MAJOR CRIMES BUREAU
DETECTIVE DIVISION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Bureau Order Number: 2-5
Subject: PIRANHA Tire Deflation Device
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Effective Date: |
06-24-2019 |
Last Date Revised: |
06-24-2019 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
09-09-2021 |
Next Review Date: |
09-09-2022 |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to provide guidelines for the issuance of the PIRANHA tire deflation device and to establish policy for deployment and reporting procedures.
GUIDELINES
Overview
The PIRANHA tire deflation device is a tool that can assist in preventing vehicle pursuits. The PIRANHA is placed on the ground, near a designated tire of an unoccupied stationary vehicle. Once the target vehicle is moved and the tire rides over the PIRANHA, it will result in the tire rapidly deflating in approximately five seconds. The use of the PIRANHA may also prevent property damage, and reduces liability by minimizing the dangers associated with vehicle pursuits.
Description
The PIRANHA tire deflation device is 3 ½ inches (8.9cm) in length and weighs 5.2 ounces (147g). It is comprised of:
Training
The Major Crimes Bureau has PIRANHA tire deflation devices available for use by designated Bureau personnel. The training sergeant shall maintain a list of Bureau personnel who have been trained in the use of the PIRANHA. Only personnel who have completed the four hour training course, or equivalent training, will be issued the equipment.
Deployment
The PIRANHA tire deflation device shall only be used in surveillance apprehension operations, and when the target vehicle is stationary and believed to be unoccupied. Additionally, it shall only be used on active criminal investigations involving suspects of any crime. It may be deployed only on four wheeled vehicles. Once deployed, personnel must be cautious of pedestrians in the area and ensure they can safely monitor the target vehicle and what evolves once it makes contact with the PIRANHA.
In rare cases, the PIRANHA may be deployed on a vehicle where the suspect (seated in the driver’s seat) has been determined to be asleep. In these situations, a supervisor on scene shall conduct an assessment of the situation and develop a tactical plan to safely place the PIRAHNA while undetected by the suspect.
The PIRANHA tire deflation device is deployed by placing it on a surface (ie driveway, gravel/sand surfaces, or parking lot), approximately 6 inches from the target tire, with the grooved base face down against the surface. Multiple PIRANHA may be utilized at the same time to ensure both forward and reverse driving options are addressed. When deploying the PIRANHA, consider approach, placement, and potential reactions by suspect(s) and/or pedestrians if seen.
The PIRANHA tire deflation device can be reused. If the PIRANHA was effectively used and deflated a tire, a Hit Kit will be needed to reload for future deployment. If the PIRANHA was not effectively used, and did not deflate a tire, it can be deployed again as is after being inspected.
Documentation
Personnel requesting deployment of the PIRANHA tire deflation device shall notify their immediate supervisor stating their reasons for the request. Upon approval of the request, the PIRANHA stop device may be employed. If the PIRANHA is effectively used and deflates the tire of a vehicle, this will be documented in a PIRANHA deployment form (refer to attachment “A”). The completed document will be stored electronically in a shared files for five years. Each supervisor is responsible for ensuring the form is completed and placed in the appropriate shared file. The training sergeant is responsible for maintaining the shared files.
References
Manual Policy and Procedures 5-09/210.15, Pursuit – Vehicle Operation and Tactics, Pursuit Termination Technology/Devices
Field Operations Directive 98-010, Tire Deflation Deployment
Stop Tech, Guidelines for Use of Piranha, Student Lesson Plan