PBP FORM 290

)

PITTSBURGH
BUREAU OF
POLICE

t
RE-ISSUE DATE:
113/05

SUBJECT:

ORDER NUMBER:
ttTASER"

12-13

..... acciTd1iiabiliIY, ih/egrilyand
respect. ..

I EFFECTIVE DATE: I
03/10/04

PLEAC STANDARD:
NONE
ANNUAL REVIEW DATE:
RESCINDS:
.
JANUARY
ALL PREVIOUS

I

PAGE I OF 6
AMENDS:
NONE

1.0 PURPOSE OR POLICY
1.1 The purpose ofthis policy is to establish guidelines for the use of the TASER by members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of
Police whether such was issued or privately purchased.
1.2 The Pittsburgh Bureau ofPoHce has approved the use of the TASER to provide officers with an additional use afforce
option. This is a less lethal device that falls under Level 3, "Compliance Techniques," as defined in Procedural Order
#12-8 "Continuum of Control" and is to be used to control actively resisting subjects, aggressive non-compliant subjects,
violent or potentially violent subjects.
1.3 Pittsburgh Bureau of Police personnel will refer to Procedural Order # 12-6, "Use afForce" which shall continue in effect
as the Bureau policy regarding the utilization and reporting afforce.
1.4 The TASER is NOT a replacement for the officer's duty firearm. In those incidents where the officer reasonably believes
the actions of another constitute an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or a third party, the
TASER should not be used without firearm back-up.

2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 TASER - A less lethal device used to incapacitate subjects by discharging an electronic current into the subject. The
TASER is an Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD) system and uses propelled wires to conduct energy to a remote target,
thereby controlling and affecting the central nervous system. The TASER can also be used in touch application without
shooting the probes. Upon impact with the body (skin or up to 2 inches of clothing) the electrical pulses of the TASER
then override the central nervous system and take direct control of the skeletal muscles.
2.2 Discharge- To fire a TASER cartridge, display the arc, or to touch or to attempt to touch a subject with the TASER
while the TASER is in the stun mode.
2.3 Penetrate - To enter or diffuse through or into (the clothing or skin).

3.0 AUTHORIZATION

3.1 Only officers who have completed the prescribed course of instruction at the Pittsburgh Police Training Academy are
authorized to carry the TASER or another make and/or model as approved by the Chief of Police.
3.1.1 All authorized TASERs, either Bureau issued or privately purchased, shall be registered with the Bureau ofPolice
Training Academy.
3.1.2 It will be the responsibility of the Training Academy to maintain a database, which contains information pertaining
to the registered TASER's such as model and serial number of authorized TASER's.
3.2 TASER's and cartridges approved and authorized by the Chief ofPolice through written order are the only models that
will be carried.
3.3 The TASER will only be carried in holsters approved and authorized by the Chief ofPolice.

Exhibit 6-Taser-1

SUBJECT: "TASER"

ORDER NUMBER:
12-13

PAGE 2 OF6

3.4 Once authorized, officers must re-certifY in the use of the TASER biennially at the Pittsburgh Bureau ofPolice Training
Academy.

3.5 The Training Academy Commander shall ensure that a current list of those officers who have been issu.ed and are
qualified to cany/use the TASER is forwarded to each duty location each year. This list will be posted and maintained by
the shili supervisors at each duty location.
4.0 PROCEDURES
4.1 Officers authorized to cany a TASER are responsible for maintaining the device's operational readiness. As such,
officesr will:
4.1.1 Inspect the TASER for any obvious damage before taking it into the field. This inspection will include a check of
the light, laser site, frame, trigger housing, and safery switch for functionality. If a TASER is determined to be
functioning improperly, it should be taken out of service and sent to the Training Academy for repair along with a
special explaining the repair needed.
4.1.2 Check the TASER's battery strength to ensure adequate battery charge.
4.1.2.1
4.1.2.2

4.1.2.3

Officers will remove the cartridge from the TASER prior to checking the battery strength or changing
batteries in the unit.
Officers may test battery strength by firing an unloaded TASER at the sLart of their shift in the designated
area ofthe officer's duty location. This test firing shall be recorded on the officer's Daily Activity
Report, PBP Form # 1. 1.
In the event that the unit's battery strength is not sufficient and the rechargeable batteries will no longer
take a charge, the officer will replace the batteries with batteries specifically approved for use in the
TASER. These batteries are supplied by the Academy.

4.1.3 When on duty, cany the TASER in the approved holster, loaded with a cartridge with the safety in the 'ON'
position and ensure that the stopper is in the data port.
4.1.4 Wear the TASER holstered on the opposite side of the officer's handgon.
4.1.5 Cany at least two cartridges with the TASER.
4.1.5.1

Officers will also check the expiration date and condition of the TASER cartridges. Cartridges should be
inspected for damaged or loose doors. Expired and/or damaged cartridges will be turned in to the
Academy for replacement.

