Pepperball Weapon Systems Pilot

Bureau Order

This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please submit a request through our Public Records Request Portal.

25-01
Published: 
Revised: 
Issued to
Field Operations Bureau
Issued by
Deputy Chief Derrick Lew

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to identify who in the Field Operations Bureau may carry PepperBall Weapons Systems, extending use from the Special Operations Bureau to the Field Operations Bureau, and to establish circumstances/procedures under which trained members may use it.

II. DEFINITIONS

The PepperBall Weapons Systems is primarily an Extended Range Chemical Agent Deployment system (ERCAD) that delivers a chemical agent directly to the subject or to be used for area denial/saturation. PepperBall Weapons Systems, using round ball or round tipped projectiles, may also be used as an Extended Range Impact Weapon (ERIW).

III. ORDER

  1. Members shall use only objectively reasonable force in accordance with DGO 5.01. 
  2. As stated above, the PepperBall Weapons Systems is primarily an ERCAD or an ERIW, which are classified as intermediate force, as listed in DGO 5.01.06(B).
  3. Any PepperBall Weapons Systems trained member of the Field Operations Bureau may deploy the PepperBall Weapons Systems as a force option, in accordance with DGO 5.01.08.
  4. The Field Operations Bureau acknowledges that PepperBall Weapons Systems fall under the approved Assembly Bill 481 Ordinance. Until the Department's Law Enforcement Use of Equipment Policy is adopted by the Board of Supervisors, this Order outlines the Pilot Program for the Field Operations Bureau.

IV. PROCEDURES

  1. Only members who have completed Department-approved PepperBall Weapons Systems training may deploy or use this force option.
  2. Per the manufacturer, t[Redacted]
  3. When feasible, members using the PepperBall Weapons Systems shall issue a warning in accordance with DGO 5.01.08 and PepperBall Weapons Systems training.
  4. Mandatory First Aid.
    1. When used to deliver a chemical agent only, members shall adhere to DGO 5.01.08.C(3) and (4).
    2. If used as an impact weapon, the subject shall be medically assessed by emergency medical personnel in accordance with DGO 5.01.08(E)(5).

  5. Reporting.

    Discharging of the PepperBall Weapons Systems directly or indirectly at a person(s) is a reportable use of force.

  6. Booking Form.

    Members shall note on the booking form that the subject has been exposed to a chemical agent and, where applicable, if struck by a PepperBall Weapons Systems.

  7. Use of Force Reporting.
    1. Officers shall adhere to DGO 5.01.09.
    2. Supervisors shall adhere to DGO 5.01.09.

V. DECONTAMINATION

  1. If deployed in a structure or vehicle ventilate by opening all windows and doors. Turn the A/C or heater to push air throughout the structure/vehicle. If appropriate, request the Fire Department respond with fans to assist with the ventilation.
  2. Advise any resident or person in control that the structure or vehicle should be decontaminated by a professional decontamination service prior to occupancy.
  3. If the resident or person in control of the premises is not present, decontamination instructions shall be left at the premises. The date, time, and location where the instructions were left shall be documented in the incident report.

REFERENCES:

Tactical Company Unit Order 23-02 PepperBall Systems