RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

5.2.1 PURPOSE

To establish clear guidelines governing the lawful, reasonable, and appropriate use of force and intermediate weapons by staff at the Randolph County Detention Center, consistent with federal and state law, to ensure the safety of staff, detainees, and the public while maintaining order and security.

5.2.2 POLICY

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that force shall be used only when objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to the threat or resistance encountered. Staff shall utilize de-escalation techniques whenever feasible and apply only the minimum level of force required to gain control of a situation.

Intermediate weapons and less-lethal force options—including chemical agents, conducted electrical weapons (Tasers), PepperBall systems, impact weapons, and less-lethal munitions—may be used when lower levels of force are ineffective or inappropriate, and deadly force is not justified.

All uses of force, including intermediate weapons, constitute a reportable use of force and must comply with this policy.

5.2.3 USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM

Staff shall apply force along a continuum based on the totality of circumstances. The continuum serves as a guideline and does not require staff to progress through each level sequentially.

Levels of Force:

1. Officer Presence – Visible authority to deter misconduct

2. Verbal Direction – Commands, persuasion, and de-escalation

3. Empty Hand Control

3. • Soft Control (escort holds, pressure points)

3. • Hard Control (strikes, takedowns)

4. Intermediate Weapons

4. • Chemical Agents (O.C. spray)

4. • Conducted Electrical Weapons (Taser)

4. • Impact Weapons

4. • PepperBall Systems

4. • Less-Lethal Munitions (bean bag rounds, rubber projectiles, etc.)

5. Deadly Force – Force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury

Staff may escalate or de-escalate force as reasonably necessary based on detainee behavior, threat level, and situational factors.

5.2.4 DEFINITIONS

Intermediate Weapons: Devices intended to control subjects with less likelihood of causing death or serious bodily injury than deadly force.

O.C. Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum): An inflammatory agent derived from chili peppers that causes temporary blindness, respiratory distress, and burning sensations.

Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW/Taser): A device that delivers an ელექტrical charge to override voluntary muscle control and temporarily incapacitate a subject.

PepperBall System: A compressed-air launcher that fires projectiles containing O.C. powder or other payloads to disperse or incapacitate subjects.

Less-Lethal Munitions: Includes bean bag rounds, rubber pellets, and similar projectiles designed to incapacitate with reduced risk of serious injury.

Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD): The effect produced by a Taser that overrides the central nervous system and controls skeletal muscles.

5.2.5 GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Staff shall assess the totality of circumstances, including:

1. • Severity of the threat

1. • Level of resistance

1. • Number of detainees and staff

1. • Availability of backup

1. • Environmental conditions

1. • Detainee’s mental and physical condition

2. De-escalation techniques shall be used whenever practical.

3. Force shall never be used as punishment, retaliation, or coercion.

4. Once control is achieved, force shall be reduced or discontinued.

5. Medical attention shall be provided as soon as practical following any use of force.

5.2.6 CHEMICAL AGENTS (O.C. SPRAY)

Policy:
 

Chemical agents may be used when a detainee poses a threat to safety and cannot be controlled by lesser means.

Requirements:

• Only department-issued O.C. spray (10% in approved canisters) shall be used.

• Personal chemical agents are prohibited.

• Only trained staff may deploy chemical agents.

Procedures:

1. When feasible, review the detainee’s medical condition prior to use.

2. Avoid use on individuals with known respiratory or serious medical conditions unless exigent circumstances exist.

3. Maintain a safe distance (4 - 6 Feet).

4. Apply in short bursts 1 - 2 seconds aimed at the facial area. (Forehead, Eyes, Nose, Mouth)

5. Decontaminate the detainee as soon as practicable.

6. Ensure medical evaluation as soon as practical.

7. Clean affected areas promptly.

5.2.7 CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL WEAPONS (TASER)

Policy:
 

Tasers are authorized as an intermediate weapon when a detainee is actively resisting or poses a threat and lesser force options are ineffective or unsafe.

Requirements:

• Only trained and certified staff may carry and use Tasers.

• Devices shall be department-issued and properly maintained.

Guidelines:

1. Announce “TASER, TASER, TASER” prior to deployment when feasible.

2. Avoid targeting the face, head, or groin.

3. Do not use in flammable environments. This includes when subject has been previously sprayed with pepper spray.

4. Avoid use on vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant detainees) when possible.

5. Use cover and maintain safe distance.

6. Be aware of fall risks and secondary injuries.

Post-Use:

• Medical evaluation is required.

• Probes shall be collected and handled as biohazard evidence.

• Supervisor notification and response required.

5.2.8 PEPPERBALL SYSTEMS

Policy:
 

PepperBall Systems may be used by trained staff to control aggressive or non-compliant detainees when other options are ineffective or impractical.

Guidelines:

1. Use in accordance with Use of Force policy.

2. Avoid targeting the head, face, throat, or groin.

3. Be aware of potential injury from projectile impact.

Post-Deployment:

• Provide medical evaluation when feasible.

• Follow decontamination procedures if O.C. is deployed.

• Document all usage and notify administration.

5.2.9 LESS-LETHAL WEAPONS AND MUNITIONS

Authorized Devices Include:

• Bean bag rounds

• Rubber projectiles

• Distraction devices

• Impact weapons

Policy:
 

These tools may be used when necessary to control or incapacitate a detainee when lesser force is ineffective and deadly force is not justified.

Guidelines:

1. Only trained personnel may deploy such weapons.

2. Equipment shall be regularly inspected and maintained.

3. Target large muscle groups when feasible.

4. Avoid head, neck, and vital areas unless deadly force is justified.

5.2.10 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

1. Staff must successfully complete initial and periodic training for all intermediate weapons they are authorized to use.

2. Annual recertification is required for Tasers, PepperBall Systems, and other less-lethal tools.

3. Training shall include:

3. • Use of force law and policy

3. • De-escalation techniques

3. • Scenario-based applications

3. • Medical considerations

5.2.11 REPORTING AND REVIEW

1. All uses of force shall be documented before the end of the shift unless exigent circumstances exist.

2. Required documentation includes:

2. • Incident Report

2. • Use of Force Report

3. Reports shall include:

3. • Justification for force used

3. • Type and level of force

3. • Description of resistance

3. • Injuries and medical treatment

4. All reports shall be forwarded to the Administrator for review.

5. Use of force incidents shall be subject to administrative review and investigation when appropriate.

5.2.12 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Respond to all significant use of force incidents.

2. Ensure medical care is provided.

3. Review reports for completeness and policy compliance.

4. Initiate further investigation if necessary.

5.2.13 PROHIBITED USES

• Use of force as punishment or retaliation

• Use of unauthorized weapons or personal equipment

• Use of force inconsistent with training or policy

• Excessive or unreasonable force