33-602.210: Use of Force
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the rule is to establish guidelines governing the use of force and/or restraints to protect persons or property, prevent escape, restore order, maintain custody and control, and to enforce Department rules. The amendments provide new definitions; broaden the type of information that should be stated on camera after a use of force; clarify the circumstances under which electronic immobilization devices and specialty munitions may be used; clarify the circumstances under which chemical agents may be used; refine the documentation and procedures, including medical procedures, that should be followed after the use of chemical agents; and provide safety provisions concerning the storage and issuance of chemical agents. The amendments are made for the purpose of promoting operational efficiency, updating and responding to changes in law and policy.
SUMMARY: The changes are primarily organizational in nature, and certain technical terminology is updated. Correctional staff continues to be directed to use the least amount of force necessary to control a disturbance and to cease the escalation of use of force upon gaining offender compliance. Use of force must be supervised (whenever possible), fully documented, and only administered by properly trained staff. Additionally, officers at work camps are permitted to carry an MK-9 sized OC dispenser. A process is established whereby the Office of Inspector General can refer an investigation to the warden. The amount of time a warden has to forward use of force reports and relevant tapes to the Inspector General is lengthened from 5 to 11 days.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: information provided by the Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Security Operations within the Office of Institutions indicates that the changes largely are stylistic and organizational in nature. The proposed changes only affect internal security operations and will not exceed any one of the economic analysis criteria in a SERC as set forth in Section 120.541(2)(a), F.S.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 944.09 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 776.07, 944.09, 944.35 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Laura Gallagher, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
(Substantial rewording of Rule 33-602.210 follows. See Florida Administrative Code for present text.)
33-602.210 Use of Force.
(1) Prior to any organized use of force, the shift supervisor shall review Form DC4-650B, Risk Assessment for the Use of Chemical Restraint Agents and Electronic Immobilization Devices, to determine whether the inmate has a medical condition that may be exacerbated by the intended force. Form DC4-650B is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 3-22-11. Medical staff shall be consulted about physical conditions of an inmate that may be aggravated by the application of force or chemical agents unless safety concerns prevent prior consultation.
(2) Definitions.
(a) Direct Firing – The practice of firing specialty munitions directly into a group of rioters from a distance of greater than 20 feet and with a target area of the waist or below.
(b) Emergency Action Center – the unit located in the Central Office charged with receiving reports regarding serious incidents, such as riots and escapes, from all Department of Corrections’ (Department) facilities and reporting the information to the proper authorities. This unit also receives requests for criminal histories, warrant confirmations, and offender location requests from law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.
(c) Incident Commander – The employee responsible for the management of emergency incidents, such as riots and natural disasters.
(d) Nondeadly Force – Any force that is neither intended nor likely to cause death or serious bodily harm.
(e) Organized Use of Force – Any force that may be administered to control, escort, or geographically relocate any inmate when the immediate application is not immediately necessary to prevent a hazard to any person.
(f) Reactionary Use of Force – Any force that must be administered quickly or immediately to compel the cessation of an inmate’s violence or resistance to orders.
(g) Reasonable Force – Any force that is not excessive for protecting oneself or another or for gaining an inmate’s compliance with a lawful order.
(h) Rubber Ball Rounds – Multiple pellets fired from cartridges at the lower extremities of rioters and designed to inflict pain compliance.
(i) S-2 – The mental health classification denoting mild impairment in the ability to meet the ordinary demands of living within general inmate housing, including segregation, which impairment is associated with an Axis I disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV), excluding substance abuse disorders, or symptoms thereof, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or mental retardation. The impairment in functioning is not so severe as to prevent satisfactory adjustment in general inmate housing with provision of mental health services.
(j) S-3 – The mental health classification denoting moderate impairment in the ability to meet the ordinary demands of living within general inmate housing due to the presence of an Axis I disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV), excluding substance abuse disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or schizotypal personality disorder. The impairment in functioning is not so severe as to prevent satisfactory adjustment in general inmate housing with provision of mental health services. Clinical management of the disorder may require at least periodic administration of psychotropic medication, which the inmate may exercise his or her right to refuse.
