Clear Out Gas

Directed cell removals are accomplished through directed force in situations where it becomes necessary to remove an inmate, who refuses to exit a cell.  The goal in a cell removal is to restore order, maintain the security of the facility and remove inmates, when necessary, with a minimal amount of force.  

The tactics, equipment, special weapons, and force used to remove an inmate from a cell shall be employed to overcome only that level of resistance confronting Department personnel.  Therefore, the force utilized to remove an inmate should begin and end at the lowest possible level. 

The inmate shall be afforded the opportunity to comply with instructions and exit voluntarily prior to implementing such measures.  If simple instructions and requests fail to cause an inmate to exit his cell, the watch sergeant shall be notified.  If the watch sergeant is unsuccessful in gaining the inmate’s cooperation, the watch commander shall be notified and respond to the area.  Negotiations shall resume to gain the inmate’s cooperation. 

The authorization for the deployment of Clear Out gas can only be given by the watch commander, or higher authority in the chain of command.  In no instance will authorization be given for the use of Clear Out gas by other than authorized personnel.

Clear Out gas or OC spray  will normally be the initial tools of choice in a removals, and will, when feasible, be employed before any other weapons are used.  In such cases, it is important that the agent be given time to take effect.  Deputy personnel should consider delaying entry until such time.

The use of Clear Out has the potential to affect those deploying it.  For this reason, all personnel should be aware of the possibility of being exposed to the agent.  Personnel deploying Clear Out shall wear Department approved particulate masks during the application of the agent.  Authorization to use Clear Out shall only be given to qualified personnel.  Personnel deploying the gas shall  have completed the required special weapons training for this chemical agent.

Watch Commander Responsibility:

Once it is determined that a cell removal may be necessary, the watch commander shall be notified and shall:

• Respond to the location and assume incident command responsibility,
• Confer with the watch sergeant/field sergeant  to ensure all other options have been exhausted,
• If appropriate, notify the unit commander,
• Plan the removal and tactics to be used with the watch sergeant/field sergeant,
• Time permitting, evaluate the inmate(s) medical screening form to determine if the Fire Department/medical personnel should be notified prior to the commencement of the removal process,
• Approve the plan, and standby during team and supporting personnel briefing, deployment and completion of removal,
• Ensure the inmate is secured,
• Ensure the inmate receives appropriate medical treatment,
• Conduct the necessary interviews.

NOTE: The watch commander shall ensure the use of Clear Out is appropriate.  The use of Clear Out may cause cross contamination in the adjacent jail cells and other parts of the administrative building.  Evacuating the jail, including all non-involved inmates, and administrative personnel from the building should be evaluated prior to the use of gas products in the station’s jail.

NOTE: A cell removal shall not escalate to a cell extraction without the presence of a life threatening emergency, exigent circumstances or unit commander’s approval (or his/her designee when he/she is not available).

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