1.10.pdf

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROBERT A. HARDWICK, SHERIFF Chemical Agents Policy 1.10 Effective Date: 06/30/2006 Amended Date: 09/01/2023 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS CALEA: CFA: FCAC: FLA-TAC: FMJS: Discussion: Chemical agents may be used as an alternate deterrent in emergency deployment such as wit...

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROBERT A. HARDWICK, SHERIFF Chemical Agents Policy 1.10 Effective Date: 06/30/2006 Amended Date: 09/01/2023 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS CALEA: CFA: FCAC: FLA-TAC: FMJS: Discussion: Chemical agents may be used as an alternate deterrent in emergency deployment such as with barricaded persons or hostage situations. DEFINITIONS Chemical Agent – A substance or combination of substances which, by itself or from a reaction, will produce a semi-toxic effect, smoke screen, or incendiary action. AUTHORIZATION TO USE CHEMICAL AGENTS.1 Under normal, routine patrol operations, the use of chemical agents as described in this policy shall not be authorized. See policy 1.8 Response to Resistance..2 When the use of chemical agents becomes necessary, authority to deploy will be the responsibility of the Special Operations OIC, SWAT Coordinator, Air and Marine Lieutenant (Pepperball Launch System only), Field Force Coordinator, Security Response Team OIC, or Incident Commander.  Deployment of chemical agents will only be accomplished by specially trained members.  Before any chemical agents are authorized to be used a sound plan of action should be made using as much intelligence and tactical information as possible.  The decision to use any chemical agent should include an alternate plan of action..3 The use of chemical agents for the disbursement of large crowds should be used only when all other non-lethal crowd control methods have been exhausted.  Prior to deployment into a crowd, a loud verbal warning / disbursement order should be given over the PA system. Chemical Agents 1.10 Page 1 of 2 TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.4 Consider the location and the effects the chemical agent might have on those other than the suspect..5 If there are hostages, a chemical agent should be used only as a last resort..6 If it is in a populated area, make sure that some precautions have been taken such as:  Evacuation of the area.  Provisions for decontamination once the situation is over.  Once the chemical agent has been deployed, if the suspect has not come out, wait for a reasonable amount of time before entering the structure in the event the suspect has a gas mask or is hidden. FIRST AID.7 If a civilian or a deputy is exposed to the chemical agent, you should have them:  Stand facing the wind and keep their eyes open  Wash the eyes with water  Wash the skin with cool water and soap ____________________ Robert A. Hardwick Sheriff Chemical Agents 1.10 Page 2 of 2