AgdaPkt 2011-07-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

6.1.D. - Page 7 supervisory review, and reporting of any activation of the TASER device. The California Penal Code provides for criminal sanctions for the misuse of TASER devices. All of the law enforcement agencies in San Mateo County, except the Sheriffs Office, use TASER protocols established by Lexipol, LLC of California. These protocols define the procedures for device deployment (use of force), activation, subject follow -up, reporting, and review policies. Lexipol is a private company that contracts by subscription service for the development and updating of policies with police departments across the United States. Lexipol defends its policies in court as meeting the "standard of care" when litigation regarding their use by local law enforcement agencies arises. The Sheriff s Office does not use Lexipol and has developed its own comprehensive policies. The Sheriff s Office provides law enforcement services for much of the County, including the unincorporated areas of the County and now including, by contract, the cities of San Carlos and soon Half Moon Bay, which previously had their own TASER device policies. The officers working for these cities are, or soon will become Sheriffs Deputies. On February 22, 2010, the Sheriff s department modified its policy to require a higher threshold for deployment and activation of TASER devices by deputies. The Sheriff s Office employs a Use of Force Ladder (see diagram on previous page) that requires a deputy to use a baton or flashlight prod and Specialty Impact Munitions (e.g., rubber bullets) before deployment and activation of the TASER unless the deputy can articulate a reason to use the higher level of force presumably represented by the TASER. The Sheriff s Use of Force Policy, dated April 10, 2008, placed the threshold for TASER devices use immediately prior to the use of a baton or flashlight prod, providing an opportunity to avoid physical contact with a subject. The Sheriff s current Use of Force policy places the use of a TASER device after both the physical contact use of a baton or flashlight prod and the use of SIMS. s California Penal Code section 244.5. More information about Lexipol can be found at h!W: / /www.lexinol.com Sheriff's De artment Use of Force Ladder April 10, 2008 February 22, 2010 1 Officer presence Officer presence 2 Verbal commands Verbal commands 3 Lighttouch Lighttouch 4 Physical controls (restraint Physical controls (restraint holds) holds) 5 Aerosol pepper projection Aerosol pepper projection 6 Taser Electronic Control Impact weapons (ASP/Baton, Device (ECD) flashlight) 7 Impact weapons (ASPBaton, Specialty Impact Munitions flashlight) (SIMS) 8 Specialty Impact Munitions Taser Electronic Control (SIMS) Device (ECD) 9 Carotid Control Carotid Control 10 Deadly force Deadly force The Sheriff s Office employs a Use of Force Ladder (see diagram on previous page) that requires a deputy to use a baton or flashlight prod and Specialty Impact Munitions (e.g., rubber bullets) before deployment and activation of the TASER unless the deputy can articulate a reason to use the higher level of force presumably represented by the TASER. The Sheriff s Use of Force Policy, dated April 10, 2008, placed the threshold for TASER devices use immediately prior to the use of a baton or flashlight prod, providing an opportunity to avoid physical contact with a subject. The Sheriff s current Use of Force policy places the use of a TASER device after both the physical contact use of a baton or flashlight prod and the use of SIMS. s California Penal Code section 244.5. More information about Lexipol can be found at h!W: / /www.lexinol.com