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Procedure 3004Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/05/07, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police Department40MM LESS LETHAL LAUNCHER GUIDELINES - 140MM LESS LETHAL LAUNCHER GUIDELINES 3004.1 PURPOSE These guidelines provide department personnel with technical and procedural information regarding the use of the 40mm Less Lethal Launcher. It addresses operational use and reporting requirements. Additionally, it is intended to familiarize employees with the 40mm launcher’s technology, deployment techniques, limitations and general use. 3004.2 INTRODUCTION The 40mm launcher is a less lethal launcher which fires a foam projectile. When properly used, the 40mm launcher can assist officers in controlling a violent individual with less likelihood of serious injury to both the subject and the involved officers. 3004.3 DESCRIPTION The 40mm launcher is a shoulder fired less lethal weapon which uses a propellant cartridge to launch kinetic energy impact munition. The projectiles are made from soft foam rubber, thus reducing the risk of penetration. The 40mm launcher is a single shot weapon and accurate up to 120 feet. The primary effect of the projectile is trauma; the kinetic energy delivered to the suspect by the projectile assists officers in overcoming a subject's resistance and gaining control. 3004.4 40MM AMMUNITION The 40mm launcher fires a foam projectile. The department currently uses the exact impact sponge round. 3004.5 STORAGE AND ISSUE PROCEDURES A 40mm launcher shall be assigned to every patrol vehicle in the Field Operations Assigned Vehicle Program. Additionally, a sufficient number of 40mm launchers are maintained in CDC for vehicle not specifically assigned a launcher. The 40mm launchers will be issued and accounted for in the same manner as radios and shotguns. The 40mm launchers and ammunition, deployed in the field, shall stored inside the carrying case, or the vehicle storage drawer, with the safety in the on position. 3004.6 TRAINING Only officers who have received the Department's 40 mm launcher training and yearly re- certification are authorized to check out and/or deploy the 40mm launcher. 3004.7 TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATION OF THE 40MM LAUNCHER All 40mm launcher operators shall be familiar with the Control Devices Policy and this procedure.. Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual 40MM LESS LETHAL LAUNCHER GUIDELINES Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/05/07, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police Department40MM LESS LETHAL LAUNCHER GUIDELINES - 2The 40mm launcher provides an alternative less lethal force option when confronted by a violent subject. It should not be used when subjects armed with firearms confront officers, as it may be ineffective in these instances, or other occasions where deadly force is warranted. If the tactical situation permits, officers should warn subjects they intend to use a less lethal weapon, which might hurt them. This warning may include a verbal and brief display of the weapon in an effort to intimidate the subject into surrendering. Prior to using the 40mm launcher in field situations, operators should formulate a tactical plan. This plan should be based on the circumstances of the situation they are faced with. Consideration shall also be given to the use of lethal protection for the officers and others involved. Once the subject is down and appears to be incapacitated, the operator should notify the assisting officers he has ceased firing so officers can approach the subject and take him into custody. If the subject attempts to resume violent activity prior to being restrained, additional projectiles may be fired at the suspect. Remember, no device or weapon is 100% effective. Officers should always have a back-up plan. 3004.7.1 AIMING THE 40MM LAUNCHER The 40mm launcher is equipped with iron sights. The department has added an Aimpoint holograph optic, which is mounted to the top of the weapon. To aim the 40mm launcher, turn on the Aimpoint optic and shoulder the weapon in the same manner as you would hold a standard long-gun. Look through the Aimpoint optic and place the red dot of the reticule on target. The sights on top of the 40mm launcher may be used if the Aimpoint becomes inoperable. 3004.7.2 FIRING THE 40MM LAUNCHER The 40mm fires a single shot projectile that is accurate up to 120 feet. Officers should aim and fire the 40mm launcher at the subject's outer extremities. The head or neck should not be targeted unless deadly force is a reasonable and/or justifiable option (see attached target area diagram). The 40mm launcher shall be deployed a minimum of 10 feet away from intended suspects. However, closer shots may be fired in those incidents when deadly force is justified. The 40mm launcher shall not be randomly fired into a crowd. Specific target acquisition is the most crucial way to prevent serious injury from less lethal projectiles. To avoid striking unintended targets, operators deploying the 40mm launcher must carefully consider the nature of their backdrop before firing. The 40mm launcher, and munitions, deployed by the Department are not intended to be used for the purposes of breaching glass, disabling security cameras or ambient lighting sources. However, if the use of the 40mm launcher is being considered for any other purpose other than its intended