TYPE OF DIRECTIVE
GENERAL ORDER

NUMBER
G-28-96 REV.

.0.~

SUBJECT
LESS-THAN-LETHAL WEAPONS

EFFECTIVE DATE
11/30/96

POUCE

REFERENCE
BATON, TASER, TACTICAL DEVICES, OC

REVIEW DATE
10/01/98

~EtlR1CO

~

CALEA STANDARDS
(3rd Edition)

RESCINDS
G-28-96

PURPOSE
To establish guidelines governing the use of less-than-Iethal weapons by
Division members.

PROCEDURES
I.

BATON
A.

The police baton is a less-than-Ietha
in the Division for use while
duty or off-duty. It may be em
y

pon issued to officers
function either onhe officer's defense

or in the defense of anoth
to
trol the actions of others,
t eff
a lawful arrest. Unless
or to the extent necess
special circumstances
at
ise. carrying of the baton,
while encouraged, s
b
tional for uniform wear.

11.

B.

ve been certified by the Training
Ii
baton shall be issued a baton, and
only those who have 15 n certified are authorized to carry a
baton either on-duty or off-duty.

C.

When it becomes necessary to employ force through the use
of the police baton, and that force results in the injury or death
of another person, the involved officer(s) shall immediately
notify a field supervisor through the Communications Center.
The field supervisor shall respond to the scene and initiate
further notifications according Rp·46. Internal Affairs shall
initiate an investigation of the baton use, which shall include
the gathering of a written report from the involved officer(s),
and shall submit a report of findings to the Chief of Police.

o.

Overt display of the baton shall not be considered use of force.

TASER
A.

The TASER, an electronic control device, is designed to be
used as an alternative subduing method and when traditional

LESS-THAN-LETHAL WEAPONS G-28-96 REV.
control tactics have proven or are likely to be ineffective. The
device emits electrical energy that temporarily overcomes the
human neuromuscular system. As with any other methods of
subduing unwilling persons. officers must exercise due caution
to prevent injury to the suspect, innocent parties, and fellow

officers.

B.

The use of the lASER is limited only to those instances where
a Division supervisor has authorized jts use.

C.

Use of the lASER is limited to only those Division personnel
who have been trained in its operation and thereby certified by
the Training Unit and approved by the Chief of Police.

D.

The TASERS shall be assigned to platoons and the Incident
Management Team/SWAT Element.

E.

The lASER may be used, but not

circumstances:

to, the following