7.1.2lp6 Public Safety: Use of Force

Adopted: April 2023
Scope: LTC Police Department
Contact: Chief of Police
References: TSCG Policy 7.1.2, Chapter 15, Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program (GLECP) standards 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16 1.17, 2.3 2.4 2.5, 2.7 and 2.8

Officers must review and have a demonstrated working knowledge of this chapter prior to receiving an Agency issued firearm.

This policy is for the Law Enforcement Agencies of the Technical College System of Georgia use only and does not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. The policy shall not be construed as a creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense with respect to third party claims. Violations of this policy will form the basis for departmental administrative sanctions only. Violations of law will form the basis for civil and criminal sanctions in a recognized judicial setting.

1. PURPOSE

   The purpose of this policy is to provide officers of the Technical College System of Georgia law enforcement agencies with structured guidelines on the use of less-lethal and deadly force.

   Additionally, it will:

   • Provide a standard operating procedure for Investigation of Use of Force Incidents.
   • Provide a standard operating procedure for Use of Force When Dealing with Animals.
   • Provide a standard operating procedure for Compliance Weapons.

2. DEFINITIONS
   1. Objectively Reasonable: The legal standard used to determine the lawfulness of a use of force is the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. (See Graham vs. Connor, 490 U.S. 386(1989)) Graham states in part, "The reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight. The calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that law enforcement officers are often forced to make split-second judgments — in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving — about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation. The test of reasonableness is not capable of precise definition or mechanical application."

   2. Compliance Weapon: A weapon used whose purpose is to gain a suspect's compliance with a level of intended force that is less than that of deadly force. Examples include Electronic Control Device (ECD), Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.), the ASP baton, and Impact Projectile Shotguns
   3. Factors used to determine Reasonableness: The TCSG examines reasonableness using Graham and from the articulated facts from the perspective of the officer in the same circumstances. In determining the appropriate level of force, officers shall evaluate each situation in light of facts and circumstances of each particular case.

      Those factors from Graham include:

      • The seriousness of the crime or suspected offense;
      • Whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others;
      • If the suspect is actively resisting arrest; or
      • If the suspect is attempting to evade arrest by flight.

      In addition to the 4 Graham factors, the courts will consider other objective factors:

      • Number of suspects v. number of officers
      • Size, age, condition of suspect and officer
      • Duration of the action
      • Known previous psychiatric history of the suspect
      • Known previous violent history of the suspect
      • Use of alcohol or drugs by the suspect
      • Presence of innocent bystanders
      • Time of day
   4. Deadly Force: Deadly force is defined as that force which creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury.
   5. Forceable Felony: As defined in O.C.G.A. 16-1-3, a forcible felony is, "any felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any person."
   6. Imminent: Black's Law Dictionary defines imminent as, "Near at hand; impending; on the point of happening."
   7. Impact Projectiles: Generically referred to as "bean bags and rubber bullets." Designed to incapacitate a subject with a minimal potential for causing death or serious physical injury when compared to conventional projectiles when used in accordance with agency policy and training guidelines.
   8. Serious Bodily Injury: A serious bodily injury is an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or results in long-term loss or impairment of the functioning of any bodily member or organ.
3. RULES AND REGULATIONS
   1. Use of Force

      The following Georgia law governs use of Force:

      OCGA 16-3-21. Use of force in defense of self or others; evidence of belief that force was necessary in murder or manslaughter prosecution.

