Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51020.14.2 Use of Less Lethal Weapons for Inmates with Mental Health Issues

• In controlled use of force situations for inmates who are housed in Mental Health Crisis Bed, PIP, OHU, Psychiatric Services Unit (PSUPsychiatric Services Unit), or have an Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOPEnhanced Outpatient Program) level of care designation, or do not possess the ability to understand orders, or have difficulty complying with orders due to mental health issues, or are at substantial risk of decompensation from the use of force, the use of less lethal weapons is prohibited for direct or indirect use, (i.e., body or barricade removal), unless the Warden or Chief Deputy Warden authorize their use. If circumstances are serious in nature and involve an imminent threat, the use of less lethal weapons in accordance with this section may be authorized. In immediate use of force situations involving an imminent threat, staff are not precluded from using less lethal weapons to gain control of a disturbance involving inmates who may have mental health issues.