BEANBAG SHOTGUN

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Directive is to familiarise officers with the use, and operation procedures of the Beanbag Shotgun.

PROTOCOL

Whenever practicable, officers shall exercise de-escalation techniques to resolve potential use of force incidents and seek voluntary compliance from subjects/suspects. Less-Lethal force options are only permissible when:

An officer reasonably believes the suspect or subject is violently resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat of violence or physical harm.

Less-Lethal force options shall not be used for a suspect or subject who is passively resisting or merely failing to comply with commands. Verbal threats of violence or mere non-compliance by a suspect do not alone justify the use of Less-Lethal force.

An officer may use OC Spray as a reasonable force option to control a suspect when the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others.

PROCEDURES

For tactical and safety reasons, the recommended deployment range is 10-45 feet.

If tactically and environmentally feasible, the Beanbag Shotgun should be deployed from a position of cover with a designated cover officer.

The Beanbag Shotgun officer alerts other officer when ready to fire by shouting or broadcasting, "Beanbag Ready" or "Beanbag Up."

When firing the Beanbag Shotgun, the officer should assess the effectiveness of every round. The effectiveness of the beanbag round is based on the energy at impact. Therefore, the round may have little or no effect on a suspect who has a large body mass, is wearing heavy clothing or body armour, is under the influence of drugs, or is in a state of mind which prevents the suspect from feeling the impact of the round.

If shots to the torso or belt line do not appear to be effective, then a leg, arm or hand may be viable alternative target.

If officers encounter a self-mutilating or suicidal individual, the use of the Beanbag Shotgun may be a reasonable force option. This will allow the individual to receive the needed emergency medical treatment.

Generally, officers should not shoot the Beanbag Shotgun at a fleeing suspect. Officers should pursue and attempt to contain the suspect, whilst continually assessing the situation.

Use of Force Warning

An officer shall, when feasible, give a verbal warning prior to using the Beanbag Shotgun. The warning is not required when an officer is attacked and must respond to the suspect's actions. Additionally, if a tactical plan requires the element of surprise to stabilise the situation, a warning is not required.

The verbal warning should include a command and a warning of potential consequences of the use of force.

Tactical Discharges

Tactical Discharges (disabling lights, breaking out windows, etc.) are allowed, but are not generally recommended due to the fact that they may cause secondary impacts. Tactical discharges may be an effective option in limited circumstances. The Beanbag Shotgun is generally not effective against tinted car windows or streetlights. Officers must assess the situation after each tactical discharge, and if the weapon is not effective, consider other options.

In the event the Beanbag Shotgun will be used for a tactical discharge, it should be communicated to all officers at scene.

Medical

Any person struck with a beanbag round shall be examined by medical personnel. The person shall be carefully monitored for signs of distress.