Guidelines for the Use of Chemical Agents in Law Enforcement

Guidelines for the Use of Chemical Agents in Law Enforcement Operations

• Chemical agents are used in S.W.A.T. Team Operations and Field Force Operations
• Proper utilization of chemical agents is necessary for maximum effectiveness
• Chemical Agent Officer designation is received after 8 hours of training
• Chemical Agent Officers must receive guidelines for application in different environments
• All S.W.A.T. Team members who may deploy chemical agents must be trained and recertified annually
• Authorization to mobilize Chemical Agent Officers is given by the S.W.A.T. Commander
• The decision to use chemical agents is the responsibility of the S.W.A.T. Commander or his designee
• Treatment for persons exposed to chemical agents includes washing with cold or cool water
• Contact lenses should not be removed by officers, but by the person themselves or fire-rescue personnel
• Mandatory medical treatment must be provided by officers who use chemical agents on a person
• Intentional and accidental use of chemical agents must be documented and reported
• Chemical agents must be properly stored, inspected, and disposed of if expired or defective