M26 Full Deployment

Policy, Training, and Logistical
Challenges

Policy
• Perceptions will affect policy
• Full deployment requires detailed
guidelines
• Where to start:
– Your Use of Force Policy
– Contact other agencies

Policy: Deployment
• When to Carry
– At all times
– On certain calls

• How to Carry
– Holster type
– Holster location
– Extra cartridges
• How many?

Policy: Batteries
• Type Authorized
– Alkaline
– NiMH

• Testing
– Battery Indicator
– Spark test

Policy: Batteries
• Replacement
• Charging
– Responsibility
– Frequency

Policy: Tactics
• Restrictions
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–
–
–
–
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Probes
Touch Stun
Handcuffed subjects/Subjects in Squad Car
Pregnant/Elderly/Juveniles/Passive Resisters
Heights
Flammable environment

Policy: Tactics
• Assembling Officers
– Cover
– Custody
– Secondary Taser

Policy: Tactics
• Announcements:
– To other officers on scene
– Over the radio

Policy: Post-Use
• Supervisor Notification
• Probe Removal
• Medical Follow-up
– Probe/flesh penetration
– Non-penetration exposure
– Touch-stun exposure

Policy: Post Use
• Evidence
– Cartridges/wires/probes
– AFIDS
– Photos

• Reporting
– Officer
– Supervisor

Policy: Reporting
• Discharges
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–
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Intentional
Accidental
On-duty
Off-duty

Training
• Policy
• Technical
• Tactics

Training: Policy
Officers must be thoroughly trained on
department Taser policy, particularly:
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–
–
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When and how to carry and deploy
Restrictions
Tactics
Post-use responsibilities

Training: Technical
• 4-hour basic user course
– In compliance with Taser International
recommendations
– Given to Academy recruits
– Periodically given as need arises
– Taught by any certified Taser instructor
– Prerequisite to Advanced Course

Training
• The basic 4-hour technical course does not
prepare officers to use the Taser in the field
• It must be followed up by tactics training
which includes practical exercises

Training: Tactics (SPD)
• 18-hour advanced Less-Lethal Use of Force
course
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–
–
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Covers all available less-lethal force options
POST Certification
Taught by Sergeants
Covers Use of Force and Taser policies

Training: Tactics (SPD)
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•
•
•
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Typical Deployment Protocol
1, 2, 3, and 4 officer deployments
Deorle v. Rutherford
Countermeasures
Touch stun
Communication

Training: Tactics (SPD)
• Drills
– Dynamic
• Drawing/Holstering
• Transition

– Interactive
• Failure/Reload
– Induce stress. Observe officers’ reactions.

Training: Tactics (SPD)
• Scenarios
– Force Options
– Simunitions

Logistics
• Department Armorer
– Download software
– Receives, logs, maintains, serializes, and issues
all Taser related equipment.

Equipment (SPD)
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•
•
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Tasers (yellow)
Cartridges (3)
Extra cartridge holder
Holster (non-dominant, full flap)
Batteries (8 NiMH)
Battery charger (without data port cable)

SGT. RICK GUILBAULT
Sacramento Police Department
Metro Division/SWAT
Office:
916-566-6490 ext. 3
Cell:
916-718-3522
E-Mail:
rguilbault@pd.cityofsacramento.
org