U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons

Program
Statement

OPI:
NUMBER:
DATE:
SUBJECT:

CPD
5558.13
October 7, 1997
Stun Gun (Federal 203-A
Gas Gun with MK
Ballistics Adapter)

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. To authorize and regulate the use of the
Federal 203-A gas gun with the MK Ballistics adapter as the
Bureau stun gun.
The Federal 203-A gas gun with Zuriel adapter (stun gun) may be
used to incapacitate or disable assaultive or armed inmates
posing a serious threat to the safety of others.
The stun gun shall be used only after determining that other
means of subduing the inmate, such as the use of chemical agents,
are not feasible.
2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES.
are:

The expected results of this program

a. A stun gun will be used to protect staff, inmates, and
others from inmates posing a serious threat and when other
methods of control are not feasible.
b. A stun gun will be used only by trained and certified
Lieutenants and select staff.
c. Detailed reporting and documentation will be maintained
when a stun gun is authorized and used.

PS 5558.13
October 7, 1997
Page 2
3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED
a.

Directive Rescinded
PS 5558.09

b.

Directives Referenced
PS 5558.12
PS 5566.05

4.

Use of Federal 203-A Gas Gun with Zuriel
Adapter (Stun Gun) (6/1/92)

Firearms and Badges (6/7/96)
Use of Force and Application of Restraints on
Inmates (7/25/96)

STANDARDS REFERENCED

a. American Correctional Association 3rd Edition Standards for
Adult Correctional Institutions: 3-4087, 3-4088, 3-4191, 3-4192,
3-4193, 3-4194, 3-4195, and 3-4198.
b. American Correctional Association 3rd Edition Standards for
Adult Local Detention Facilities: 3-ALDF-1D-17, 3-ALDF-1D-18,
3-ALDF-3A-25, 3-ALDF-3A-26, 3-ALDF-3A-27, 3-ALDF-3A-28,
3-ALDF-3A-29, and 3-ALDF-3A-31.
c. American Correctional Association 2nd Edition Standards for
Administration of Correctional Agencies: 2-CO-2A-01
d. American Correctional Association Standards for Adult
Correctional Boot Camp Programs:
1-ABC-1D-15, 1-ABC-3A-24,
1-ABC-3A-25, 1-ABC-3A-26, 1-ABC-3A-27, 1-ABC-3A-28, and
1-ABC-3A-31.
5.
PRETRIAL/HOLDOVER PROCEDURES. Procedures required in this
Program Statement are applicable to pretrial and holdover
inmates.
6. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF THE FEDERAL GAS GUN WITH ADAPTER.
The stun gun discharges a pellet-filled bag that can temporarily
disable a person. The stun gun can cause serious injury and
shall be used only by trained and certified staff.

PS 5558.13
October 7, 1997
Page 3
!

The Warden or Acting Warden of a low, medium, high, maximum,
and administrative security level institution, or the
Administrative Duty Officer (in the absence of the Warden),
may approve the use of the stun gun. A stun gun shall not
normally be used at minimum security level facilities.

!

The Shift Lieutenant may authorize the use of the stun gun
in situations which are determined to be life-threatening
and require immediate action.

The approving official may authorize the use of the stun gun only
after determining that the inmate poses a serious threat to the
safety of others, and that other means of subduing the inmate are
not feasible. The reasons for, and the effect from, the stun
gun's use must be documented as required in this Program
Statement. Refer to the Program Statements on Use of Force and
Application of Restraints for further information.
7.

USE OF THE STUN GUN

a. Ordinarily, the stun gun is to be used in close-proximity
situations, from distances of five to 25 feet, or on inmates who
are armed with weapons. The stun gun shall not be used at
distances less than five feet.
The following is an example of a situation which may require
the use of the stun gun:
!

An inmate has a weapon and refuses to surrender it and
a high probability of serious injury to staff or others
exists if close contact is required to subdue the
inmate. When possible, chemical agents should first be
used, but if not feasible, the stun gun may be used.

b. The stun gun's use is limited to Lieutenants or certified
staff who have received training and been certified in the use of
the stun gun.
c.

