Use of Pepper Spray
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NOTICE: This is a policy proposal and is still in the drafting stage. |
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of pepper spray by employees of Tech Stop. The policy is designed to ensure that employees use pepper spray only when necessary and that they use it in a safe and effective manner.
Policy
Employees may only use pepper spray in the following situations:
- To effect a lawful arrest or detention
- To overcome resistance or prevent escape
- To prevent the commission of a public offense
- To defend others or in self-defense
- To gain compliance with a lawful order
Employees shall avoid use of pepper spray against:
- Pregnant women
- Persons who are obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Persons who are handcuffed or otherwise restrained
- Persons who are in a prone position
- Persons who are known to have a respiratory condition that could be aggravated by the use of pepper spray
Employees shall use the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Employees shall avoid spraying pepper spray into sensitive areas of the body, such as the eyes, mouth, or nose. Employees shall cease using pepper spray as soon as the person is subdued or the threat is eliminated.
Training
Employees shall receive biannual training on the use of pepper spray. The training shall cover the following topics:
- The legal standards for the use of pepper spray
- The different types of pepper spray
- The techniques for using pepper spray safely and effectively
- The procedures for reporting incidents involving the use of pepper spray
- The physiological effects of pepper spray
- The signs and symptoms of pepper spray misuse
Reporting Requirements
Employees shall report all incidents involving the use of pepper spray to their supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor shall investigate the incident and determine whether the use of pepper spray was justified. If the use of pepper spray was not justified, the supervisor shall take appropriate disciplinary action.
Documentation
Employees shall document all incidents involving the use of pepper spray. The documentation shall include:
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- The name of the employee involved
- The name of the person against whom pepper spray was used
- A description of the incident
- The type of pepper spray used
- The reason for using pepper spray
- The location and number of pepper spray bursts
- The outcome of the incident
- Any injuries sustained as a result of the pepper spray exposure
Review
This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure that it is consistent with applicable law and to reflect any changes in law or practice.
Conclusion
This policy is intended to provide employees with clear guidelines for the use of pepper spray. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.