      1. A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other's imminent use of unlawful force; however, except as provided in Code Section 16-3-23, a person is justified in using force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
      2. A person is not justified in using force under the circumstances specified in subsection (a) of this Code section if he:
         1. Initially provokes the use of force against himself with the intent to use such force as an excuse to inflict bodily harm upon the assailant;
         2. Is attempting to commit, committing, or fleeing after the commission or attempted commission of a felony; or
         3. Was the aggressor or was engaged in a combat by agreement unless he withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to such other person his intent to do so and the other, notwithstanding, continues or threatens to continue the use of unlawful force.
      3. Any rule, regulation, or policy of any agency of the state or any ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, or policy of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state which is in conflict with this Code section shall be null, void, and of no force and effect.
      4. In a prosecution for murder or manslaughter, if a defendant raises as a defense a justification provided by subsection (a) of this Code section, the defendant, in order to establish the defendant's reasonable belief that the use of force or deadly force was immediately necessary, may be permitted to offer:
         1. Relevant evidence that the defendant had been the victim of acts of family violence or child abuse committed by the deceased, as such acts are described in Code Sections 19-13-1 and 19-15-1, respectively; and
         2. Relevant expert testimony regarding the condition of the mind of the defendant at the time of the offense, including those relevant facts and circumstances relating to the family violence or child abuse that are the basis of the expert's opinion.
   2. General (GLECP Std. 1.10)

      It is the policy of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) that all TCSG officers shall only use an amount of force that is objectively reasonable to achieve a lawful law enforcement objective. Officers may use only that force which is "objectively reasonable" to:

      1. Defend themselves or others
      2. Overcome resistance to effect an arrest or detention
      3. Prevent an escape
   3. Deadly Force (GLECP Std. 1.11)

      The following Georgia Law governs the Use of Deadly Force:

      OCGA 17-4-20 Authorization of arrests with and without warrants generally; use of deadly force; adoption or promulgation of conflicting regulations, policies, ordinances, and resolutions; authority of nuclear power facility security officer.

      1. An arrest for a crime may be made by a law enforcement officer:
         1. Under a warrant; or
         2. Without a warrant if:
            1. The offense is committed in such officer's presence or within such officer's immediate knowledge;
            2. The offender is endeavoring to escape;
            3. The officer has probable cause to believe that an act of family violence, as defined in Code Section 19-13-1, has been committed;
            4. The officer has probably cause to believe that the offender has violated a criminal family violence order, as defined in Code Section 16-5-95; provided, however, that such officer shall not have any prior or current familial relationship with the alleged victim or offender;
            5. The officer has probably cause to believe that an offense involving physical abuse has been committed against a vulnerable adult, who shall be for the purposes of this subsection a person 18 years or older who is unable to protect himself or herself from physical or mental abuse because of a physical or mental impairment; or
            6. For other cause there is likely to be failure of justice for want of a judicial officer to issue a warrant.
      2. Sheriffs and peace officers who are appointed or employed in conformity with Chapter 8 of Title 35 may use deadly force to apprehend a suspected felon only when the officer reasonably believes that the suspect possesses a deadly weapon or any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in serious bodily injury; when the officer reasonably believes that the suspect poses an immediate threat of physical violence to the officer or others; or when there is probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed so as to restrict such sheriffs or peace officers from the use of such reasonable less-lethal force as may be necessary to apprehend and arrest a suspected felon or misdemeanant.
      3. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed so as to restrict the use of deadly force by employees of state and county correctional institutions, jails, and other places of lawful confinement or by peace officers of any agency in the State of Georgia when reasonably necessary to prevent escapes or apprehend escapees from such institutions.
      4. No law enforcement agency of this state or of any political subdivision of this state shall adopt or promulgate any rule, regulation, or policy which prohibits a peace officer from using that degree of force to apprehend a suspected felon which is allowed by the statutory and case law of this state.
      5. Law enforcement officers may use deadly force to:
         1. Prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself, or a third person;
         2. Prevent the commission of a forcible felony; or
         3. Apprehend a suspected felon only when the officer reasonably believes that the suspect possesses a deadly weapon or any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in serious bodily injury; when the officer reasonably believes that the suspect poses an immediate threat of physical violence to the officer or others; or when there is probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm.

         Officers need only find one of the three conditions present in order to employ deadly force against a suspected felon.

   4. Identify and Warn

      The Lanier Technical College Police Department encourages, when reasonable and tactically practical, Officers identify themselves as Police Officers, and give a verbal warning of their intent to shoot or use deadly force.