(k) Shift Supervisor – The highest ranking correctional officer of the on-duty shift.
(l) Skip Firing – The practice of firing specialty impact munitions 5-7 feet in front of rioters, thereby deflecting the munitions into the legs of the rioters.
(m) Serious Bodily Injury – A physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
(n) Specialty Impact Munitions – Munitions designed to incapacitate, distract, and control a subject with a relatively low likelihood of life-threatening injury.
(o) Wooden Baton Rounds – Multiple wooden projectiles fired from a 37-mm weapon, designed to be skip fired into the lower extremities of rioters to inflict pain compliance.
(3) A video camera operator shall commence recording all reactionary use of force incidents upon arrival at the scene as soon as possible. All organized use of force incidents shall be recorded by videotape, unless exigent or emergency circumstances prevent such action. Videotape recordings shall continue uninterrupted from commencement until the situation is stable and under control and the inmate is placed in a secure cell or transport vehicle for transfer.
(a) The shift supervisor during any organized use of force shall include in each video recorded markers of the following:
1. Date and time of the recording;
2. Location of the recording;
3. Name and rank of supervisor(s) present;
4. Name and rank of person authorizing use of chemical agent (if applicable);
5. Name and DC number of the inmate involved in the use of force;
6. Name of the camera operator;
7. Brief description of efforts taken to stabilize or control the inmate prior to the application of force;
8. Final warning order administered by a supervisor or incident commander;
9. Clear, concise, and audible verbal warning to the inmate of pending application of force or entry into cell for extraction;
10. Application of chemical agents;
11. Verbal offer for a decontamination shower;
12. Decontamination of the inmate;
13. Any medical examination performed after the use of force;
14. Physical escort and placement in a decontaminated cell after incident;
15. Verbal refusals by inmates to participate in decontamination or medical examination (if applicable);
16. The name and rank of each Department staff member present.
(b) Whenever an inmate fails to comply with a lawful order and exhibits a threatening demeanor or disruptive or hazardous behavior, the on-scene supervisor of an organized use of force shall announce a clear, concise, and audible warning to the inmate that force will be administered if there is no immediate compliance and cessation of the behavior. After the initial warning is recorded, subsequent video recording of any organized use of force warnings is not required. Video recording shall resume prior to the application of any chemical agents should an inmate become non-compliant or disruptive after the final order has been given.
(c) Video recordings of post use of force medical exams shall be conducted through a window or at a distance in such a manner so as to provide the maximum amount of privacy needed for the exams and so as to limit the disclosure of inmate protected health information to the minimum amount necessary. Inmates involved in an organized use of force shall be video recorded continually until they have been placed in a vehicle for transportation or in a secure cell.
(d) Anytime there is a change in the on-scene supervisor or other staff during an application of an organized use of force, a new video recording will be initiated and the requirements in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b) above shall be repeated.
(4) Department staff shall use force, organized or reactionary, only as a last resort when it reasonably appears that other alternatives are not feasible to obtain compliance with law or administrative rules or to defend themselves or others against any physical threat of injury or death.
(5) Any use of force shall cease being applied whenever an inmate complies with orders or ceases the behavior for which the use of force was necessary.
(6) Use of force shall not be applied for punishment. Physical restraints such as handcuffs, leg irons, flex cuffs, and other such devices shall only be used for restraint purposes and not for punishment.
(7) Inmates shall not be carried, dragged, or lifted by restraint devices.
(8) Use of Chemical Agents. All chemical agents shall be used with caution and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(a) The following chemical agents are authorized for use by the Department:
1. OC – Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) – An inflammatory agent that causes tearing and involuntary closing of the eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing, disorientation, and the sensation of respiratory distress. OC is the primary chemical agent to be utilized for cell extractions and other in-cell uses unless circumstances exist as outlined below, and they shall only be used in the manner prescribed herein.
