HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Lake Elsinore Baton Policy CITY OF
LAKE LSINOP E
Z� DREAM EXTREME
MEMORANDUM
TO: CODE ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES
FROM: JASON SIMPSON, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2021
SUBJECT: EQUIPMENT POLICY— EXPANDABLE RAPID CONTAINMENT BATON
I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish the circumstances under which an officer may
deploy and use an Expandable Rapid Containment Baton ("expandable baton" or
"RCB") and the procedures to follow after an expandable baton is used..
A. POLICY
To defend themselves against or to control subjects who are violent or who
demonstrate the intent to be violent or to fend off attacking animals, the City of Lake
Elsinore authorizes its Code Enforcement Officers to use an expandable baton in
accordance with the guidelines in this policy. To reduce and minimize altercation-
related injuries to officers and individuals, the Department authorizes the use of
selected less lethal control devices. It is anticipated that the use of these devices will
generally result in fewer altercation-related injuries to officers and individuals. The
expandable baton shall only be used in accordance with training. The below
procedures are for the use and maintenance of less lethal control device, RCB
(expandable baton).
II. AUTHORIZED WEAPONS
A. Code enforcement officers shall only use and carry expandable batons issued by
the Department or approved by the Chief of Police or an authorized designee.
B. Code Enforcement Officers shall be issued one (1) 26" RCB (expandable baton)
and holder.
C. Modifications to the expandable baton or scabbard are not authorized.
8873212.2 LA035-001
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
III. CARRYING AND USING EXPANDABLE BATONS
All Code Enforcement Officers shall carry their department issued expandable baton
while on duty. Department issued expandable batons may not be carried off duty.
When carrying a baton, uniformed personnel shall carry the baton in its authorized
holder on the equipment belt.
Code Enforcement Officers may use their expandable baton when a decision has
been made to restrain, control, or arrest an individual who is violent or who
demonstrates the intent to be violent, and use of the baton appears reasonable
under the circumstances. When reasonable, a verbal warning and opportunity to
comply should precede the use of these devices. The expandable baton may also
be used to defend against or incapacitate an attacking animal.
The need to immediately control an individual must be weighed against the risk of
causing serious injury. The head, neck, throat, spine, heart, kidneys and groin
should not be intentionally targeted except when the officer reasonably believes the
individual poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or
others.
IV. TRAINING
Code Enforcement Officers with no previous training will be required to attend a
mandatory 8-hour training on the proper use and effects of the RCB put on by the
Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Officers will be required to attend _-hours
of training, annually thereafter to maintain proficiency with the expandable baton.
Code Enforcement Officers who fail to demonstrate proficiency with the expandable
baton or knowledge of this Policy will be provided remedial training. If an officer
cannot demonstrate proficiency with the expandable baton or knowledge of this
Policy after remedial training, the officer will be restricted from carrying the
expandable baton and may be subject to discipline.
V. REPORTING THE USE OF FORCE
As soon as practicable, after any use of the expandable baton, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall notify the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Code Enforcement Officers shall also document any use of the expandable baton
promptly, completely, and accurately and report it immediately to the Code
Enforcement Supervisor/Manager.
VI. MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED
Medical assistance shall be obtained for any person(s) who has sustained visible
injury, expressed a complaint of pain, or who has been rendered unconscious.
8873212.2 LA035-001
Acknowledgement of the
City of Lake Elsinore's Equipment Policy— Expandable Rapid Containment Baton
I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the preceding Equipment Policy —
Expandable Rapid Containment Baton; that I agree to adhere to the requirements of the Policy as
outlined; and that I understand that it is effective immediately.
I understand that I may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment, if I violate this policy.
Staff Printed Name:
Staff Signature: DATE:
Supervisor Printed Name:
Supervisor Signature: DATE:
8873212.2 LA035-001