   5. Warning Shots (GLECP Std. 1.10f)

      Warning shots are not permitted under any circumstances.

   6. Neck Restraints (GLECP Std. 2.4)

      Neck restraints such as choke holds, carotid artery restriction techniques and other similar types of control techniques are to be considered deadly force and are not to be used by members of TCSG law enforcement agencies, except in situations where the use of deadly force would be applicable.

   7. Shooting at or from Moving Vehicles

      Officers should understand the inherent dangers in shooting at or from a moving vehicle, including, but not limited to, the possible presence of innocent bystanders/passengers. However, the use of force laws [OCGA 16-3-21(a) and 174-20(b)] still apply, as with any other use of force incident.

   8. Animals

      The killing of animals by an officer is permitted in order to:

      1. Defend himself/herself or another person from death or great bodily injury;
      2. Destroy an animal that is so badly injured that humanity requires it relief from further suffering.

      In all other incidences, TCSG law enforcement officers should attempt to have their local animal control service take control of stray or dangerous animals.

      NOTE: Killing another person's animals is considered a seizure of a person’s property under the 4th Amendment. The standard of objectively reasonable should be used in these incidents.

   9. Escapees

      Officers of the Technical College System of Georgia shall only use deadly force against an escapee from a post-conviction penal institution when the escapee poses an immediate threat to the officer or others and would be objectively reasonable under O.C.G.A. 17-4-20(b).

      Deadly Force shall not be used to prevent the escape of pre-trial detainee from custody unless the detainee poses an immediate threat to the officer or others and would be objectively reasonable under O.C.G.A. 17-4-20(b).

4. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION
   1. A. At least annually, all agency personnel authorized to carry compliance weapons or lethal weapons are required to receive in-service training on the constitutional and legal limitations on the use of deadly force and on the agency's policies regarding the use of force and the use of deadly force. (GLECP Std. 2.5, 2.3)
   2. Officers of the Technical College System of Georgia who are issued and carry electronic control devices (ECD) must receive biennial re-certification training on their ECD as required by the manufacturer.
   3. Officers of the Technical College System of Georgia must requalify with each firearm used on duty at least once annually in accordance with the requirements of the Georgia Peace Officer and Standards Training Council.
5. USE OF FORCE REPORTS (GLECP Std. 1.14)

   It will be the responsibility of the supervisor of any employee involved in any of the below listed incidents to complete a Use of Force Report as soon after the incident as possible, but not longer than 24 hours, and forward the report, along with supporting documentation, through the chain-of-command to the Chief Executive Officer.

   ATTENTION CEO: Evidence suggests officers may not immediately recall details immediately after an event. It is recommended the agency review the literature regarding officers being permitted to review video recordings of the incident prior to preparing their use of force/response to aggression report.

   Use of Force Reports shall be completed when: (GLECP Std. 1.14 a, b, c, d)

   1. A firearm is discharged for other than for training or recreational purposes.
   2. Any time a firearm is pointed in the general direction of another person.
   3. Any time ECD, OC, ASP Baton, etc., is used on a person;
   4. A suspect is struck with hands, feet;
   5. Officer used physical force to secure the suspect;
   6. Use of force results in injury or death;

      Injury shall include (but is not limited to):

      1. The presence of blood or broken skin on the person of either the officer or suspect, that occurs as a result of an arrest or confrontation; or
      2. A complaint of physical injury is made by a suspect in the presence of any law enforcement officer that arose as a result of any arrest or confrontation.
6. INVESTIGATION OF USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS

   A fair, thorough, objective investigative process is critical component of maintaining the trust and confidence of the public and employees. The investigation of any use of force shall be done in a consistent and objective manner. This requires each person conduct their assigned responsibilities and duties. This section includes, but is not limited to, the use of firearms.