2. CS – Orthochlorobenzal Malononitrile or Orthochlorobenzylidene Malononitrile – An irritant agent that causes burning sensation and tearing of the eyes, nasal discharge, and skin and upper respiratory irritation.
a. CS may be used during cell extractions and other in-cell incidents if OC applications previously administered were ineffective in obtaining compliance or ceasing disruptive actions or physically threatening behavior.
b. The warden or designee may authorize the use of CS as an initial primary chemical agent whenever past applications of OC to an inmate were documented on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, as having been applied and ineffective. Form DC6-230 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-25600. The effective date of the form is __________.
c. The warden or designee may authorize the use of CS as an initial or primary chemical agent during in-cell applications whenever an inmate attempts to deploy a shield, barrier, or obstruction in an obvious attempt to avoid contact with an application of chemical agents. Justification for the use of CS whenever an inmate barricades or presents physical obstructions to counter chemical agent applications shall be noted on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, by the reporting officer.
3. CN – Chloroacetophene – An agent that causes tearing of the eyes, nasal discharge, and skin and upper respiratory irritation. CN projectiles, grenades, and thermal foggers shall only be used within institutions, upon Department of Corrections property, in response to unauthorized mass gatherings, disturbances involving multiple inmates, or for crowd control. CN shall not be authorized for use after the expiration date noted on the canister.
(b) Chemical agents shall be used only after other reasonable efforts to control a disorderly inmate or group of inmates have been exhausted.
(c) Chemical agents shall only be used when the use of force is authorized and the level of force is necessary to prevent injuries to staff or inmates.
(d) Any accidental or incidental discharge of a chemical agent by a staff member within any institution shall be reported on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used.
(e) Authorization for an organized use of force application of chemical agents within an institution may only be authorized by the warden or designee.
(f) Only staff members who have received training in the use of chemical agents may discharge, carry, possess, or use chemical agents within an institution, except during emergencies such as riots or disasters or at the direction of the warden or designee.
(g) A confinement or close management lieutenant or shift supervisor shall be responsible for the issuance of a final order to an inmate ordering compliance or cessation of disruptive behavior prior to the application of chemical agents. Additionally, a confinement or close management lieutenant, shift supervisor, or staff member of greater rank shall be present and observe the application of chemical agents to inmates in such housing settings.
(h) Any application of chemical agents within an institution shall be noted on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used. Any officer who uses chemical agents shall record the following on Form DC6-230:
1. Type of agent discharged;
2. Amount of agent discharged;
3. Method of administration;
4. Name of the person who authorized issuance or possession of the chemical agent;
5. Name of person who administered the chemical agent;
6. Amount of the chemical agent used;
7. Method by which the chemical agent was administered;
8. Reason the chemical agent was used.
(i) Chemical agents shall be stored in the designated main arsenal in a secure manner. The warden shall authorize and designate secure locations where chemical agents shall be stored that are accessible only to officers.
(j) Chemical agents assigned to institutions may not be removed from the facility at anytime without authorization from the warden or designee.
(k) All chemical agent dispensers shall be numbered and recorded on Form DC6-216, Chemical Agent Accountability Log. Form DC6-216 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 7-25-02. Form DC6-216 shall be maintained in any location where chemical agents are stored. Chemical agent dispensers shall be weighed prior to issuance and upon return to storage. The shift supervisor shall verify the weight of chemical agent dispensers upon return to storage. Additionally, the shift supervisor shall ensure all issued chemical agent dispensers are accounted for and recorded on Form DC6-216. The chief of security shall monitor the canister weights following each use of chemical agents to ensure the contents are consistent after a reported use of force and recorded on Form DC6-216.
(l) Issuance and use of chemical agents:
1. Only correctional officers and staff trained in the use of chemical agents, in possession of a current and valid certification, and assigned to institutions and work camps shall be issued an approved OC dispenser to carry while on duty. Officers who have been issued chemical agent dispensers are authorized to administer or dispense chemical agents during the performance of their duties under reactionary circumstances (including but not limited to self-defense, the defense of others, or in opposition to force or influence) without additional authorization for intervention for self-defense or the defense of others. The warden is authorized to exempt an officer from carrying, possessing, or using chemical agents. Officers assigned to armed perimeter posts may be exempted from the requirement to carry OC by the warden or designee.
