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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Control Devices and Techniques - 1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Control Devices and Techniques 303.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy provides guidelines for the use and maintenance of control devices that are described in this policy. 303.2 POLICY In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the Santa Monica Police Department authorizes sworn officers to use control devices in accordance with the guidelines in this policy,the Use of Force Policy, and Procedure Manual. Civilian members who are issued Department -authorized control devices shall abide by existing law, and use force as reasonably appears necessary to defend himself/herself or other s against at apparent threat of unlawful and immediate violence from another. 303.3 ISSUING, CARRYING AND USING CONTROL DEVICES Control devices described in this policy may be carried and used by members of this Department only if the device has been issued by Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Only members who have successfully completed Department -approved training in the use of any control device are authorized to carry and use the device. Control devi ces may be used when a sworn officer has made a decision to control, restrain or arrest a subject who is violent or who demonstrates the intent to be violent, and the use of the device appears necessary, is proportional and reasonable (as these terms are defined in the Use of Force policy) under the totality of the circumstances known to or perceived by the officer at the time. When feasible, based on the totality of circumstances presented at the time, officers should use de -escalation tactics and techniques (as discussed in the Use of Force Policy) to avoid the need to use these devices. A verbal warning and opportunity to comply should precede the use of these devices. When using control devices, members should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to minimize injuries and unintentional targets. 303.3.1 GUIDELINES FOR CIVILIAN MEMBERS ISSUED CONTROL DEVICES In accordance with existing law, a civilian member of the Department may use an authorized control device as reasonably appears necessary to defend himself/herself or others against an apparent threat of unlawful and immediate violence from another. In such circumstances, the civilian member must reasonably believe that their use of force was necessary to prevent immediate, unlawful physical harm to himself/herself or others. 303.4 BATON GUIDELINES The baton is authorized for use when, based upon the circumstances perceived by the sworn officer, such force reasonably appears justified and necessary to result in the safe control of the Policy 303 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Depart ment Policy Manual Control Devices and Techniques Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Control Devices and Techniques - 2 suspect. The need to immediately control a suspect must be weighed against the risk of causing serious injury. The head, neck, throat, spine, heart, kidneys and groin should not be intentionally targeted except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others. A baton should not be used against a person who is already handcuffed or otherwise restraine d, unless the person poses a substantial risk of harm or threat to officers or others. Civilian members issued batons shall adhere to policy 303.3.1 Guidelines for Civilian Members issued Control Devices. 303.5 AUTHORIZED BATONS The following batons are authori zed for carry by sworn officers: (a) Straight baton: constructed of wood, plastic, or metal, 26 -29 inches in length (b) Straight baton (Department -issued): 36 inches in length for crowd control situations (c) Side handle baton: standard manufactured baton constructed of either plastic or metal and having a spinning or fixed handle (d) Friction lock (collapsible) baton, 21 or 26 inches in length (e) Yawara Stick (f) Horse baton 1. The horse baton shall be made of lightweight, hardwood, and be black in color. 2. It shall be 40 inches in length, and shall be carried in a baton ring attached to the saddl e. Civilian members shall only carry batons issued to them by the Department and for which they have received Department -approved training. When carrying a baton, uniformed members shall carry the baton in its authorized holder on the equipment belt. Plain clothes and non-field sworn members may carry the baton as authorized and in accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor. Batons shall not be modified in any way. Members shall only carry the type of baton with which they have been properly trained. 303.6 OPN GUID