CD 567-4: Use of Chemical and Inflammatory Agents

Chemical and Inflammatory Agent Procedures

• Training and Certification: Correctional Officers/Primary Workers must be trained and recertified in chemical and inflammatory agent use by national standards.

• Storage and Handling: Safe storage, handling, and deployment procedures are mandatory. A local control log is required.

• Agent Issuance: Only MK3/MK4 inflammatory agents are issued to officers working directly with inmates in maximum/medium security institutions and multi-level institutions (excluding minimum security units outside the perimeter or Okimaw Ohci). MK9 agents are restricted to non-routine use post-threat assessment (up to 24 hours), control positions, officer supervision of inmate movement (maximum security male), or movement control officers/ designated first-responders (maximum security male).

• Weight Documentation: The weight of issued agents must be documented upon issuance and return.

• Health Assessments: A process for health assessments of inmates must identify those for whom agent use isn't recommended or those requiring caution.

• Storage Locations: Post orders must identify the storage locations for chemical/inflammatory agents. Routine issue items should be centrally located.

• Regular Reviews: Regular reviews of sign-out/sign-in logs are required.

• Equipment Inventory: The Security Maintenance Officer/equivalent will record all chemical/inflammatory agents in the Security Equipment Inventory, along with weight, location, and post assignment.

• Monthly Inspections: Monthly inspections and weighings of inflammatory agents.

• Use of Force Reporting: All use of force with chemical/inflammatory agents must be documented; used agent canisters should be weighed.

• Agent Disposal/Training: Used MK3, MK4 360, MK9 and MK4 canisters (those below 100 grams) are disposed of or used for training.

Officer Responsibilities

• Wear and Inspection: Agents must be worn as prescribed. Officers must inspect and document the weight of issued canisters. Any damage, malfunctions, or OC use must be immediately reported to the Correctional Manager with a Statement/Observation Report.

• Control Post Use: A Statement/Observation Report should be completed if a MK9 is used from a control post for reasons not outlined in the procedures.

Use of Agents

• Incident Response: Response to incidents follows the Engagement and Intervention Model (Annex B, CD 567). Only agents listed in the Security Equipment Manual are authorized.

• Use of Force: Every use of chemical/inflammatory agents is a use of force and governed by applicable policy. Use of force occurs when an agent is intentionally used to gain compliance.

• Health Concerns: In all cases except for emergencies where delay poses threat, a health professional must be consulted prior to agent use, to ensure no aggravated medical conditions.

• Spray Tests: Spray tests are not permitted.

• Proportionality: Agent use should be proportionate and only to the degree required to control situations.

• Decontamination: Annex B procedures are followed immediately after any agent use.

• Post-Incident Actions: Inmate and affected parties are examined by health staff. Officers turn in used canisters to the Correctional Manager. The Correctional Manager secures canisters for disposal/retrieval. All staff involved must complete incident reports before leaving the institution.

Definitions

• Chemical Agent: Debilitating chemical like Ortho-Chlorobenzal Malononitrile (CS) causing eye, nose, and throat irritation.

• Health Care Professional: Registered/licensed professionals like physicians, psychologists, and nurses, operating within their scope.

• Inflammatory Agent: Organic agent like oleoresin capsicum (OC) causing temporary burning sensation of mucous membranes and eyes (MK3/MK4 is 0.2%, MK9 is 1.3%).