4.1.6 Store the TASER and extra cartridges in the issued holster or case when not in use.
4.1.7 Avoid dropping the TASER and exposing it to water.
4.1.8 Avoid direct sunlight exposure and static electricity.

5.0 TASER USAGE CRITERIA
5.1 Discharge of the TASER constitutes physical force under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Section 508 (Use ofForce in
Law Enforcement). The discharge ofthe TASER is authorized when used in accordance with the Rules &-Regulations of
the Pittsburgh Bureau ofPolice, in particular, policies on use afforce and use ofTASER and applicable laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America, in particular the Constitution of the United States.

J

Exhibit 6-Taser-2

I

SUBJECT, "TASER"

I

ORDER NUMBER,
12-13

PAGE 3 OF6

5.2 Situations in which the use afthe TASER may be authorized include, but are not limited, to the following:
•
•
•
•

When presented with a mentally ill individual who is exhibiting behavior that would lead an officer to use the
TASER as a reasonable force option.
Warrant service when the individual who is exhibiting behavior that would lead an officer to use the TASER as a
reasonable force option.
Persons under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol who are exhibiting behavior that would lead an officer to use the
TASER as a reasonable force option.
Persons expressing the intent and having the means to commit suicide and who are exhibiting behavior that would
lead an officer to use the TASER as a reasonahle force option.

5.3 Under no circumstances shall an officer resort to the use of the TASER where such a use afforce is in violation of
General Order # 12-6, "Use of Force" policy. Nothing in this policy is intended to conflict with or replace the provisions
of the "Use afForce" policy.
5.4 It is also the policy ofthis Bureau that personnel will not necessarily or unreasonably endanger themselves in applying
these guidelines. Furtheomore, it is policy of this Bureau that the TASER is not intended to be used as a substitute when
the officer is justified in the use of deadly force in accordance with the policy outlined in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Manual of Procedural Orders, General Order # 12-6.
6.0 INTENTIONAL TASER DISCHARGE
6.1 Upon 'encountering an incident in which it is deteomined that the TASER may be required, the officer shall broadcast a
request for "Code Zebra." This code will represent to the dispatcher/communications the request to have the TASER on
scene.
6. 1.1 Shift supervisors will notifY communications which officers have TASERS by writing "TASER officer" after the
unit number on the rundown that is faxed to communication.
6.2 When reasonable, prior to firing the TASER, the officer discharging the TASER shall loudly announce that the TASER is
going to be discharged.
7.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS AFTER TASER DISCHARGE
7.1 Following the discharge of the TASER, the officer shall secure the subject and the scene ensuring officer safety. '
7.2 A medical release from a hospital will be obtained for all subjects exposed to the discharge of the TASER, either by
contact stun or probes.
7.3 If the officer observes any objective sign indicating that the subject requires IMMEDIATE medical treatment following
exposure to the discharge ofthe TASER, either by contact stun or by probes, an EMS Unit shall be, summoned to the
scene immediately.
7.4 The following grid shall be consulted to deteomine the appropriate probe removal procedure to be taken after a TASER
probe discharge:

.....

)

Exhibit 6-Taser-3

. SUBJECT: "TASER"

I.

2.
3.

4.

TASER Probes Successfully
Discharl!ed?
Did the probes penetrate the
subiect?
If the probes penetrated the
subjec~ was a Supervisor called?
Did the probes penetrate the
subject's clothing ONLY?

Did penetration of the probes:
• Render the SUbject

•

Yes

No

GO!D Step #2

No further action.

Go to Step #3

Call a Supervisor and
Go to Steo #3
(Probes penetrated subject's body)
Go to Step #4

An officer trained in probe removal may
immediately remove the probes and
transport the subject to the hospital for a
medical release (see 7.5)
Request EMS Unit.
Wait for the EMS unit to arrive for probe

unconscious

removal.

Cause him/her to exhibit
signs of a serious medical

Transport the subject to the hospital for
treatment and/or release. (see 7.5)
Go to Step #5

condition

PAGE 4 OF6

ORDER NUMBER:
12-13

• Cause a secondary injury as
a result of a fall

Although discharge resulted in
penetration, an officer trained in
probe removal may immediately
remove the probes ifnone ofthese
conditions resulted.
The subject shall then be transported
to the hospital for a medical release.
Go to Step #5.

• Cause penetration in
5.

sensitive tissue areas (Le.
face, neck, breast or groin)?
Subject transported to Hospital

See 7.5 (below)

Transport to hospital for medical

release.
See 7.5 (below)

7.5 In those circumstances when the probes are removed from the subject by means other than professional medical
personnel, the subject will be transported to a medical facility for a medical release prior to being released from custody
or prior to transferring custody to the Allegheny County Jail or any other detention or medical facility.
7.6 Ensure that any discharged cartridges, probes, and a sampling of Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) "microdots" that are
discharged with the probes are collected and booked as evidence.

