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:
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:
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.