Policy Text
POLICY
115.0AUTHORIZED LESS LETHAL AND NON-LETHAL WEAPONS
REVISED: 11 /2011 1/2020RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed and revised 1/2020
A.POLICY
Only those less lethal and non-lethal weapons specifically listed in this policy may be
carried by any member of this Department while on or off duty. All personnel authorized
to carry less lethal or non-lethal weapons must be trained and demonstrate proficiency in
the use of each weapon prior to carrying and utilizing such weapons in the performance
of their duties. Less lethal and non-lethal weapons include chemical defense sprays, all
chemical munitions, straight, expandable and side handle batons and stun guns. It will
be the responsibility of the trainer to provide the Chief of Police in writing with a list of
all sworn personnel, authorized to carry all less lethal and non-lethal weapons.
B.INSPECTION
1.During annual use of force training the use of force instructor shall inspect all less
lethal and non-lethal weapons for safety, functionality and to assure that weapons
conform to Department Policy. Any unsafe weapons shall be removed from
service until repaired or replaced.
2.The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall maintain a record of each weapon
approved for each member. The record shall include inspections and repairs to
each weapon.
3.The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall periodically review weapons
approved for Department use and add or delete weapons as deemed appropriate.
C.CHEMICAL MUNITIONS (AEROSOL DEFENSE SPRAY ADS)
1.Purpose
a.To provide El Portal Police Officers with an alternative less-than-lethal
weapon that has been proven to minimize the use of force and maximize
officer safety.
b.The EPPD has authorized for use by its officers the following defense
sprays:
(1).All Personnel: Fox Five point Three.
2.Description
2% OC Blend and Ultra Violet Dye
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a.All products are manufactured by FOXLABS INTL. These units are
disposable and cannot be reloaded. The expiration date, which appears on
the base of the unit, should be noted.
3.Carrying
These ADS Units should be carried in a manner, which would permit employment
of the unit by either weak or strong hand.
4.Deployment
ADS Units shall be regarded as a weapon and employed and safeguarded as such.
They will incapacitate an individual on a temporary basis. Incapacitation
normally lasts for time periods up to 45 minutes. As with all use of force, ADS
shall only be used when necessary and according to the use of force continuum.
Use of ADS falls before and after “touch,” specifically, soft, empty hand
techniques on the use of force continuum as the circumstances warrant.
Justification of the use of ADS must be documented in an offense or supplemental
report.
5.First Aid
a.It has been shown that after thousands of nationwide applications, there are
no long-term medical affects.
b.After application, first-aid steps shall be:
(1).Remove person from immediate contaminated air space to fresh air
space;
(2).Allow up to 45 minutes for chemical to dissolve;
(3).If situation allows, apply cool water and a ventilated source of air
to accelerate the recovery time;
(4).DO NOT apply salves, creams, oils or lotions to the affected area;
and
(5).Contact appropriate medical personnel if conditions persist beyond
45 minutes.
6.Care and Maintenance
a.DO NOT USE after the expiration date as the device may fail to function.
These ADS Units have an effective shelf life of two years from the date of
manufacturer.
7.Reporting
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The use of ADS shall be documented and reported as described in policy 119.3
USE OF FORCE - REPORTING. In addition, when booking a person on whom
an ADS Unit has been used, the arresting officer shall advise jail personnel. If the
actions which precipitated the use of an ADS constitutes a criminal act the
appropriate charge shall be made.
8.Training
Each officer who desires to carry the ADS Unit must complete a Department
approved training class designed to familiarize them with the product’s
capabilities and limitations, use of force continuum and Department Policy
regarding their use and reporting.
Currently as of this review, the El Portal Police Department DOES NOT
utilize Aerosol Defense Spray
D.ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE
Electronic Control Devices (ECD) are issued to officers for utilization to neutralize
potentially combative subjects, as an alternative to physical control in arrest or custodial
situations. Only those employees who have completed the approved electronic control
device user certification course may utilize the electronic control device.
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS:
ECD Program Supervisor(s):
An ECD Program Supervisor should be appointed to handle ECD related functions.
These duties may include issuing the ECD units/cartridges, record keeping, training,
documentation review, etc.
Issuing/Replacement of Cartridges:
The Program Supervisors shall be responsible for logging in all cartridges purchased by
the Department via the bar coded serial number listed on each cartridge.
Each Officer