2. An MK-9 sized canister or equivalent OC dispenser may be issued to correctional officers who have received appropriate training, are in possession of a valid certification, and who are assigned to internal security posts, recreation fields, shift supervisor posts, or designated as special response team members within an institution, including work camps. These officers are authorized to administer chemical agents during reactionary disturbance incidents that involve multiple inmates housed in locations where multiple inmates are generally present, such as open bay dorms, dining halls, recreation fields, canteens, and meal lines. This option shall only be exercised in response to mass disturbance critical incidents and as necessary to restore control, stability, or disciplinary order and shall normally not be used indoors.
3. For those security positions assigned to housing units with a secure officer’s station, an MK-4 sized canister or equivalent OC dispenser will be passed on from shift to shift and accounted for on the DC6-209 Housing Unit Log at the beginning of each shift with an entry for each canister indicating by canister number and officer initials who is assigned that canister. Canisters that are not being worn by staff on shifts that have fewer assigned staff will remain in the officer station, stored in a secure, locked cabinet or drawer designated for this purpose. The number of chemical agent canisters assigned to a housing unit shall not exceed the maximum number of staff (officer and sergeant) assigned for the highest staffed shift per the institutional post chart. Any evidence of tampering, broken or missing seal, or signs that the canister is not functional will be immediately reported to the shift officer in charge, a Form DC6-210 Incident Report completed and a replacement made. The canisters will be inventoried and inspected once per week by the arsenal sergeant with appropriate entry placed on the Housing Unit Log.
4. For those staff assigned to internal security and designated A-Team members, exchange of approved canisters shall occur on the compound, with the canister number and confirmation of seal status and condition of canister called into the control room and notation made on the DC6-281 Control Room Security Equipment/Weapons Check Out/In Log. The canisters will be inventoried and inspected once per week by the arsenal sergeant with appropriate entry placed on the Control Room Log.
5. For those staff assigned to food service, wellness, gate areas, program areas, and other compound posts that are not manned on a 24-hour basis, the staff assigned to the daylight shift shall pick up their canisters at the control room immediately prior to proceeding to their assigned post. The exchange of canisters for their reliefs shall occur on the compound, with the canister number and confirmation of seal status and condition of canister called into the Control Room and notation made on the DC6-281 Control Room Security Equipment/Weapons Check Out/In Log. The canisters will be inventoried and inspected once per week by the arsenal sergeant with appropriate entry placed on the Control Room Log.
6. Chemical agent dispensers shall be securely encased and attached to the officer’s belt. Each chemical agent dispenser shall be secured within a pouch or to a holstering device by a numbered, breakable seal. Officers shall examine the condition of the canister and the safety seal at the time of receiving or being issued any chemical dispenser to ensure that the canister is not damaged and that the seal is intact and report any alteration or broken seal to the shift supervisor. Shift supervisors shall examine the seal of any chemical dispenser reported to be altered, broken, or manipulated and upon confirmation of alteration, breakage, or manipulation shall report the observation on Form DC6-210, Incident Report, prior to the end of the shift. Form DC6-210 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is________. The sergeant in charge of the arsenal shall maintain a master inventory of all individual chemical agent dispensers in storage. The master inventory shall indicate the weight of each dispenser at the time the original seal is attached and shall annotate the weight of the dispenser any time a dispenser is returned with a broken seal on Form DC6-216, Chemical Agent Accountability Log, and replace the seal or attach a new one. The arsenal sergeant shall report any discrepancies in the weight of the dispenser to the chief of security and complete Form DC6-210.
(m) Use of chemical agents on inmates outside of controlled conditions. Officers may utilize chemical agents whenever an inmate becomes disorderly or disruptive or does not comply with clear and audible orders that have been communicated to cease such behavior. During emergency situations with multiple inmates in an outside area, chemical agents may be applied to quell the disturbance. An inmate shall at no time be removed from his or her assigned cell or placed at an alternate location, have clothing removed, or be restrained for the purpose of chemical agent application. If an officer administers chemical agents while an inmate is handcuffed or wearing restraints, and removal of such restraints was not possible prior to the application, the officer shall record an explanation of the circumstances on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used.