   1. Less-lethal Force Incidents
      1. Responsibilities and Duties of Involved Officer(s)
         1. If there is an injury to the suspect or officer, medical attention will be immediately sought.
         2. The injured party may be transported to a medical facility when injuries are minor and do not require EMS response to the scene. (GLECP Std. 1.12)
         3. Immediately contact a supervisor.
         4. A statement detailing the use of force shall be completed and delivered to a supervisor as soon as possible after the incident.
         5. Any officer present or witnessing the incident will submit a supplemental report detailing their observations and actions taken.
      2. Responsibilities of Employees Witnessing Perceived Excessive Use of Force

         Duty to Intervene
         Any officer present and observing another officer, regardless of that officer's employing agency or rank, using force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intervene to prevent or stop the use of unreasonable force. An officer who observes another officer use force that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law should promptly report these observations to a supervisor.

      3. Responsibilities of Supervisor (GLECP Std. 1.15)
         1. Upon notification of the use of force that results in an injury to the suspect, officer, or a third party, or that has the potential to disrupt campus operations, a supervisor shall respond to the scene and initiate an inquiry into the incident.
         2. The supervisor shall complete a Use of Force report describing the use of force, the weapon or instrument involved, any injuries or property damage, etc., the name and address of any injured persons or witnesses, and the extent and/or treatment of any injuries. Photographs shall be taken of any injuries when possible.
         3. The supervisor will, as much as possible, objectively review and determine the accuracy of the information provided including officers, witnesses and suspects as well as other evidence (i.e. video recordings, ECD download data).
         4. If the responding supervisor is not the College Chief of Police, he or she shall notify the College Chief as soon as possible. The Supervisor or Chief of Police will notify the TCSG DPS Chief of Police of any incidents that have the potential to disrupt campus operations and/or garner media attention as soon as possible.
   2. Deadly Force Incidents
      1. Responsibilities and Duties of Involved Officer
         1. When deadly force is used, and as soon as the scene is secured, the officer is to holster his or her weapon, without unloading, or reloading it;
         2. Determine the physical condition of any injured person and administer first aid;
         3. Request emergency medical aid (GLECP Std. 1.12);
         4. Notify his or her agency and the local 911 dispatch center (if normally used by the agency) of the incident and location. Witnesses to the incident should be detained and separated if possible If the witnesses refuse to stay, the officer should try to obtain their names and contact information for future reference.
         5. Unless injured, the officer will remain at the scene until the arrival of the appropriate supervisors and/or investigators. However, if the circumstances are such that the continued presence of the officer at the scene might cause a more hazardous situation to develop (e.g., violent crowd), the ranking commanding officer at the scene shall have the authority to have the officer moved to another, more appropriate location.
         6. The officer shall protect their weapon for examination and submit it to the appropriate investigator.
         7. The officer shall prepare a detailed report of the incident after a minimum of 48 hours.
         8. The officer shall not discuss the case with anyone except:
            1. Supervisory and assigned investigative personnel;
            2. His attorney/Legal Representative;
            3. officer's immediate family
            4. A Peer Counselor from the Georgia Department of Public Safety Support.

         ATTENTION CEO: It is critical you should ensure the difference between internal (Garrity) and criminal (Miranda) warnings are explained in policy and provided to officers as appropriate for the different investigations.

      2. College Chief of Police or Designee

         The College Chief of Police or designee shall:

         1. Proceed immediately to the scene;
         2. Ensure the scene is secured;
         3. Conduct a preliminary field inquiry.
         4. Assist the involved officer(s); and
         5. Notify the TCSG DPS Chief of Police as soon as possible.
      3. Investigative Responsibility
         1. Investigations of deadly force incidents in which injury or death occur will be referred to the GBI by the College Chief of Police or the TCSG DPS Chief of Police.
         2. All required written reports will be submitted without delay to the College Chief of Police.
         3. The College Chief of Police is responsible for notifying the TCSG DPS Chief of Police.
         4. Comments to the news media concerning a Use of Force incident (including Deadly Force) must be approved by the agency's Chief of Police or his designee.
      4. Treatment of Officer (GLECP Std. 1.17)
         1. In every instance in which an officer (or any employee) uses deadly force, where such use results in death or serious bodily injury to another person, the officer shall be placed on either administrative leave or in-house administrative duty.
         2. The officer is to remain available at all times for official interviews and statements regarding the case and shall be subject to recall to normal duty at any time after the preliminary investigation.

