2-9 Deployment of Pepperball Rifles

NARCOTICS BUREAU

                                           DETECTIVE DIVISION

               LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

 

Bureau Order Number:       2-9

                       Subject:           DEPLOYMENT OF PEPPERBALL RIFLES

 

Effective Date:	07/01/2007	Last Date Revised:	10/15/2019
Last Date Reviewed:	04/01/2021	Next Review Date:	04/01/2022

 

 

I.          CONCEPT AND ISSUES

 

            A.  Purpose

 

The purpose of this bureau order is to provide policy and procedures concerning the deployment of the Pepperball Rifle by Narcotics Bureau personnel.

 

            B.  Scope of Policy

 

This policy is directed to all sworn Narcotics Bureau personnel.  All sworn bureau personnel shall be accountable for the contents of this policy concerning the proper use, deployment and care of the Pepperball Rifle and its accessories.

 

II.         POLICY

 

            A.  Description and Nomenclature

 

The SA200 Pepperball Rifle is a less lethal semi-automatic, air powered weapon designed to launch a variety of frangible projectiles.  The overall length is thirty-three inches and the approximate weight is 3.5 pounds (unloaded).  The maximum effective range is approximately thirty feet. 

 

            B.  Types of Projectiles

 

There are three types of frangible projectiles authorized for use by qualified Narcotics Bureau personnel in the SA200 Pepperball Rifle.  Each .68 caliber projectile weighs approximately 2 grams and is color coded to distinguish the content:

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                            RED               OC powder, contaminant/impact projectile, containing 1.5 grams of 5% OC powder.

 

                                                            PURPLE       Inert powder training projectile.  This training projectile has the same dispersion characteristics as the OC projectile.

 

                        CLEAR          Inert liquid (water) training projectile.

 

It is the responsibility of each Crew Sergeant to ensure that each weapon has an adequate supply of Pepperball ammunition for tactical deployment.  Ammunition resupply can be accomplished by notifying the bureau Training Sergeant and/or Training Deputy.  If this is not feasible, you may be able to obtain additional ammunition from a Patrol or Custody facility. 

                       

            C.  Parts and Accessories

 

Each SA200 Pepperball Rifle is equipped with the following parts and accessories:

 

                  (2)       3000 psi HPA bottles

                  (2)       Speed Pod Loaders

(1)       Tactical Nylon Sling

(1)       Semi-metallic Rifle Case with foam inserts

                 

NOTE: (5) yellow scuba tanks have been deployed throughout the county and assigned to various crews.  These tanks are to be used to refill the HPA air bottles when they become low or empty.  You may also consider refilling your bottles at a Patrol or Custody Facility equipped with these scuba tanks.  The (5) bureau scuba tanks are located at the following crew offices: Palmdale, Temple, Century, Industry, and Bureau Headquarters.  

                 

Pepperball Rifles shall not be altered or modified in any way.  Only approved projectiles shall be fired in this weapon.  All repairs to this weapon shall be made by the department armorer.  Should you have a defective weapon, it is the Crew Sergeant’s responsibility to return it to the Bureau Training Sergeant and/or Training Deputy for an exchange of a serviceable weapon.

 

            D.  Training

           

Pepperball Rifles may only be deployed by qualified personnel who have successfully completed the required training.  This training shall be administered by qualified bureau instructors or other qualified department instructors (e.g. Force Training Unit, etc.).  The required training can usually be completed in 3 hours (depending on the class size), and shall include the following:

 

• Description of nomenclature, parts, ammunition and accessories
• Safety, loading, and unloading
• Air bottle and air tank recharging and storage
• Target Areas and effective deployment distances
• Department/Bureau Policy concerning proper deployment
• Live Fire exercises
• Written Test

                       

            E.  Tactical Deployment

 

The Pepperball Rifle is not considered a firearm.  However, launching projectiles at a suspect’s head shall be avoided unless circumstances dictate otherwise.  Guidelines for the deployment of this weapon fall under the “Authorized Use of Force –Objectively Reasonable standard.” 

 

There are several tactical applications for this weapon:

                 

• it may be used to deploy O.C. Powder only, on a “Resistive” individual or crowd, by impacting projectiles against a solid object(s) in the immediate area
• it may be used to launch projectiles directly on an “Assaultive/High Risk” individual
• it may be used as an alternative to the use of a firearm, to deter or stop the attack of aggressive dogs during a tactical operation

                 

As with all Less Lethal Weapons, consideration should be given to the deployment of a cover officer or the ability to immediately deploy deadly force should the situation dictate it.

 

Bureau personnel shall not intentionally launch projectiles directly on a “Resistive” suspect(s).  All personnel utilizing this weapon must do so only when fully justified by circumstances and shall be governed by MPP 3-10/100.00, Use of Force Review 3-10/110.00, Reporting Procedures, and Field Operations Directive #90-9 (Revised August 21, 2003).

                                                                                                           

 

ORIGINAL SIGNED   

  

                                                         

LOY L. MCBRIDE, CAPTAIN

NARCOTICS BUREAU