(n) Use of chemical agents on inmates under controlled conditions:
1. When an inmate in a secure housing unit occupied by other inmates becomes disorderly or disruptive or the officer’s ability to provide unit security is adversely impacted by an inmate’s behavior, and the inmate refuses to comply with clear and audible orders to cease his or her behavior, the confinement or close management lieutenant, shift supervisor, or person of higher rank shall be contacted and consulted for instructions prior to any application of chemical agents.
2. Whenever the confinement, close management lieutenant, or shift supervisor’s efforts to control a disorderly inmate have failed, and the use of chemical agents is necessary to gain control of the inmate while minimizing the risk of injuries to others, the shift supervisor shall ensure the following:
a. Uninvolved inmates in the cell or immediate area are given the opportunity to exit or depart the potentially affected area, if such relocation does not create or cause a hazard to the safety of others.
b. The warden or designee is contacted and gives authorization to use chemical agents in the area.
c. A clear and audible order is given for the inmate to cease the disruptive or dangerous behavior.
d. If the inmate fails to comply with the order of the shift supervisor and continues to disobey lawful orders or continues disruptive behavior, the shift supervisor shall issue a clear and audible final order. During the final order, the shift supervisor shall put the inmate on notice that chemical agents are to be administered imminently if his or her disruptive behavior does not immediately cease.
e. A video recording is not required if, during the same shift, the inmate ceases the conduct creating the disturbance while the shift supervisor and camera operator are present with a camera but resumes such conduct after the shift supervisor and camera operator have departed the area prior to an application of chemical agents. The shift supervisor has the authority at anytime to recommence video tape recording of subsequent incidents. but in all cases where the administration of chemical agents is subsequently required video recording will resume following the final exposure to chemical agents, include a statement referring to the originating incident, and continue from this point until the decontaminating shower and medical examination are offered and the inmate is returned to secure, decontaminated housing.
f. The application of chemical agents in the amount of no greater than three (3) one-second bursts may be administered upon an inmate after at least three (3) minutes have elapsed from the time a clear and audible warning is communicated to the inmate to cease his or her disruptive or dangerous behavior and the inmate does not comply with the orders.
g. If the inmate’s disruptive behavior continues after the initial application, a subsequent application of chemical agents in the amount of no greater than three (3) one-second bursts may be administered upon an inmate after at least five (5) minutes have elapsed since the initial chemical agent application.
h. If the inmate does not comply with orders after a minimum of five (5) minutes have elapsed from the conclusion of the second application of chemical agents, the warden or designee shall be consulted to evaluate what further response is necessary to regain compliance or control of the inmate.
(o) Additional applications of chemical agents and forced cell extractions:
1. The warden or designee shall be consulted to evaluate further responses after a third application of chemical agents has been administered, the inmate fails to cease his or her disruptive or dangerous behavior, and such inmate does not comply with orders. Additional copies of Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, shall be used to document the incident. The shift supervisor shall ensure all use of force applications are properly documented on Form DC6-230.
2. The warden or designee may authorize subsequent applications of chemical agents as necessary to obtain safety or compliance; however, such applications shall not be administered or discharged upon an inmate after the initial three applications until at least sixty (60) minutes have elapsed from the time of the last application.
(p) Medical requirements:
1. Inmates who have been administered any chemical agent shall be monitored by a staff member or officer for no less than one (1) hour after application. The affected inmate shall remain in a standing or sitting position. The monitoring staff members or officers shall immediately seek medical attention by the appropriate medical staff or competent medical authority any time signs of respiratory distress, labored breathing, excessive or persistent coughing, or chest or arm pain are evident or if unconsciousness occurs or other signs of medical distress are observed. The absence of medical staff on scene does not preclude taking action as an emergency responder.
2. Compliant and non-disruptive inmates shall be ordered to shower in cool water and change inner and outer garments within 20 minutes of the inmates’ compliant time from the last application of chemical agents, whenever possible. The shift supervisor or confinement lieutenant shall record the decontamination activities on the following forms:
a. Form DC6-210, Incident Report; or
b. Form DC6-229, Daily Record of Special Housing. Form DC6-229 is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-601.800, F.A.C. The effective date of the form is 4-6-11.
