Civil disturbances are unique situations that often require special planning and tactics to best bring an unlawful situation under effective control. The on-scene incident commander shall evaluate the overall situation and determine if it would be a reasonable force option to use less-lethal or non-lethal weapons to best accomplish that objective.
Unless there is an immediate need to protect oneself or another from apparent physical harm, sworn MPD employees shall refrain from deploying any less-lethal or non-lethal weapons upon any individuals involved in a civil disturbance until it has been authorized by the on-scene incident commander.
The riot baton is a less-lethal weapon that shall only be deployed for carry or use during, or in anticipation to, a civil disturbance.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.