Policy Text
GENERAL ORDER #12.04 1 (HIGH LIAB ILITY)
USE OF LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS
GENERAL ORDER #12.04
Adopted: 02/22/2010 Updated: 06/10/2022
Replaces: GO #12.04 dated 01/15/2021 Reviewed: 06/10/2022
Number of Pages: 5 Distribution: Unrestricted
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POLICY
The Sheriff’s Office permits the use of less lethal munitions when reasonable and appropriate to
assist with the de-escalation of potentially v iolent confrontations. The Use of Less Lethal
Munitions shall be governed by this General Order and all applicable Use of Force policies,
including General Order #12.00 ( “Use of Force ”).
This policy applies to all sworn staff of the Sheriff’s Office, and reference to “deputy” or
“deputies” throughout this policy refers to all sworn staff. Correctional Bureau personnel shall
refer to applicable Custody Bureau Policies and Procedures that govern the use of less lethal
munitions within county correctional fac ilities.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITION
Less Lethal Weapon is defined as any device that is designed to or that has been converted to expel
or propel less lethal ammunition by any action, mechanism, or process for the pu rpose of
incapacitating, immobilizing, or stunning a human being or animal through the infliction of any
less than lethal impairment or physical condition, function or senses including physical pain, or
discomfort. It is not necessary that a weapon leave an y lasting or permanent incapacitation,
discomfort, pain or other to qualify as a less lethal weapon.
GENERAL ORDER #12.04 2 (HIGH LIAB ILITY) Less Lethal Munition is defined as any ammunition that is designed to be used in any less lethal
weapon which can be fired, launched, or otherwise propelle d through a weapon that utilizes
compressed air for the purposes of encouraging compliance, overcoming resistance, or preventing
serious injury without posing a significant potential for causing death when used correctly. When
used in the less lethal weapon the ammunition is designed to immobiliz e or incapacitate or stun a
human being or animal through the infliction of any less lethal impairment of physical condition,
function, or senses, including physical pain or discomfort. These munitions may cause simil ar
injuries to those caused by the 42” w ooden baton, 26”/29” wooden baton , or collapsible baton and
may be referred to as “extended range impact weapons.” Examples of less lethal munitions include,
launchable foam or plastic projectiles.
B. APPROVED LESS LETHAL MUNITIONS
Only less lethal weap ons, less lethal munitions , and non-lethal weapons approved by the Training
and Professional Development Division shall be used by the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies should
keep in mind the manufacturer’s recommendations and their training regar ding effective distances
and target areas. However, deputies are not restricted solely to use according to manufacturer
recommendations and each situation must be evaluated on the totality of circumsta nces at the time
of deployment.
Authorized less lethal weapons include the 40MM launcher , the FN-303 launcher , and the
PepperBall launcher . The FN -303 and PepperBall launchers are authorized for use only by the
Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Crowd Control Unit (CCU).
C.S., or O.C. Gas munitions deployed through less lethal weapons are authorized for use only by
the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Crowd Control Unit (CCU). They may only
be used by those individuals who have completed a POST approved training course (Penal Co de
§ 13514) and who have approval by their unit commander to use those agents.
C. LEVEL OF FORCE
When deployed to the areas of the subject’s body unlikely to cause death or serious physical injury,
less lethal munitions constitute greater force than the use of a baton, but lesser force than use of
deadly force. The less lethal impact projectile is co nsidered a lethal use of force if intentionally
deployed to the subject’s head or neck. Deputies may only use less lethal munitions, when the use
of force is reasonable, to prevent the commission of a public offense; to prevent a person from
injuring hims elf or herself; to effect the lawful arrest or detention of persons resisting or attempting
to evade that arrest or detention; or in self -defense or in the defense of another person. Deputies
shall comply with the provisions of General Order #12.00 (“Use of Force”) regarding the use of
force in determining the level of force that is necessary and proportional .
GENERAL ORDER #12.04 3 (HIGH LIAB ILITY) Deputies may only use less lethal munitions, whe n permitted as described above, under the
following circumstances:
1. When deadly force would be justified and the use of less lethal options would assist
in enabling an arrest, restoring order and/or reducing the risk of more serious injury .
2. When use of that level of force is necessary for restoration or maintenance of order
during jail disturbances, cell extractions, riot, rout, or unlawful assembly , and
where the use of deadly force is not justified. Less lethal munit ions shall not be
used to disperse any assembly, protest, or demonstration except if the use is
objectively reasonable to defend against a threat to life or serious bodily injury to