         ATTENTION College Chief: It is recommended officers be required to meet with a psychologist specializing in law enforcement officer use of force incidents or engage the assistance of the Peer Support counseling through the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS (GLECP Std. 1.15, 1.16)
   1. All reported uses of force will be reviewed by College Chief of Police to determine whether:
      1. Departmental rules, policy or procedures were violated.
      2. The relevant policy was clearly understandable and effective to cover the situation.
      3. All findings of policy violations or training inadequacies shall be reported to the appropriate unit for resolution and/or discipline.
      4. At each level of review, the reviewer shall have the option to refer the incident to Internal Affairs for further investigation when deemed appropriate or necessary.
   2. All Use of Deadly Force or Use of Force resulting in significant injury incidents will also be reviewed by the TCSG DPS Police Chief.
   3. All use of force incident reports shall be retained as required by state law.
   4. There will be annual review of all use of force incidents by the College Chief of Police to ascertain training and policy needs.
   5. The agency will prepare a written annual analysis of all use of force incidents. (GLECP Std. 1.16) These reports will be submitted to the TCSG DPS Police Chief annually.
8. COMPLIANCE WEAPONS

   TCSG Law Enforcement agencies may provide officers with Compliance Weapons, such as department approved Electronic Control Device (ECD), Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.), the ASP baton, and Impact Projectile Shotguns, so they may successfully defend themselves from combative, resistant, and/or violent individuals and to reduce the risk of injury to the officer or suspect.

   1. Training
      1. Officers must successfully complete an Agency approved training course and demonstrate proficiency in the use of any compliance weapon prior to its being issued. (GLECP Stds. 2.7, 2.8)
      2. Training must be provided by a weapons instructor who is certified to provide training of the weapons they are proving instruction. (GLECP Std. 2.7, 2.8)
      3. Officers will, at a minimum, attend biennial refresher training in the use of each issued compliance weapon. Training on Electronic Control Devices ((ECD Brand)) will be conducted yearly. (GLECP Std. 2.7, 2.8)
      4. Officers who fail to attend the required refresher training or who are unable to demonstrate proficiency in the use of any compliance weapon will not be allowed to carry it until they attend remedial training and are able to demonstrate proficiency. (GLECP Std. 2.7, 2.8)
      5. Training will be documented in each officer's training file. (GLECP Std. 1.7)
   2. Use of TASER Electronic Control Device
      1. Definitions

         Electronic Control Devices (ECD): Weapons designed to disrupt a subject's central nervous system by means of deploying battery powered electrical energy, sufficient to cause uncontrolled muscle contractions, and override an individual's voluntary motor responses.

      2. Agency Approved TASER (GLECP Std. 1.13)

         The following Axon TASER Conducted Energy Weapons are authorized for use by TCSG Law Enforcement agencies:

         1. TASER 7
         2. TASER X26 and X26P
         3. TASER X2
      3. Authorized Use of TASER ECD

         The use of an ECD is considered a compliance weapon and shall be deployed in a manner consistent with the Use of Force Policy and Training.

