7-08/020.00 Pepperball Launcher

The Pepperball launcher is a less lethal weapon for use in a wide variety of tactical applications encountered within custody. The purpose of this weapon is to facilitate a safe and effective response to situations which may jeopardize the life and safety of personnel, inmates, and/or the security of the facility.

Authorization for the deployment of a Pepperball launcher can only be given by the watch commander/incident commander or higher authority in the chain of command. Authorization for the use of a Pepperball launcher can only be given by a supervisor of a rank no less than sergeant, or by a senior deputy acting in the capacity of an emergency response team leader (refer to Custody Division Manual [CDM], section 7-08/000.00, "Deployment of Special Weapons").

In no instance shall authorization be given for the use of Pepperball launchers by anyone other than authorized personnel. All members utilizing Pepperball launchers shall do so only when fully justified, and in conformance with Department use of force policies and CDM section 7-08/000.00, "Deployment of Special Weapons."

Members will be considered qualified to use the weapon only after attending, and successfully completing, a training class presented by the Custody Training and Standards Bureau (CTSB).

There are two tactical applications for the Pepperball launcher:

• First, it may be used as an area treatment device to deploy chemical agents. When used in this manner, the launcher will be pointed toward a solid object, such as a ceiling or wall, and is effective at distances up to 150 feet;
• Second, it may be used as a direct fire weapon against an individual. When used in this way, the launcher may be fired directly at a target at a minimum distance of three feet. The weapon shall be aimed at the abdominal area, or below, of a potential target. The intended target zone for the Pepperball launcher is low center mass, unless the situation dictates otherwise (i.e. obstructed target area, alternate targets such as arms, hands, legs). Personnel discharging these weapons shall avoid deliberately targeting the head, neck, or spinal column unless the situation dictates the use of deadly force. In such instances, personnel will be held accountable for their decision to use deadly force in accordance with relevant Department policies including, but not limited to, Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) section 3-10/030.00, "Unreasonable Force," MPP section 3-10/100.00, "Use of Force Reporting Procedures," and CDM section 7-06/000.00, "Use of Force Reporting Procedures."

The Pepperball launcher shall not be altered or modified in any way. Only approved munitions shall be fired from this weapon. All repairs to the weapon shall be made by the Department armorer.

Authorized Pepperball launchers are as follows:

• SA-200
• Custom Carbine SX
• Custom Carbine TX
• Full Tactical Carbine (FTC)
• Tippman FT-12
• FN 303

FN 303 munitions are specific to the FN 303 and cannot be used in any other Pepperball launcher. Likewise, standard Pepperball munitions cannot be used in the FN 303.