What is prohibited regarding the use of firearms by department members?
The use of firearms is prohibited in several ways, including firing warning shots, firing at persons threatening only themselves, firing solely in defense of property, and firing into crowds.
What situations do not apply to the firearm discharge directive?
The directive does not apply to firearm discharges during training, practice at ranges, ballistic examinations, or licensed hunting activities.
What precautions should sworn members take before discharging a firearm?
Members should consider their surroundings, identify the appropriate target, and issue verbal warnings consistent with Force Mitigation principles.
What are the mandatory testing requirements after a firearm discharge?
Members involved in a discharge must submit to alcohol and drug testing, and refusal will result in administrative charges.
What is the duration of the administrative duty assignment after a firearm discharge?
Members will be placed on administrative duty for a minimum of thirty days following a firearm discharge incident.
What must be completed before returning to regular duties after a firearm discharge?
Members must complete thirty days of administrative duty, Traumatic Incident Stress Management Program requirements, critical incident training, and any other mandated training.
When is it authorized to use a Taser?
A Taser is an authorized force option against an assailant when the person is using or threatening to use force likely to cause physical injury.
What factors must be considered when determining Taser use?
Factors include the threat presented by the person, threat of self-harm, availability of other force options, likely outcome of Taser use, risk of injury, the person’s condition, and seriousness of the offense.
What are the restrictions on Taser use in schools?
Tasers are strongly discouraged in schools and on students unless deemed immediately necessary based on the totality of circumstances.
What environments should Tasers not be used in?
Tasers should not be used in environments with flammable, volatile, or explosive materials.
Who is authorized to remove Taser barbs from a person?
Only trained medical personnel may remove Taser probes from a person’s flesh.
Is drive stunning allowed?
Drive stunning is prohibited unless the person is defined as an assailant and other force options are ineffective.
What is the policy on Taser use against handcuffed individuals?
Tasers should not be used against fully restrained individuals unless they are defined as an assailant and other options are ineffective.
What circumstances increase the risk of serious injury from Taser use?
Circumstances include being elevated, unstable, at risk of falling, impaired reflexes, or in motion.
What must be justified for each Taser application?
Each Taser application must be individually justified and documented as a separate use of force.
What should members do after discharging a Taser?
Members must ensure the person can breathe, avoid restraining above the shoulders, request medical aid if necessary, and complete a Tactical Response Report.
What responsibilities does the reviewing supervisor have when notified of a Taser discharge?
The reviewing supervisor must respond to the scene, ensure the scene is processed correctly, and confirm notifications have been made.
What actions must the investigating supervisor take after a Taser discharge?
The investigating supervisor must ensure a higher-ranked supervisor responds, notify COPA, download Taser discharge data, and manage evidence.
What evidence must be inventoried from the of a Taser discharge?
All evidence must include the discharged probes, used cartridge(s), and a copy of the Taser discharge data sheet.
How should the discharged probes be handled after a taser discharge?
Detach the probes from the wires and insert them, pointed ends first, back into the cartridge.
What must the investigating supervisor ensure regarding the TRR?
Ensure all attachments are included in the TRR, including the Taser discharge data.
What should be done with the expended cartridge after a taser discharge?
Replace it from the district/unit supply. Replacement cartridges may be requested from the Taser Repair Center when needed.
What is COPA’s responsibility in reportable use of force incidents?
COPA will be exclusively responsible for recommending disciplinary action relating to the incident.
What tool does the investigating supervisor of a TRR use for after-action support recommendations?
The investigating supervisor will access the ‘TRR Debriefing Point Dashboard’ to review previous debriefing points.