20 - Laserfiche WebLink

when it was purchased. The vehicle offers ballistic protection in emergency situations where a likelihood of an armed encounter exists. It is also used to evacuate citizens from an area where a threat from an armed suspect exists. The ARV has never been deployed or used during a crowd control event such as a protest or first amendment gathering. Because the ARV is a modified consumer vehicle, there is debate whether it qualifies under this section. Staff included the ARV as it has been modified to allow for a breaching ram to be mounted on its front. "Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, with the exception of standard issue service weapons and ammunition of less than .50 caliber that are issued to officers, agents, or employees of a law enforcement agency or a state agency." The police department uses 85 rifles, which are defined as assault weapons under the California Penal Code. These rifles are assigned to sworn police officers and supervisors who've been through a certified training course as required by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Rifles provide the capability to address a lethal threat at a distance with precision and to penetrate most body armor. The rifles use standard law enforcement ammunition and their use and deployment are outlined in Policy 312 of the Pleasanton Police Department Policy Manual. A small supply of armor-piercing ammunition for .308 bolt action rifles is maintained by the department's tactical team and reserved for cases in which piercing heavy armor (such as an armored vehicle) is required. "'Flashbang"grenades and explosive breaching tools, "tear gas,"and "pepper balls,"excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray." The police department utilizes noise-flash diversionary devices known as "flashbangs" and a variety of chemical agents (tear gas) to include a paintball-like projectile similar to a pepper ball. Noise-flash diversionary devices are used to cause a distraction during highly dangerous activities such as entering a structure during warrant service. The department follows best practices for use which includes deploying the devices only on the exterior of structures and when an officer can see the area where the device is being deployed unless exigencies of immediate life safety exist. The primary purpose of chemical agents such as non-lethal CS gas is to cause a barricaded suspect to exit the structure in which the suspect is barricaded. The gas causes irritation to the eyes and throat. By deploying gas inside a structure, it may reduce the need to send officers into a dangerous location where a confrontation may occur. The practice is intended to reduce injury to officers and suspects. Chemical agents may be used to disperse large, unlawful assemblies. Page 5 of 6