      4. Prior to Deployment
         1. The ECD shall only be issued to and used by authorized employees who have successfully completed the TASER Certification Training.
         2. All ECD will be inspected by a certified ECD weapon instructor to ensure they are charged and properly functioning prior to being issued for field use.
         3. The TASER ECD is a sensitive electronic device and should be treated with appropriate care. It should not be dropped or thrown around. When not in use it should remain in an approved holster and be protected from becoming wet (i.e. rain, submerged in water).
         4. The TASER ECD shall be carried in an approved holster on the officer's non-firearm side of the body. An officer should not remove a TASER from the holster in the presence of non-law enforcement personnel except when use of the TASER is authorized under this policy.
         5. The TASER ECD will be turned over to any requesting supervisor for inspection or to investigate usage. Only batteries authorized by the manufacturer should be used in the TASER ECD and should be recharged when they reach the manufacturer's recommended recharging percentage.
         6. TASER ECD cartridges should be replaced by the expiration date. Expired cartridges are to only be used for training purposes.
         7. Each officer certified to carry a TASER ECD is responsible for conducting a one (1) second spark test daily on their assigned TASER ECD.
         8. When the TASER ECD is experiencing any type of malfunction, it is to be removed from service and turned in to the Chief of Police or TASER Instructor as soon as practically possible for repair. Malfunctions include but are not limited to being dropped and causing damage, broken safety switch, battery light not working, CID display not properly working, or displaying "00," "EE," or any type of error reading, etc. A TASER that cannot be repaired onsite will be shipped to manufacturer.
      5. Decision to Deploy TASER ECD

         The ECD may be used in any of the following circumstances, when the circumstances perceived by the officer at the time indicate that such application is objectively reasonable to control a person:

         1. The subject is physically resisting with violence or the threat of violence.
         2. The subject has demonstrated, by words or action, an intention to be violent or to physically resist, and reasonably appears to present the potential to harm officer, him/herself, or others.
         3. The TASER ECD shall not be considered for the passively resistant subject, such as on a seated protestor who goes limp.
         4. The TASER ECD is a possible option to use on a handcuffed subject only if the risk of injury for the officer and/or the subject is greater if another force option is used instead of the TASER ECD.
         5. The TASER ECD is prohibited from being used in questioning or interrogating a suspect. The TASER ECD shall never be used as a punitive measure.
      6. Special Deployment Considerations

         The use of the ECD on certain individuals should be avoided unless the totality of the circumstances indicates that other available options reasonably appear ineffective or would present a greater danger to the officer, the subject, or others and the officer reasonably believes that the need to control the individual outweighs the risk of using the device. This includes:

