Chapter 3 – Personnel, Training, and Employee Relations

32010.20.11 Less Lethal Weapons

• Training in the use of less lethal weaponry is required for personnel authorized to use or supervise the use of these weapons per Restricted DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 55050.

• Launcher Certification Requirements
  Personnel authorized to use departmental launchers shall successfully complete the standard course of training prior to the use of any launcher.  Training shall include policy, procedure, use, safety, and effects of use.

  • Annual Launcher Qualification Requirements: At minimum, Correctional Officers, Correctional Sergeants, and Correctional Counselor Is shall qualify annually with the launcher.

  • Quarterly Requalification requirements with the launcher shall be in accordance with DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 32010.20.6.

• Annual Launcher Requalification
  Annual launcher requalification shall operate on a 12-month period in accordance with the Institution/Unit training schedule.  

  • Employees subject to annual launcher qualifications shall maintain their qualifications within this period.

  • If qualifications are not attained before the end of the 365-day period in addition to a four-week grace period, the employee shall be considered out of compliance with annual qualification mandates.

• Quarterly Launcher Requalification
  Quarterly launcher requalification shall operate on a three-month period in accordance with the Institution/Unit training schedule.

  • Employees subject to quarterly launcher qualifications shall maintain their qualifications within this period.

  • If qualifications are not attained before the end of the succeeding month following this three-month period, the employee shall be considered out of compliance with quarterly qualification mandates.

• 40mm Launcher Qualification Course

  Distance	Time	Position	Total Rounds
  25 Yards	N/A	Standing	3
  			Total 3

  • Note: This course of fire requires a rubber human size silhouette.  A passing score is two (2) out of three (3) rounds impacting the Zone 1 target area.  Three rounds of duty 40mm direct impact sponge round will be used for qualification.  Training rounds deemed by the Rangemaster to provide similar accuracy as a duty 40mm direct impact sponge round may be utilized for qualifications. During range remediation, duty rounds shall be used.  

  • If the participant fails to qualify on the first attempt, but has otherwise demonstrated an adequate level of operational knowledge with the launcher, they may be given another opportunity.  This determination shall be made by the Rangemaster.  The participant will have three additional qualification attempts.  If the participant fails to qualify after the three additional attempts, the Range Remediation Policy shall be enacted (See DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 32010.20.4).

  • Although there are other impact rounds that are fired for familiarization, the 40mm direct impact sponge round is the only round utilized for qualification. (See Restricted DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 55050, Exhibit A for approved 40mm direct impact sponge rounds and training rounds.)

• Munitions

  • Personnel designated to use munitions as stated in Restricted DOMDepartment Operations Manual, section 55050 shall be trained in the use, employment, safety, and effects of this resource prior to usage.

• Baton Certification Requirements
  Personnel authorized to use departmental batons shall successfully complete the standard course of training prior to issuance or use of any baton.  Training shall include policy, procedure, use, safety, and effects of use. 

• Recertification Requirements

  • Annually, each person qualified to use departmental batons shall successfully complete annual training in the use and certification of a baton, as well as annual proficiency training. If an individual fails the recertification course they shall remediate the recertification course.

    • Recertification shall be completed in accordance with DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 32010.10.2 Training Compliance.

    • If qualifications are not attained within a 365-day period in addition to a four-week grace period, the employee shall be considered out of compliance with annual qualification mandates.

    • Individuals whose baton certification has lapsed shall take the recertification course, which is determined by the Deputy Director of Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development (POSEDPeace Officer Selection and Development), to demonstrate competency.  If competency is not demonstrated after completion of the recertification course, then the individual shall complete the remediation course.

    • If an individual fails the remediation course, they shall be required to complete the approved BCOA certification course.

• Instructor Requirements
  Candidates for the baton instructor course shall meet eligibility requirements outlined by the academy prior to enrollment.

  • Candidates shall be peace officers with current first aid, CPR, Training-for-Trainers, and use of force certifications, prior to enrollment.  The entire approved course shall be successfully completed at the academy prior to issuance of a certificate of completion. 

  • Baton instructors shall teach a minimum of (8) hours of training per year to remain current in their certification.  Anyone failing the recertification course shall be required to repeat the initial instructor certification course before being utilized as an instructor.