Response To Resistance - Special Techniques & Less Lethal Weapons - 1-2

• Officers can use less-lethal force weapons/techniques that require specialized training to de-escalate violent interactions with Actively Resistive, Assaultive/High-Risk, and Life-Threatening/Serious Bodily Injury Subjects.
• Officers should only use an objectively reasonable amount of force to take a subject into custody or control an incident, ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

Less-Lethal Force

• Officers must be qualified in the use of a deadly or less-lethal weapon/technique per OPD training procedures before using it.
• During intense situations, officers may use improvised techniques/weapons based on an objectively reasonable standard, complying with the policy.
• Playfully drawing or unnecessary exhibition of any weapon is prohibited.
• Less-lethal force is an alternative to deadly force when appropriate/available.
• Improper use of less-lethal weapons/techniques can result in serious injury or death, so caution is necessary.

Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR)

• The VNR is authorized only against Assaultive/High-Risk or higher subjects.
• Following VNR application, officers will provide medical care
• If the subject did NOT lose consciousness, officers will provide first-aid, as needed, and make certain that the subject is checked by a paramedic
• If the subject DID lose consciousness, officers will provide immediate medical attention and transport to a hospital emergency room.
• Subjects who lose consciousness due to VNR must receive full medical clearance before being booked into DCDC.
• Officers must visually monitor the subject for medical distress until the subject is no longer in custody.
• Any person receiving custody of the subject must be notified if the subject was subjected to the VNR, and whether they lost consiousness
• Officers need documented biennial training to be authorized to use VNR.
• Biennial VNR training is mandatory for Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Officers.
• Captains/above and part-time officers can opt out of VNR training and will then not be authorized to use it.

Chemical Agent

• Officers will carry OPD authorized chemical agent upon receiving training in the proper use of the equipment and appropriate techniques.
• Officers need documented biennial training to carry chemical agents.
• Chemical agents can be used when interacting with Actively Resistive or higher subjects.
• Officers should only carry a OPD authorized chemical agent
• The OPD approved chemical agent is determined by the Training Unit with approval of the Chief of Police and kept on file with the Training Unit.
• The Training Unit tests/evaluates chemical agents for duty and practice.
• Chemical agent may be used when other officer response techniques are ineffective or inappropriate
• Officers are not required to use other officer response techniques if, based on training or experience, other officer response techniques would be ineffective before escalating to the use of chemical agents.
• Officers are not required to deploy chemical agent.
• The deployment decision is based on existing conditions and the officer’s response as a result of training in Use of Force techniques.
• Chemical agent is NOT permitted when interacting with Passively Resistive Subjects
• Using chemical agent is intended to prevent injury to the officer and the subject by avoiding Active Resistance from the subject.
• Chemical agent is deployed per OPD training standards.
• Deployment includes loud verbal commands before, during, and after, if tactically feasible.
• Medical attention may be necessary after chemical agent use.
• Officers will attempt first-aid measures as soon as possible and advise the subject that professional medical attention is available if requested.
• If treatment is requested, the subject will be transported to the nearest medical facility as soon as circumstances allow.

Electronic Control Devices (ECDs)