         1. Individuals who are known or suspected to be pregnant.
         2. Elderly individuals or obvious juveniles.
         3. Individuals with obviously low body mass.
         4. Individuals who are handcuffed or otherwise restrained.
         5. Individuals who have been recently sprayed with a flammable chemical agent or who are otherwise in close proximity to any known combustible vapor or flammable material, including alcohol-based oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
         6. Individuals whose position or activity may result in collateral injury (e.g., falls from height, operating vehicles).
      7. Method of Deployment
         1. The deployment of the ECD is to be conducted in accordance with the department's use of force policy and training.
         2. The TASER ECD can be deployed in two (2) different modes. The preferred mode is firing the darts in the preferred target areas as identified in training. This deployment enables electrical impulses to temporarily override the central nervous system and directly control the skeletal muscles. The second approach is in the 'drive-stun' mode which does not involve firing the cartridges. With this approach the electrical current is limited to the area between metal points on the front of the device.
         3. The primary risk of serious injury or death during a TASER ECD deployment is the risk related to falls. Users should avoid deploying the TASER ECD on persons next to swimming pools, on elevated platforms, or other places where a fall can be more injurious.
         4. The TASER ECD should never be used near flammable liquids and fumes. The TASER ECD can ignite gasoline or other flammables. Some selfdefense sprays/O.C. sprays are flammable and would be extremely dangerous to use in conjunction with the TASER ECD. The TASER ECD should not be used on an individual who has been O.C. sprayed, unless they were sprayed by a member of the same TCSG Law Enforcement agency with the brand of pepper spray authorized and issued by the agency. Do not deploy the TASER ECD near a suspected meth lab.
         5. Consider using alternate compliance techniques prior to using the TASER ECD on a person who is in physical control of a moving vehicle or in any other situation where the body's reaction might place the subject or others at an increased risk of injury beyond that which would be considered reasonable given the situation.
         6. When the TASER ECD is deployed in situations involving deadly weapons, a back-up officer is to directly accompany the TASER ECD user and will be designated to utilize lethal force.
         7. If practical, a verbal warning should be issued to the subject that the TASER ECD will be deployed if they do not comply. The verbal warnings should be announced to let others know the TASER ECD is being deployed.
         8. Back shots are the preferred target area when practical to do so. If the situation requires the officer to deploy the ECD on an individual facing them, the preferred point of aim is low center mass (abdominal area). Officers are to make reasonable efforts to avoid striking persons in the head, neck, heart area, or genitals.
         9. The TASER ECD has a built-in five (5) second timer. The electrical current will continue for the full five (5) seconds every time the trigger is depressed; the cycle should never be stopped unless special circumstances dictate. If additional cycles are required, each five (5) second cycle, or extended exposure of any time frame, shall be evaluated as an independent use of force.
      8. After Deployment
         1. Once the subject is in custody or the situation is safe to do so, the College Chief of Police will be notified that the ECD was deployed.
         2. With a witness nearby, the TASER ECD probes should be removed. When removing the probes, employees should wear latex gloves. Probes embedded in non-sensitive areas can be removed by firmly grasping the probe and quickly pulling it straight out. After probes are removed, the wounds are to be cleaned with antiseptic and dressed. (GLECP Std.1.12)
         3. Qualified medical personnel should remove probes embedded in the neck, head, groin, woman's breasts, and as special circumstances dictate.
         4. Photographs should be taken of probe impact sites and any other related injuries. Photographs should also be taken of the probes after they have been removed from the subject.
         5. All persons who officers have used an ECD on shall be monitored for at least 10 minutes for signs and symptoms of physical distress. Persons exhibiting distress, vulnerable classes such as juveniles, pregnant women, the elderly, persons small in stature, and those with pre-existing conditions should get medical clearance at a hospital.
         6. Personnel who deploy the TASER ECD on subjects exhibiting symptoms of exhaustion, distress or agitated/excited delirium will immediately request EMS respond to the scene.
      9. Documentation (GLECP Std. 1.14)
         1. All deployments of the TASER ECD including those cases where a subject complies once threatened with the device shall be documented in accordance with the use of force report policy.
         2. Photographs of the affected area are to be taken prior to and after the removal of the darts, including "drive-stun" usage.
         3. Darts, cartridges, and aphids shall be properly collected, stored and maintained as evidence. They will be secured in a Biohazard container after the serial number has been obtained from the cartridge.
         4. The Supervisor will complete the reporting guidelines in 11-3 Use of Force.
      10. Compliance Weapon Inspection (GLECP Std. 1.13)

          All Compliance Weapons shall be inspected annually during the required training by a qualified armorer or instructor. Weapons found to be deficient shall be removed from service by the armorer or instructor then repaired or replaced. The employee will receive a replacement weapon until their issued weapon is repaired or replaced.

   3. Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.)
      1. Agency Approved Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) Aerosol Spray (GLECP Std. 1.13)
      2. TCSG Law Enforcement Officers will only carry O.C. that is authorized and issued by their respective TCSG Law Enforcement Agency.
      3. O.C. spray is considered a use of force and shall be employed in a manner consistent with the use of force policy and training.
      4. Officers are authorized to use O.C. chemical agents against animals such as dogs to protect the officer or another person from an attack by the animal.
      5. Decontamination Procedures
         1. After control has been established and/or resistance ceased, the officer will make reasonable efforts to decontaminate the affected areas.
         2. When it is safe, the officer is to provide the appropriate first aid to the suspect and decontaminate using cool water to the face and/or affected areas;
         3. Suspects who have been sprayed shall be continuously monitored for indications of medical problems and shall not be left alone while in police custody until decontamination is complete;
         4. Call for professional medical attention (EMS) any time someone is sprayed. (GLECP Std. 1.12)

            The effects of O.C. vary between individuals. Immediately after spraying an individual, officers should be alert to any indications that the suspect needs medical care. This includes, but is not limited to, breathing difficulties, gagging, profuse sweating and loss of consciousness. Upon observing these other medical problems, or if the suspect requests medical assistance, the officer shall immediately summon emergency medical aid;

         NOTE: The EMS personnel should determine if the suspect needs to be transported to a hospital or other medical facility for further medical evaluation.

