5-313 - Chemical Agents

5-313  CHEMICAL AGENTS

(10/16/02) (08/17/07) (10/01/10) (09/04/12) (06/10/13) (06/16/20)

1. Use of Chemical Agents

1. MPD approved chemical agents may be used as a non-lethal use of force. The use of chemical agents shall be consistent with current MPD training and MPD policies governing the use of force (including all sections in P&P 5-300).

2. Chemical agents, regardless of canister size, shall only be used against subjects under the following circumstances:

1. On subjects who are exhibiting Active Aggression, or;

2. For life saving purposes, or;

3. On subjects who are exhibiting active resistance in order to gain control of a subject and if lesser attempts at control have been or would likely be ineffective, or;

4. During crowd control situations only when authorized in accordance with P&P 5-312 Force During Civil Disturbances.

3. Chemical agents shall not be used against persons who are only displaying Passive Resistance as defined by policy.

4. Sworn MPD employees shall exercise due care to ensure that only intended persons are exposed to the chemical agents.

2. Treatment and Aid for Chemical Agent Exposure

1. In addition to standard medical treatment after use of force (in accordance with P&P 5-306), post exposure treatment for a person that has been exposed to the chemical agent shall include one or more of the following:

• Removing the affected person from the area of exposure.
• Exposing the affected person to fresh air.
• Rinsing the eyes and skin of the affected person with cool water (if available).

2. Sworn employees shall keep a person exposed to the chemical agent under close observation until they are released to medical or other law enforcement personnel.

3. An officer who has used a chemical agent shall inform individuals accepting custody that it was used on the person.

4. Use of chemical agents to prevent the swallowing of narcotics is prohibited.