3. The shift supervisor shall summon a medical staff member to the physical location of an inmate who has been exposed to a chemical application. The medical staff member shall conduct an examination of the inmate after the decontamination process is completed. The health services staff or ranking officer present shall ensure that any inmate who has a history of experiencing or who exhibits symptoms of physical distress as a result of chemical agent exposure is immediately provided all necessary medical attention. Medical staff members shall record any observations and medical actions taken on the following forms, including the presence or non-presence of injury:
a. Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Record. Form DC4-701C is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Chilean Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 3-22-11.
b. Form DC4-708, Diagram of Injury. Form DC4-708 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 10-04-07.
4. In addition to completing a medical examination of any inmate who is exposed to chemical agents, the attending medical staff member shall make a mental health referral for any inmate classified as “S-2” or “S-3” on Form DC4-529, Staff Request/Referral, and forward it immediately for a mental health evaluation to be conducted on the inmate. Form DC4-529 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is________. Mental health staff shall evaluate the inmate no later than the next business day. The mental health staff member who conducts the evaluation shall consult with the shift supervisor and recommend appropriate measures that may be necessary for the safety of the inmate, including placement in isolation management, a transitional care unit, or crisis stabilization as those placements are defined in Rule 33-404.103, F.A.C.
5. Any time an inmate refuses to take a shower after an application of chemical agents, medical staff shall conduct a cell-front examination and explain in a clear and audible tone the purpose of decontamination and potential physical implications of not completing decontamination. Medical staff members shall record notes of any decontamination consultation on Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Record.
6. Upon completion of the decontamination consultation with the inmate by a medical services staff member, the shift supervisor shall order the inmate to submit to a decontamination shower. If the affected inmate refuses to participate in a decontamination shower, a second order shall be given by the shift supervisor with a member of the medical services staff or a supervisor physically present when possible. The shift supervisor shall annotate on Form DC6-210, Incident Report, that a second order was administered and the inmate refused compliance.
7. The shift supervisor shall consult with the attending medical services staff member and determine if an inmate requires medical attention or treatment any time decontamination is not completed. Whenever the medical services staff member has observed the inmate who has refused decontamination post application of chemical agents and determined that reasonable medical attention is not necessary, the shift supervisor shall ensure that the affected inmate is monitored for a minimum of two (2) hours and offered a shower at least every thirty (30) minutes during the two (2) hour observation period. All inmate welfare checks or required physical observations post refusal to submit to decontamination orders shall be recorded on Form DC6-229, Daily Record of Special Housing. Form DC6-229 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 4-6-11. The officer assigned to conduct welfare checks or physical observations of an inmate shall without unnecessary delay summon medical attention if he or she at any time observes or suspects that an inmate may be experiencing medical distress.
8. The shift supervisor shall comply with provisions stated in subsection (13) if, upon consultation with medical services staff, he or she is advised a decontamination shower is necessary for the safety of the inmate or the failure to complete a decontamination shower is a hazard to the inmate. The inmate shall be relocated to a decontamination cell.
a. Upon introduction into a decontamination cell, the inmate who refused or obstructed efforts to participate in a decontamination shower shall be placed in a sitting or standing position for a minimum of forty-five (45) to sixty (60) minutes after the use of chemical agents, including any inmate who must be physically held or is incapacitated, to permit officers to place approved restraining devices on the inmate, e.g., handcuffs.
b. Officers shall use all reasonable and due care to avoid physically placing the inmate in any position that may contribute to positional asphyxia, restricted blood circulation, or interference with physical functions that permit life processes to occur or in any position that causes any physical injury. Restraints shall not be applied in any manner for the purpose of administration of punishment. The inmate shall not be directed, ordered, or required to stand or sit uninterrupted if such action is intended for reasons of punishment or likely to cause injury. Any portion of the inmate’s body exposed to or that came into contact with chemical agents, including the eyes, shall be flushed with water as soon as possible after application for at least approximately five (5) to ten (10) minutes or until the affected inmate experiences relief. The inmate should be advised by the officer in charge to avoid rubbing any irritated area with a cloth or towel. No oils, creams, or topical medications shall be applied to the inmate without approval of a member of the medical services staff.
