Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
4.3 Use of Force
4.3.1 9 Control Devices – General (Revised: 1/3/22 )
INTERIM POLICY
In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the
University of California authorizes officers to use selected control devices in accordance with the
guidelines in this policy. Control devices include batons, ECD , OC spray, chemical agents,
restraints, projectile devices and kinetic energy projectiles.
A. Approval and Issuance
Control devices described in this policy may be carried and used only if the device has
been issued by the Department or approved by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
B. Training
Sworn members of the Department deploying control devices must have satisfactorily
completed a training course conducted by the Department in the appropriate use of the
specific firearm and control device. Recertification of proficiency in the use of the specific
firearms and control devices will be conducted at regular in tervals or as specified by the
firearms and control device manufacturer, if applicable. Appropriate training records will
be maintained by the Department and will comply with POST guidelines for roster
retention and submission.
The Chief of Police or de signee shall ensure that all personnel who are authorized to carry
a firearm and control device have been properly trained and certified to carry the specific
firearm and control device and are retrained or recertified as necessary. Additionally, the
Chief of Police or designee will ensure:
1. Proficiency training shall be monitored and documented by a certified instructor .
2. All training and proficiency will be documented in the officer's training file
3. Officers who fail to demonstrate proficiency with the control device or knowledge
of the Department's Use of Force Policy will be provided remedial training. If an
officer cannot demonstrate proficiency with a specific control device or knowledge
of the Use of Force Policy after remedial training, the officer will be restricted from
carrying the delivery system and may be subject to discipline.
C. Inspection
Officers will inspect the authorized control devices assigned to them to ensure that the
device is in proper working order before us e.
D. Use of Control Devices
Control devices may be used when a decision has been made to restrain, arrest or gain
control of an individual or group of individuals who are engaging in or have demonstrated
the intent to engage in violent behavior and reas onably appear to have t he potential to harm
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
officers, themselves or others, and the use of the device appears objectively reasonable
under the circumstances.
E. Use of Control Devices in Crowd Control Situations
Unless exigent circumstances exist, the use of force in crowd control situations should be
authorized by the Chief of Police or his/her designee after consultation with the Chancellor
or his/her designee.
F. Impact Areas
When using control devices, office rs should carefully consider potential impact areas and
foreseeable injuries and avoid unintentional targets.
G. Warnings
When reasonable and practicable, a warning and opportunity to comply should precede the
use of these devices.
H. Drawing or Exhibiti ng Control Devices
When a control device is drawn or exhibited to gain compliance from a subject, the
circumstances shall be documented and a supervisor notified . A baton held in por t arms
position does not need to be documented.