MM DIRECT IMPACT OC (ORANGE TIP) : A less l ethal 40mm lightweight plastic and crushable
foam projectile fired from a single or multi -round purpose- built 40mm grenade launcher with a rifled
barrel at 295 FPS. The 39- gram crushable foam projectile delivers 120 ft/lbs of energy upon impact
in addition to dispersion of 5 grams of OC irritant. The 40mm Direct Impact OC Round provides accurate and effective performance when fired from the approved distance of not less than five (5)
feet and as far as 131 feet from the target.
6. COMBINED LESS LETHAL: The use of multiple less lethal force options in combination against a
violent and/or resistive subject that would reduce the likelihood of further violence or the use of
lethal force and allow officers a safer approach to take the subject into custody.
B. AVAILABILITY
1. Less l ethal shotguns shall be secured in a weapon mounting system in police vehicles when not
deployed. NOTE : Lethal shotgun ammunition shall not be loaded into dedicated less lethal
shotguns .
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 580.12
Page 2 of 4
2. Flexible baton rounds shall be available to all personnel trained in its use.
3. 40mm launchers, 40mm rounds as well as p epperball launchers and pepperball rounds shall be
assigned to patrol teams and issued to individual officers by field supervisors.
4. Glass Breaker rounds shall only be loaded in yellow pepperball magazines. They will only be
stored in w atch commander vehicles and the Sacramento Police Department SWAT Van.
5. Less lethal weapon systems may be deployed by officers trained in their use.
C. DEPLOYMENT CRITERIA
1. Less lethal weapon systems are not a substitute for deadly force.
2. No officer shall simultaneously hold a lethal firearm and any l ess lethal weapon system launcher.
3. Each officer shall deploy no more than one less l ethal weapon system at a time.
4. Officers shall not deploy a less l