9. The warden or designee may authorize placing an inmate in four point or multipoint restraints after consultation with a member of health services staff. Approval from the warden or designee shall be obtained prior to any inmate being placed in four-point or multipoint restraints. Health services staff shall review the medical record of the inmate prior to advising the warden or designee of known medical conditions that would affect the health of the inmate should chemical agents be administered or the inmate be placed in four-point or multipoint restraints. A member of the health services staff shall monitor without interruption an inmate post application of chemical agents and when the inmate is subsequently placed in four or multipoint restraints. Medical attention shall be provided, upon detection of physical distress, without unnecessary delay. No inmate shall be restrained in a manner which restricts breathing.
10. Medical services staff members shall record all observations and recommendations on the following forms:
a. Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Exam.
b. Form DC4-708, Diagram of Injury.
c. Form DC4-701, Chronological Record of Health Care. Form DC4-701 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 4-8-10.
(9) Non-deadly Force. In accordance with s. 944.35, F.S., officers are authorized to apply lawful and reasonably necessary physical force to:
(a) Defend themselves or others from actions that are like to cause injury or death;
(b) Prevent the escape of a convicted felon from the custody of a correctional institution, any facility where an inmate is not permitted to depart without authorization, or as necessary to gain custody of an escaped inmate;
(c) Prevent the escape of an inmate during transport or while outside a correctional institution or facility;
(d) Prevent damage to property;
(e) Quell a disturbance;
(f) Overcome an inmate’s physical resistance to a lawful command;
(g) Prevent an inmate from inflicting any self-injury or from attempts to commit suicide; or
(h) Reasonably restrain an inmate to permit the administration of necessary medical treatment.
(10) Only reasonable, lawful, and the minimal amount of force necessary shall be employed to control the situation. Force shall not be used solely as a response to verbal abuse. Utilization of the custodial touch, with the hand firmly grasped around the inmate’s triceps or elbow, during internal transport of restrained inmates when resistance is not encountered shall not be considered a use of force when the transport hold is for the safety of the inmate or officer. The warden or designee shall be consulted and must authorize any organized use of force prior to application. The warden or designee shall be notified without unnecessary delay any time a reactionary use of force incident occurs and circumstances did not permit obtaining authorization prior to the use of force. The authority who approved an organized use of force shall prepare, date, and sign Form DC6-232, Authorization for Use of Force, prior to the end of the shift when force was used. Form DC6-232 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 9-99. If the authorization for an organized use of force is granted after normal working hours, the authority granting the action shall complete and sign Form DC6-232 within one day following the incident, excluding weekends and holidays.
(11) Any time force is used, the officer initially using force shall complete Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used. The completed form shall include the events that led to the use of force, the actual events that occurred, and the post-event actions. If more than one officer was involved in the initial use of force, the initial officer using force shall complete the report. Any participant who objects to information recorded by the reporting officer or who has additional observations to add to the narrative or description of the incident written by the reporting officer shall complete and attach Section I of Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used. No officer or employee shall receive discipline for providing updated information to a use of force report, provided the updated information is presented without unnecessary delay after discovery of the discrepancy. Updates or addendums recorded on any Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, Section I, should be completed and forwarded to the warden not later than one (1) business day (excluding weekends and holidays) following the date that the original Form DC6-232, Authorization for Use of Force, is signed and dated.