8.0 THE HANDLING OF PROBES FROM THE TASER
8.1 Probes that have penetrated the body should be treatcd as bio-hazardous "sharps."
8.2 Probes are to be carefully placed sharp tip first into the spent cartridge wire pockets and secured in place with a strip of

tape, i.e. evidence tape.
8.3 Probes are to be treated as evidence. Once the probes are secured into the spent cartridge they are to be packaged and
sent to the property room.
9.0 REPORTING USAGE OF THE TASER
9.1 All intentional discharges of the TASERare to be reported by the discharging officer. Any discharge, ""hetherresulting
in physical contact with an individual or not, shall be reported on the PBP Form # IO. I "Subject Resistance Report Form"
along with any other related reports and submitted to the officer's supervisor for review. Officers will include the serial
number of the TASER and ·cartridge(s) in their report.

92 All unintentional discharges will be reported through a PBP Form #54 "Special Report" outlining the specific
circumstances of the discharge. This Special Report shall then be forwarded through the shift supervisor, along with any
other related reports, through the chain of command to the Chief of Police the discharged cartridge shall be forwarded by
the officer to the Training Academy.

Exhibit 6-Taser-4

SUBJECT: "TASER"

ORDER NUMBER:
12-13

PAGE 5 OF6

9.2.1 The Training Academy's Defensive Tactics Section will conduct a debriefing on all unintentional discharges. This
debriefing is to be scheduled by the duty location commander as soon as is practical. The TASER unit will be taken
out ofservicc and inspected at rho Training Academy and will not be returned to the officer until rhe debriefing is
conducted.
9.3 All required reports will be completed and submitted before the end of rhe affected officer's tour of duty.
9.4 If the discharging officer is not able to make the necessary reports immediately following the usage incident, tbe shili
supervisor will complete and submit all ofrhe required reports prior [0 rhe end ofrhe supervisor's tour of duty.

10.0 TACTICAL FORMATIONS
10.1 Under the direct supervision ofa Supervisor, the TASER may be utilized as a means of crowd control through the use of
formations and display of the TASER's arc. In these situations, a supervisor shall document the TASER discharges by
completing an Investigative Report Form 3.0 listing all officers in the formation and noting rhe times the discharges
occurred.
IO.I.l Any officer who discharges a TASER and makes contact with a subject during a tactical formation shall complete
the appropriate forms as directed by Section 9.0 of this order.

11.0 PROHIBITED USAGE OF THE TASER
II.l The City of Pittsburgh forbids the discharge of the TASER in anyway that is deemed "excessive force." All intentional
discharges of the TASER must fall within the "reasonable officer standard."
I 1.2 While the TASER is a less lethal weapon meant to gain compliance from a subject, it is not a deadly force weapon and
therefore should not be used as a substitute for deadly force.
I 1.3 The TASER should not be discharged in the proximity of flammable liquids, gases, or any other highly combustible
materials that may be ignited by thc device including any individual that may have been exposed to combustible
substances or liquids such as gasoline.
11.4 The TASER is not to be discharged ifthe officer has knowledge that any member of another police department, agency,
or a civilian has sprayed the subject with OC Spray or aoy type of other chemical agent because of the potential for

combustion.
11.5 The TASER is not to be discharged ifit or the air cartridge is submerged in water.
11.6 The TASER is not to be used on individuals who have expressed theintent and have the means to commit suicide and
any incapacitation resulting from the discharge of the TASER would present a real threat of danger to public safety or a
high risk ofserious bodily injury to him or herself or another.
11.7 Officers should avoid using the TASER on obviously pregnant females and those individuals under the age of7 or over
the age of7D, unless the encounter rises to the level of a deadly force situation. This restriction is based on the potential
for these individuals to·fall when incapacitated by the TASER.

12.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SHIFT SUPERVISORS
12.1 Shift supervisors are responsible for ensuring that:

)

12. 1.1 All incidents involving any discharge of the TASER are apprnpriately documented and proper procedure is
followed.
12.1.2 All reports of incidents involving the use of the TASER are forwarded through the Chain of Command.

Exhibit 6-Taser-5

SUBJECT: "TASER"

I PAGE

ORDER NUMBER:
12-13

6 OF6

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13.0 DOWNLOADING OF TASER DATA CHIPSIDATA RECONCILIATION
13.] Duty location commaoders will ensure that a TASER deployment data report is downloaded quarterly for each TASER
assigned to their unit. This report may be generated more often if necessary.
13.2 The TASER deployment data sheet for each T ASER will be compared to documentation in the TASER file at the
Training Academy to ensure that every deployment has been appropriately documented. Lack of documentation for any
recorded use will be investigated.

Approved By:
,.,..... "

j

f ,(J",,- 'fT."...',

1V'1,

'1'1,;-"';0.) \..1""

Robert W. McNeilly, Jr.
Chief of Police

:}

Exhibit 6-Taser-6