All calculated uses of the stun gun shall be videotaped.
!

When immediate use-of-force is necessary (involving
life threatening situations) videotaping shall begin as
soon as possible.

PS 5558.13
October 7, 1997
Page 4
d. When the stun gun has been authorized for use on inmates,
only factory loaded rounds are to be used. Reloads may be used
for training purposes only.
Factory Round

Round Title

Number

Color Code

Application

Distance

205
215
225
235

GREEN
YELLOW
RED
BLACK

Close range
Low impact
Standard
Super Long Range

5 - 25
25 - 75
75 - 175
175 - 250

BOP
BOP
BOP
BOP

Ft.
Ft.
Ft.
Ft.

In special situations, requiring long range applications of
distances between 175-250 feet, (e.g., to disable ring leaders in
disturbances, SORT operations), the Super Long Range factory
round 235 BOP (Color Coded: BLACK) shall be used.
e. If time and the situation allows, a warning shot shall be
fired from a stun gun to demonstrate the impact of the stun gun.
If the inmate continues to pose a threat, the stun gun user shall
aim at the center mass area only, and fire a round to strike the
inmate.
f. Sufficient staff must be available to physically restrain
the inmate immediately after he or she is struck with the bag.
g. When staff anticipate the use of the stun gun, medical
staff shall be notified immediately and shall be on-site to
render care as necessary. After the inmate is physically
restrained, an evaluation to determine the extent of any injuries
sustained shall be performed.
Medical staff shall render appropriate medical treatment based
on clinical evaluation. An injury report shall be completed and
appropriate documentation shall be entered on the chronological
record of care (SF-600).
!

The inmate shall be closely observed in appropriate
housing for at least 12 hours afterward.

!

Under no circumstances shall a Stun Gun be used on a
pregnant inmate.

PS 5558.13
October 7, 1997
Page 5
8. REPORTING. Whenever a stun gun has been used, the Warden
shall notify the Regional Director immediately, both
telephonically and in writing. Copies of the report shall be
forwarded to:
!
!
!
!

The Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons,
Assistant Director, Correctional Programs Division,
Central Office Correctional Services Administrator, and
Regional Correctional Services Administrator.

A "Use of Force" report, a video tape of the incident, and a
written report shall be submitted in accordance with the Program
Statement on Use of Force and Application of Restraints on
Inmates.
9. STORAGE OF THE STUN GUN.
The stun gun and the ammunition
(two rounds of each type) shall be maintained in the Control
Center. The stun gun and ammunition shall be stored in a locked
storage container with a glass front and can only be opened for
maintenance and emergency access. Accountability shall be
maintained in accordance with Correctional Services Manual
requirements for other types of emergency equipment maintained in
the Control Center.
10. TRAINING. Lieutenants and selected staff at low, medium,
high, maximum, and administrative security level institutions
shall receive specialized training in this weapon's use. Each
Lieutenant shall review and sign a receipt acknowledging review
of this Program Statement. Lieutenants shall be certified as
passing the training after receipt of the policy and applicable
training in the stun gun's actual use.
Training shall emphasize the stun gun is a shoulder fired weapon
and aimed the same as the 37mm Federal gas gun. Minimum
standards for certification require the successful firing of five
rounds at a selected target. Training shall be provided by an
instructor certified to provide the training.

PS 5558.13
October 7, 1997
Page 6
The Employee Development Specialist shall maintain training
documentation and a list of those staff certified to use the stun
gun. Copies of this list shall be maintained in the Control
Center and the Lieutenant’s Office. Lieutenants and select staff
shall be re-certified annually, by the institutions certified
instructor, generally during annual refresher training.
Documentation of initial stun gun use certification and any
re-certification is to be made a permanent part of the employee's
training record.

/s/
Kathleen M. Hawk
Director