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Applicable To: SWAT employees |
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Approval Authority: Chief Richard J. Pennington |
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Signature: Signed by RJP |
Date Signed: 12/11/07 |
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| Table of Contents | |||
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The intent of this directive is to establish the procedures for use of the Taser to control combative subjects.
The Atlanta Police Department places the highest priority on preservation of life. The Taser will be utilized by specially trained Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) officers as an available tool to control combative subjects when it reasonably appears necessary to affect an arrest or detention, overcome resistance, control a subject, or protect themselves or others from injury, and when alternative measures would be ineffective or likely to cause greater harm or injury.
3.1 The Special Operations Section (SOS) commander is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this directive.
3.2 The SWAT commander or his or her designee will authorize the use of the Taser. The SWAT commander will also conduct annual training of SWAT employees authorized to use the Taser and will manage its use.
3.3 Only those SWAT employees trained on the safe operation of the Taser will utilize the tool.
4.1 Use of the Taser
4.1.1 Only Taser International Electronic Control Device model M26 or X26 will be approved for use. (CALEA 5th ed. standard 1.3.9a)
4.1.1 After being dispatched, the SWAT commander or his or her designee will respond to the scene and determine if use of the Taser is appropriate under the circumstances present.
4.1.2 In determining the need for the Taser, due consideration will be
given to balancing the need to subdue the individual with the likelihood of
injury to the person, innocent bystanders or law enforcement officers. Examples
of situations in which the Taser may be used include, but are not limited to,
the following: 1. dealing with a mentally ill person perceived to be violent;
2. armed suspects;
3. violent persons under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
4. in civil disorder situations when necessary to apprehend or subdue violent participants who fail to comply with lawful directions;
5. persons expressing the intent and having the means to commit suicide.
4.1.3 When practicable, officers should refrain from using the Taser on:
1. persons in wheelchairs or in control of a motor vehicle;
2. pregnant women;
3. children or individuals under 80 pounds;
4. persons with known neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or epilepsy.
4.1.4 The Taser should not be used when the following circumstances are known to exist:
1. When the operator cannot, for safety or other reasons, approach the person within the Taser’s effective range.
2. When in proximity to flammable liquids, gases, blasting materials, or any other highly combustible materials that may be ignited by the use of the Taser, including any person who may have been contaminated with combustible liquids, or
3. When it appears reasonable that incapacitation may result in serious injury or death.
4.1.5 Once the SWAT commander or his or her designee has determined the need for the Taser, the SOS commander will be fully briefed as to the circumstances at the scene and the need for using the Taser.
4.1.6 The SWAT commander or his or her designee will authorize use of the Taser only after evaluating all available options.
4.1.7 Emergency medical technicians will be requested and on the scene prior to use of the Taser, when practicable and SWAT employees will ensure that on-scene medical attention is provided to those individuals on whom the Taser is utilized.
4.1.8 The Taser will generally be employed using the team concept in conjunction with a 5-person team to reduce prolonged exposure to the Taser by the subject and to ensure the subject is immediately taken into custody. The Taser may be used at the direction of the SOS Commander or SWAT commander if immediate action is necessary to prevent injury or death and there is insufficient time to assemble a Taser Team.
4.1.9 For maximum Taser effectiveness, the center body mass and large muscles such as the back or legs should be targeted.
4.2 Maintenance
4.2.1 SWAT supervisors are responsible for the maintenance, inspection and inventory of the Taser.
4.2.2 Taser batteries should be tested before use to ensure an effective charge and should be replaced when necessary.
4.2.3 Taser cartridges should be checked and replaced by the manufacturer’s expiration date.
4.3 Training
4.3.1 Designated operators of the Taser will be trained annually and demonstrate proficiency on the proper care and safe operation of the Taser.
4.3.2 SWAT employees that are unable to demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of the Taser will receive remedial training and will demonstrate their proficiency before being authorized to utilize the device.
4.3.3 Annual training on the Taser will be documented and maintained by the SWAT commander, with records forwarded to the Training Section.
4.4 Dart Removal
4.4.1 All Taser darts that penetrate the subject’s body will be removed only by medical personnel.
4.4.2 SWAT personnel may cut the wires attached to the darts prior to the darts’ removal by medical personnel.
4.5 Reporting
In every instance where the Taser is utilized, the operator will ensure that the use is documented in a Taser Use Report (Form APD xxx) and in the after action report. A copy of the completed Taser Use Report (Form APD xxx) will be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards, the Training Academy and the Field Operations Division Office.
Taser: A less lethal device that uses electrical current to override an individual’s central nervous system for a brief time.
None
APD.SOP.3010 Use of Force APD.SOP.3040 Weapons APD.SOP.4040 Special Operations
CALEA 5th edition Standard 1.3.5, 1.3.9, 1.3.10 |