• Taser 7 certified officers must carry an OPD-authorized Taser 7 ECD on duty if it is assigned to them/their unit and is functioning properly.
• If a Taser 7 certified officer isn't assigned a Taser 7 ECD, or their assigned Taser 7 is in Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) status, the officer shall carry a baton.
• Officers shall only carry an OPD-issued Taser 7 ECD. Officers shall not carry a personal and/or privately owned ECD either on-duty or during off-duty employment.
• A Taser 7 ECD will be assigned to each officer who completes a Department-authorized Taser 7 training course, or to each officer’s unit.
• Each officer will use the Taser 7 ECD specifically assigned to them or their unit unless exigent circumstances exist.
• Carrying the Taser 7 ECD during off-duty employment.
• Officers assigned a Taser 7 ECD can carry it during off-duty employment without command approval.
• Officers without an assigned Taser 7 ECD may carry a unit-assigned Taser 7 ECD during off-duty employment with Captain approval.
• Officers carrying a Taser off-duty are subject to the same policies and deployment requirements as on-duty officers.
• Any officer who deploys a Taser during off-duty employment shall immediately notify the on-duty command for that area.
• The deploying officer shall complete a Chief’s Report no later than their next regular duty shift.
• Officers shall only carry the Taser 7 ECD in an OPD-approved cross-draw holster.
• The OPD ECD Coordinator maintains a list of approved ECD duty holsters/accessories.
• Officers can't carry non-approved holsters.
• Officers shall not mark, write on, or alter any Taser 7 ECDs or OPD-issued Taser 7 accessories.
• Officers need OPD-approved training to use the Taser 7 ECD on-duty.
• Officers who pass an OPD-approved Taser 7 ECD training course/written test can carry it on-duty.
• Outside agency Taser 7 ECD certification needs Training Unit Commander approval before the OPD officer attends the course. Training must be by a certified Taser 7 ECD instructor.
• Officers completing an outside agency Taser 7 ECD certification course must review OPD policies/procedures regarding Taser 7 ECD usage via the OPD ECD Coordinator or designee before carrying an ECD as an OPD officer.
• ECD authorized officers will:
• Complete an annual proficiency exam, with a minimum score of 90%.
• Demonstrate operational proficiency annually by firing the minimum number of cartridges in the presence of a Taser 7 instructor.
• Review relevant policies annually.
• Review any additional training material provided by the Training Unit.
• The ECD contains sensitive electronic components and should not be dropped.
• Before each shift, officers should test the weapon to ensure it works and no warnings are visible.
• Taser 7 Functional Test Mode Procedures:
• Ensure the weapon is on “safe” and is aimed in a safe direction.
• Press and release both arc switches simultaneously.
• The Central Information Display (CID) will display the firmware version and remaining battery percentage.
• Axon Signal is muted.
• Move the safety switch to the armed position, and any arc switch functions that follow will log as Functional Test Mode.
• NOTE: If the trigger is pulled on a loaded Taser 7, the weapon will immediately exit Functional Test Mode and deploy a cartridge.
• Press and Release one/either arc switch.
• When the weapon is placed back on “safe,” it will return to normal operation.
• The Taser 7 ECD will be taken out of service if the CID indicates a fault in one or more of the system status icons. Faults are indicated by a small or large “X” on the CID.
• ECDs taken out of service go to the ECD Coordinator for repair/replacement.
• Only the OPD ECD Coordinator/designee can repair Department-owned ECDs.
• No changes, alterations, modifications, or substitutions can be made to the ECD or OPD-owned holster.
• Officers shall not mark, write on, or alter any ECD or OPD-owned ECD accessories in any way.
• Taser 7 ECD battery maintenance:
• Officers shall dock their battery at least once every 30 days.
• Officers shall dock their battery by the end of their shift each time they deploy the Taser 7 or use the arc warning.
• Officers shall dock their battery each time the CID indicates a battery charge is necessary.
• Officers shall dock their battery each time a firmware update is released by Axon.
• Officers shall only remove a battery from the charging dock if the indicator light is solid green.
• Battery guidelines:
• Taser 7 batteries are interchangeable after being docked.
• The battery syncs with the Taser 7 ECD when inserted. Allow time for the sync to occur prior to use.
• Taser 7 ECD Storage:
• The Taser 7 ECD/equipment must be secured per OPD policies/training standards.
• The Taser 7 ECD should be secured in an OPD-approved cross-draw holster when not in use.
• Taser 7 ECDs must be stored with the safety on unless deployed.
• Taser 7 ECDs should NOT be stored in a vehicle or trunk.
• Taser 7 ECDs should be in climate-controlled areas protected from extreme temperatures, safeguarded from theft/unauthorized use.
• Method of Taser 7 ECD Application:
• The ECD is deployed per OPD training standards.
• An ECD can be used when interacting with:
• Actively Resistive or higher subjects.
• Persons who pose a risk to self.
• NOTE: When an ECD or less-lethal launcher is used against Actively Resistive subjects, officers shall articulate in the Chief’s Report why lesser officer response would have been ineffective.
• Deployment includes loud verbal commands before, during, and after deployment, if tactically feasible.
• Officers deploying an ECD should attempt to have lethal force cover when feasible.
• Officers shall not attempt to provide their own deadly force cover by having both the ECD and a firearm drawn simultaneously.
• The use of an ECD is not deadly force.
• The ECD will not be used against a person posing an imminent threat of great bodily harm or death unless another officer is present and can immediately deploy deadly force.
• If tactically feasible, the ECD officer will notify other officers by saying, “Taser ready.”
• If tactically feasible, the deploying officer will announce, “Taser, Taser, Taser,” prior to deployment.
• When deploying the ECD, the officer will not shut it off before the end of the automatic five (5) second energy cycle.
• The primary deployment method is to discharge the ECD cartridge, propelling the probes/wires.
• Preferred target areas are below the neck for back shots and the lower center mass (below the chest or heart) for front shots.
• Officers should avoid sensitive areas (head, throat, groin, etc.).
• Officers will use the five (5) second energy cycle as a “window of opportunity” for handcuffing. Multiple cycles will only be used if needed.
• Officers will deliver only the number of energy cycles reasonably necessary to control the subject. If multiple cycles are ineffective, consider alternative methods.
• The Taser 7 should be loaded with the Close Quarters (CQ) cartridge in Bay One and the Stand-Off (SO) cartridge in Bay Two.
• Taser 7 ECD Warning Arc:
• Discharges an energy arc across the front of the Taser, which is visible/audible and can deter subjects.
• To display the Warning Arc, officers will ensure the safety is in the up (ARMED) position, and then press the Arc Switch.
• The Taser 7 Warning Arc shall be deployed in accordance with OPD training standards.
  • A Warning Arc may be used when interacting with:
  • Actively Resistive or higher subjects.
  • Persons who pose a risk to self (i.e., self-inflicted injury, suicide attempt, etc.).
  • Officers will give loud verbal commands before, during, and after activating the Warning Arc Display, if tactically feasible.
  • If no cartridges have been deployed, stops when the Arc Switch is released.
  • Officers should only press the Warning Arc Switch long enough to attempt de-escalation techniques and give verbal commands.
  • Officers shall not intentionally hold down the Warning Arc Switch for any longer than necessary to gain compliance or to determine that de-escalation will not be successful.
  • If a cartridge has been deployed and the officer presses the Arc Switch, the discharge lasts five (5) full seconds (across the front of the weapon and each deployed probe).
  • Each time an officer uses the Taser 7 Warning Arc, the officer shall complete a Chief’s Report by checking the box marked “Other” in the Incident Information Section, and writing “Warning Arc Displayed.”
  • In the Chief’s Report, the officer shall describe the circumstances that led them to use the Warning Arc, and whether the Warning Arc was successful or unsuccessful in de-escalating the situation.

Quiz on the Oakland Police Department's (OPD) policy regarding use of force, less-lethal weapons, and the Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR). Covers the circumstances when such force is justified, considerations for determining the amount of force, and medical procedures.