AgdaPkt 2011-07-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1.D. - Page 9 policies is Lexipol, LLC. Fifteen cities, BART and the CHP use Lexipol, or have policies that are similar, if not identical, to Lexipol. 4. All agencies using TASER devices require training prior to the issuance of a TASER to individual officers; require annual or more frequent retraining; require a "Use of Force Report" when a TASER device is activated; and require medical evaluation for a subject who has been "tased." 5. No agency requires reporting when a TASER device has been used in the "light up" deployment mode, but not activated. 6. No agency requires that an officer who has been issued a TASER device actually keep it on his/ her person. The TASER device may be kept secured in the patrol car for those officers on patrol duty. 7. The cities of Menlo Park and East Palo Alto are the only San Mateo County police agencies that do not supply TASER devices to their officers and therefore TASERS are not available as an alternative to lethal force. Conclusions The 2011 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury concludes: 1. TASER devices can be a use of force alternative to the lethal force of a firearm. 2. With the exception of the Sheriff's Office, of those agencies using TASER devices, the use of force deployment and activation policies are sufficiently similar to consider them to be standardized. 3. Without standardized use of force policies across San Mateo County with respect to activation and deployment of TASER devices, police officers and Sheriffs deputies do not have a consistent approach in responding to potential use of force events. In addition, a lack of common policies (and training) could set inconsistent expectations with the public and law enforcement officers alike as to when and how TASER devices will be deployed and activated. 4. Lexipol, LLC provides the most -used set of standards for Use of Force policies in San Mateo County. 5. All agencies that are using TASER devices have adequate training, supervision, reporting, review, and medical evaluation of the subject when TASER devices are used. 6. TASER devices that are deployed, but not activated, are not included in Use of Force reports. This understates the effectiveness of Tasers because "lighting up" a subject with the laser light is often sufficient for the officer to gain the subject's immediate compliance. The absence of this reporting can result in future decision - makers not having sufficient information about the utility of carrying and deploying this device. 7. An officer who is trained in the use of TASER devices cannot make use of the device if he or she is not carrying it when it is needed. s Please see attached sample Use of Force report attached as Appendix B