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Procedure 8082Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/05/05, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentANIMAL SERVICES GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE TASER - 1ANIMAL SERVICES GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE TASER 8082.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to familiarize Animal Services Officers (ASOs) with the operational capabilities of the TASER Electronic control device and to establish guidelines regarding its use. 8082.2 BACKGROUND ASOs are not peace officers as defined in Penal Code Section 830.1, Penal Code Section 830.9, grants some police powers to ASOs provided they have been properly trained. Less lethal control devices are instruments which may be used to restrain, control and/or subdue an otherwise uncontrollable/vicious animal in a manner designed to minimize the possibility of danger and or serious injury to both the ASO and the animal involved. ASOs are not authorized to use the Taser on humans for any reason other than self defense if faced with a life threatening situation where they cannot immediately call for police officers or safely remove themselves from the situation. The Department provides several tools for dealing with uncontrollable/vicious animals such as pepper spray and catch poles. The TASER has been added to the Animal Services inventory for use in applicable situations. 8082.3 DEFINITION 1.The TASER is a handheld electronic device that projects two barbed probes. The probes are connected by fine wires to plastic cassettes and are charged by a battery housed within the TASER. 2.When the darts make contact, a five-second high voltage, low amperage electrical charge is delivered to the target. It is during this period of temporary paralysis the ASO should attempt to restrain the animal with the use of a catchpole. Operation of the TASER is described in more detail in the Conducted Energy Device Policy. ASO’s must follow procedures for use of the TASER set forth in procedure 3040. 3.In extraordinary circumstances, the TASER can be used in the drive stun mode without an Air cartridge in place. The TASER will always fire a live cartridge when loaded and fired by the operator; therefore, it cannot be used in the drive stun mode without first firing or removing the live Air Cartridge. When used in the drive stun mode, the TASER should be activated against the animal’s muscle or nerve points (chest, shoulders, back, flank, legs). The head should be avoided. 8082.4 PROCEDURES Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual ANIMAL SERVICES GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE TASER Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/05/05, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentANIMAL SERVICES GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE TASER - 28082.4.1 USE OF THE TASER 1.ASO who have successfully completed department-approved training are authorized to carry and deploy the TASER. Additionally, ASO’s must complete the TASER recertification course every two years in order to continue carrying the TASER while on duty. 2.Once the animal has been restrained with the probes still in its skin it shall be transported to the Orange County Animal Shelter during normal business hours or the Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic after hours for removal of the probe under sanitary conditions. If the probes become dislodged after they have penetrated the skin, the animal shall still receive medical treatment at either of the above-mentioned facilities for the injuries caused to them prior to further processing. 3.If the TASER is used in the drive stun mode the animal must still be transported to the Shelter or Emergency Clinic for an evaluation prior to impounding at the shelter or release of the animal to the owner. 4.If a sergeant was not present when the TASER was used, one shall be called to the scene as soon as practical. The assigned sergeant shall respond and investigate the use of the TASER and ensure the incident is properly documented on a supervisor's log. If an ASO discharges the TASER and misses and/or the animal flees the scene, the ASO shall notify a supervisor who shall document the use of the TASER on a supervisory log. 8082.4.2 REPORTING THE USE OF THE TASER A supervisor shall be assigned to complete a supervisor log for each incident in which the TASER is used on an animal, regardless if it was used in the drive stun mode or the TASER mode, or if the darts missed the animal. A copy of the supervisor's log shall be forwarded to the Animal Services supervisor.