5-314 Force Option- Flash Sound Distraction Devices

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that members who carry weapons and force devices, and who use weapons and force devices, including flash sound distraction devices (FSDDs), adhere to the force guiding principles described in P&P 5-301. The force guiding principles include, but are not limited to, the Sanctity of Life (as incorporated below), the Duty to De-escalate, and Objectively Reasonable, Necessary, and Proportional Force.

MPD and its members shall uphold the sanctity of life (P&P 0-102 and P&P 5-301) by striving to protect and preserve human life in all situations and keep the community and MPD members safe from harm.

2. Policy

1. Prohibition on Use in Civil Disturbances and Assemblies

In accordance with P&P 7-805, FSDDs shall not be used for crowd control, crowd containment, or crowd dispersal.

2. Conditions for Use

FSDDs may only be used on a subject in accordance with the requirements described below. In addition to the conditions in this policy, the use of FSDDs must be objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportional, and members shall use the lowest degree of force necessary (P&P 5-301). When using FSDDs members must apply the critical decision-making model (CDM) (P&P 7-801) to continually assess the situation and modulate their use accordingly as the subject behavior changes.

1. Authorization and supervision

FSDDs shall only be distributed by and used under the authority of the SWAT supervisor, who will make a decision about the use of such a device on a case-by-case basis. Situations for use may include, but are not limited to:

• Barricaded subject.
• Hostage situation.
• High-risk search warrants.
• When distraction of a violent suspect may be necessary to take the suspect into custody or safely control the situation.

2. Deployment considerations

1. When FSDDs are used, the location of deployment shall be visually observed by the member making the deployment, to reasonably confirm that the deployment is not made directly at or directly next to a person.
2. FSDDs shall not be deployed when members should reasonably know the following circumstances are present:

• In an indoor environment when flammable liquids, explosive gases, or hazardous materials are nearby.
• When there are infants or elderly people present.

3. Extinguisher Available

When an FSDD will be used, on-scene members shall ensure a dry chemical extinguisher is available (in the event of a fire).

4. Treatment and Medical Aid

Members shall provide any necessary medical treatment in accordance with P&P 5-301 and P&P 7-350.

5. Documentation

Members shall document use of FSDDs as a use of force in accordance with the policy on reporting force (P&P 5-302).

6. Training Required

1. Only members who have completed the required training in the use of these devices shall deploy them.
2. Department approved training shall include the nomenclature, mechanical operation, and tactical deployment of FSDDs.
3. All members of SWAT shall also be trained by the Minneapolis Fire Department in the use of dry chemical fire extinguishers. Emphasis will be placed upon safety considerations and measures to be utilized when using these tools.

7. Specifications for FSDDs

Members are only authorized to use FSDDs that are issued by the Department.

FSDDs shall be stored in accordance with federal regulations.