(A) Policy. To lessen the risk of or injury to police officers, suspects and others at the instance of a physical confrontation, the use of chemical agents, such as mace, tear gas or the like, may be necessary in some instances where serious danger to life or property exists and other methods of control or apprehension would be ineffective and more dangerous.
(B) Procedure.
(1) Carrying of chemical agents by police officers of the Police Department while on duty is optional.
(2) Chemical agents will be used only as a last resort in a situation when the officer has substantial reason to believe that:
(a) The subject cannot be controlled by a lesser type of physical force; and
(b) The use of chemical agents is not apt to aggravate the situation (e.g., mentally ill, intoxicated or drugged person).
(C) Rule. Prior to the use of a chemical agent, consideration must be given to the safety of other police officers, other innocent persons and the suspect.
(1) Only the amount of chemical agent needed for each particular incident will be deployed.
(2) When possible, proper scene cordon and evacuation techniques shall be employed.
(3) When use of heat-emitting chemical agents, such as tear gas, is employed, Fire Department personnel should be advised and should be on standby at or near the scene.
(Prior Code, § 33.67)