      6. Storage and Distribution
         1. All O.C. will be distributed/replaced by the College Chief of Police or designee (GLECP Std. 1.13);
         2. Unexplained depletion of O.C. canisters shall require an inquiry and written report by the officer's supervisor and/or the Chief of Police.
   4. Impact Weapons
      1. Authorized carry of the Baton (GLECP Std. 1.13)

         Officers will only carry batons that are issued and authorized by their respective TCSG Law Enforcement Agency.

      2. Authorized Use of the Baton
         1. The baton is considered a compliance weapon and shall be employed in a manner consistent with the use of force policy and training. Training shall be provided by a certified POST Use of Force Instructor who is also certified as an instructor for the baton issued by the department.
         2. The officer's decision to deploy the baton should be based on the tactical situation and the officer's reasonable belief its use is the appropriate choice based upon the situation.
         3. The use of the baton is to be in accordance with the prescribed methods and training. The baton shall be deployed and used only as necessary to complete the desired objective and affect the arrest of the suspected offender.
         4. Except in life-threatening situations, intentional strikes to the following areas will not be accepted as defensive techniques and will not be considered proper use of the baton:
            1. Head and face
            2. Heart areas
            3. Spine iv. Kidneys
            4. Direct frontal blow to kneecap
            5. Groin area
            6. Throat or Larynx
         5. Flashlights will not be used as impact weapons, except in those cases where a sudden, violent attack on an officer precludes the use of other means of defense. When a flashlight is used as an impact weapon, the officer will follow the guidelines regarding impact weapons.
         6. Maintenance and repairs shall only be conducted by factory authorized individuals or returned to the manufacturer. (GLECP 1.13)
   5. Guidelines for Use of Impact Projectile Shotguns
      1. All uses of impact projectiles shall be consistent with this agency's policy on use of force.
      2. Impact projectiles are primarily designed for use against subjects who appear to pose a threat of death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others.
      3. There is a broad range of scenarios in which use of an impact projectile may be justified. Major factors to consider when deciding whether such use is justified include the following:
         1. Seriousness of any crime committed by the individual;
         2. Whether the individual is armed and, if so, the potential lethality/threat;
         3. Propensity of the individual to be violent;
         4. The urgency of the situation and potential impact of actions that may be committed by the suspect;
         5. The ability of officers to use an impact projectile against the suspect in accordance with policy and training;
         6. The potential for collateral damage to officers, other persons, or property should the impact projectile incapacitate the suspect (e.g., the suspect is or is allegedly holding a triggering device connected to explosives or other destructive devices).
      4. Consideration may be given to the use of impact projectiles (bean bag projectiles) against those who are posing a threat of death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others.
      5. Deployment of an impact projectile should be at the direction of a line supervisor or another senior officer unless it is reasonably likely that failure to take immediate action would result in injury, death, or serious property damage.
      6. Only officers who have met their agency's training requirements for use of the impact projectile are permitted to carry or deploy impact projectiles.
   6. Deployment, Strike Areas, and Follow Up
      1. Specific deployment weapons shall be designated for deployment of impact projectiles and shall be definitively marked by paint or other conspicuous distinguishing features as authorized by this department. These shotguns shall not be used for any other purpose, shall be loaded only with impact projectiles, and shall be kept only by authorized personnel in a manner designated by the department.
      2. Where possible, officers should inform other police personnel in the immediate vicinity that impact rounds will be deployed in order that the shot will not precipitate the use of firearms by other officers.
      3. Suspects who are struck with a projectile should be restrained as necessary and transported to a medical facility for examination.
      4. Use of impact projectiles is a use of force and is subject to the same reporting and investigative policy requirements as other types of force incidents.
      5. A use of force investigation shall be conducted in any situation involving the discharge of an impact projectile.
      6. The depth of any investigation shall be determined by the college Chief of Police based on the extent of suspect injuries and a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

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