Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 01/01/20 25
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________________
308 - Control Devices and Techniques 1
POLICY 308 CONTROL DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES
308.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
To reduce and minimize altercation -related injuries to officers and suspects, the department
authorizes the use of selected control devices. Certain control devices are provided in order to
control violent or potentially violent suspects. It is anticipated that the use of these devices will
generally result in fewer altercation -related injuries to officers and suspects. The below
procedures are for the use and maintenance of control devices (e.g., baton, oleoresin capsicum
(OC) spray , Pepper ball, kinetic munitions ). Only those control devices that have been approved
by the Chief of Police or his/her designee , are authorized to be carried by members of this
department.
308.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 1.3.1, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6, 1.3.9, 1.3.10,
1.3.11, 4.1.4 , 4.1.5 , 4.3.1 , 4.3.2 , 4.3.3 , 16.1.6 , 16.3.6, 41.2.4
This policy pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
308.1. 2 WHEN DEVICES MAY BE USED
When a decision has been made to restrain or arrest a violent or threatening suspect, an
approved control device may only be used when its use appears reasonable under the
circumstances. When reasonable, a verbal warning and opportunity to comply should precede the
use of these devices.
When using control devices, officers should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to
minimize injuries and unintentional targets.
308.1. 3 REVIEW, INSPECTION , AND APPROVAL
Every control device will be periodically inspected by the department Armorer or Rangemaster, or
the designated instructor for a particular control device.
308.1. 4 TRAINING FOR CONTROL DEVICES
a) Only officers trained and having shown adequate proficiency in the use of any control
device and this agency’s Use of Force policy are authorized to carry the device.
Proficiency training must be monitored and documented by a certifie d weapons or tactics
instructor;
b) Training for all control devices should occur every two years at a minimum ;
c) All training and proficiency for control devices will be documented in the officer’s training
file;
d) Officers failing to demonstrate proficiency with the weapon or knowledge of this agency’s
Use of Force policy will be provided remedial training. If after two additional attempts, an
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 01/01/20 25
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________________
308 - Control Devices and Techniques 2
officer still cannot demonstrate proficiency with a weapon or knowledge of this agency’s
Use of Force policy, the officer may be subject to discipline.
(See General Order §312.5 - Firearms Qualifications for Pepperball and Kinetic Energy weapons.)
308.2 BATON GUIDELINES
Officers may carry a straight baton, side handle baton , or a collapsible baton. Officers must be
trained in the use of whichever baton they elect to carry. If an officer carries a collapsible baton,
he/she shall have a straight or side handle baton in service in the field.
The police baton is authorized for use when, based upon the circumstances perceived by the
officer, such force reasonably appear s justified and necessary to result in the safe control of the
suspect.
The need to immediately incapacitate the subject 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 may cause serious bodily injury
or death to the officer or others.
308.3 CHEMICAL AGENTS SPRAY GUIDELINES
Uniformed field personnel, plainclothes, and non -field personnel may carry oleoresin capsicum
(OC) spray if desired. The Property Officer will issue oleoresin capsicum spray to those personnel
that desire to carry it on duty. Canisters of oleoresin capsicum spray will be placed in each
marked unit for use by on duty personnel. Canisters involved in any type of malfunction or
damage shall be turned in to the Property Officer for exchange.
308.3.1 REQUIRED INSTRUCTION FOR USE
All personnel authorized to carry oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, uniformed and non -uniformed,
shall receive instruction in the proper use of OC spray prior to possessing and using it.
308.3.2 CARRYING OF OLEORESIN CAPSICUM SPRAY
Uniformed field personnel carrying the oleoresin capsicum spray shall carry the device in its
holster on the equipment belt. Plainclothes and non -field personnel may carry the oleoresin
capsicum spray as authorized, consistent with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of
their supervi sor.
308.3.3 PEPPER PROJECTILE SYSTEMS
Pepper projectiles are plastic spheres