GO - 58016 - SWAT - Diversionary - Devices - Flash - Bangs

SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS G.O 580.16 Page 1 of 2 GO 580.16 SWAT DIVERSIONARY DEVICES (FLASH BANGS) 02-26-19 PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for the use, training, and accountability of diversionary devices. POLICY It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to ensure that diversionary devices are used in a safe and conscientious manner. PROCEDURE A. DEFINITIONS 1. DIVERSIONARY DEVICES - A device that has very low shrapnel potential and low incendiary that can produce atmospheric over -pressure and brilliant white light and , as a result , can cause short - term (6 - 8 second s) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation . 2. AERIAL WARNING/S IGNALING MUNITIONS (DEFENSE -TECHNOLOGY #6028WS )– A 40mm launchable Diversionary Device designed to travel a specific distance and deflagrate above a target. 3. ALTERNATE SAFE DEPLOYMENT AREA– A location where a Diversionary Device can be safely expended in the event the pin has been pulled but the device is not deployed in its intended or pre - planned location. B. DEPLOYMENT 1. The decision to use Diversionary Devices shall be made by the SWAT Comm ander or , when absent, by the SWAT Sergeant and when applicable, with the concurrence of the Incident Commander. 2. Diversionary Devices shall only be used : a. By officers who have been trained in their proper use . b. In hostage and barricaded subject situations . c. In high risk warrant (search/arrest) services where there may be extreme hazards to officers . d. During other high-risk situations where their use would enhance officer safety . e. During training exercises . 3. Diversionary Devices shall not be used solely to prevent the destruction of evidence. 4. In each instance involving use, the deploying officer(s) shall : a. Attempt to visually observe the impact point to minimize the possibility of injury. b. Wear eye/ear protection and Nomex gloves if they are in the i mmediate area. c. Plan for and mitigate obvious fire hazards. d. Identify a n Alternate Safe Deployment Area in the event that the deployment is aborted after the pin is pulled. e. Collect the spent device for destruction. 5. Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions can be u sed for riot crowd control or other high-risk situations where their use would enhance officer or public safety . a. Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions are designed to travel approximately 50 meters and deflagrate 20 feet above the target. The launcher shall be held at an approx imate ly 45-degree elevation angle to ensure safe delivery of the munitions . b. Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions shall only be deployed by officers who have been trai ned in their proper use. c. The deploying officer(s) shall wear eye /ear protection . d. The use of Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions shall be approved by a lieutenant , incident commander, or higher authority . e. Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions shall not be aimed directly at a crowd or individual . f. Aerial Warning/Signaling mu nitions are designed to be used outdoors and have a fire -producing SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS G.O 580.16 Page 2 of 2 capability. g. Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions shall be deployed in a manner consistent with the manufactur er’s guidelines. C. AVAILABILITY 1. All Diversionary Devices shall be secured at the direction of the SWAT Commander and in a manner that is consistent with the manufacture r’s direction and the needs of the Department. 2. The SWAT Sergeant or their designee shall : a. Maintain a “master log” that accounts for the use and inventory of all Diversionary Devices’ serial number s and Aerial Warning /Signaling munitions . b. Restock diversionary device supplies . c. Conduct quarterly audit s of the diversionary devices. d. Assure that the spent diversionary devices are properly destroyed. D. TRAINING 1. The initial training shall be consistent with the manufacture r’s recommendation, which shall include practical exercises. 2. Authorized officers shall be trained in the use of munitions and how to properly shield their eyes and ears from explosive flash and over -pressure. 3. Certified Diversionary Device SWAT instructors will conduct training fo r officers. 4. The SWAT Comm ander shall ensure that each SWAT officer and authorized canine officer receives regular training in the use of Diversionary Devices not less than once per year. 5. The SWAT Commander shall ensure that each authorized officer receives regular training in the use of Aerial Warning/Signaling munitions . E. SAFETY 1. Munitions which fail to deflagrate shall be considered hazardous and disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. 2. Officers handling or manipulating munitions which failed to deflagrate shall wear appropriate protective equipment to include eye and ear protection and Nomex gloves.