(a) Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, shall be completed by those staff involved in any application of force, reactionary or organized, that occurred during their shift. Form DC6-230 shall be completed no later than the end of the shift during which the use of force occurred. The warden or designee is authorized to permit a delay of completing required use of force reports for up to 72 hours when circumstances prohibit completion of the reports by the end of the shift. All reports must be typed. No use of force report may be altered, changed, or destroyed by any employee. Officers may submit amendments to a report at any time with authorization from the warden or designee. The warden or designee shall then appoint a staff member of equal or higher rank than those involved in the use of force incident to collect all pertinent information and required documentation. This information shall include the reports of all involved staff who do not agree with the account as reported in the DC6-230 or the statements of staff witnesses, inmate witnesses, or the inmate subject. All inmate statements (subject and witnesses) shall be made in writing using Form DC6-112C, Witness Statement. Form DC6-112C is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-601.313, F.A.C. The effective date of the form is 8-28-06. Any employee who witnesses but does not participate in a use of force and suspects inappropriate action shall complete Form DC6-210, Incident Report. The Office of Inspector General field offices within each region shall provide the institutions, via electronic mail, with a use of force number once one is assigned and entered into the Office of Inspector General electronic logging system.
(b) The warden or designee shall conduct a preliminary review of facts recorded in reports to determine if the application or demonstration of force was lawful and a procedurally appropriate application. The warden or designee shall review all use of force reports. Any time improperly applied or unlawful use of force is indicated in a report, the warden or designee shall review any available video recording of the incident.
(c) Any time a warden or designee assigned to review and evaluate use of force reports suspects the application was contrary to this rule or was unlawful, he or she shall notify the Office of Inspector General without unnecessary delay.
(d) The warden or designee shall review the information and note any inappropriate actions in memorandum and attach the information to Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used. All use of force reports shall be reviewed and forwarded to the Office of Inspector General within eleven (11) business days from the date of occurrence. All videotape recordings of force applications and the original and one copy of Form DC6-230 shall be forwarded to the Office of Inspector General within eleven (11) business days. Requests for extensions for DC6-230s to be forwarded after eleven (11) days shall require authorization from the Assistant Secretary of Institutions and the Inspector General or designee.
(e) The warden shall keep all original completed forms and a copy of Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, until notified that the final review by the Office of Inspector General is complete. All original reports pertaining to a use of force shall be retained by the warden or designee.
(f) The Office of Inspector General shall report a disposition to the warden of any use of force within fourteen (14) business days of receipt. The warden shall be noticed of any extension to the review granted by the Inspector General or designee prior to the expiration of the fourteen (14) business days. The Inspector General shall notify the warden that a case has been reviewed and action was appropriate or a further review has commenced.
(g) Any time a witness of a reported use of force chooses to make a written statement, or is a use of force participating staff member and chooses to provide additional information not annotated in the reporting officer’s initial Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, submission, such person shall complete Form DC6-230. No employee may interfere with or obstruct such reporting or order any participant or witness involved in the use of force to alter, change, or not produce a written report of an incident in which the employee was involved or which he or she observed.
(h) Upon review of the submitted documents, the Office of Inspector General shall notify the warden in writing or by electronic mail of the findings. All video recordings submitted with use of force reports shall be retained and maintained by the Office of Inspector General in accordance with records retention statutes. The Office of Inspector General shall notify the regional director and warden any time a reasonable suspicion or probable cause is found that the force administered by a staff member was not in compliance with law, rule, or procedure. The Office of Inspector General or the warden, upon referral by the Office of Inspector General, shall conduct an investigation of the incident. Any staff member who is a subject of an investigation based on suspicion or allegation that force administered with their participation was not in compliance with this rule shall be notified by written letter when the matter is being investigated by the Office of Inspector General. Staff members shall not disclose or discuss any information concerning a use of force administrative investigation until receiving notice that a determination has been issued by the Office of Inspector General or warden. Wardens shall complete Form DC6-296, Disapproved Use of Force/Warden Disposition Report, should their review of referred cases lead to a determination that force was not appropriately used. All disciplinary actions shall be forwarded to the Human Resources Section upon completion. Form DC6-296, Disapproved Use of Force/Warden Disposition Report is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 7-25-02.
(i) The Assistant Secretary of Institutions, regional director, or warden shall be responsible for issuing any corrective action pursuant to a finding of non-compliance with this rule. Copies of the employee’s report, the warden’s summary, and the Office of Inspector General review and determination shall be kept in the inmate’s file pursuant to public records retention law. Form DC2-802, Use of Force Log, shall be placed in every employee’s personnel file. Form DC2-802 is hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 2-7-00. This form shall be maintained by the servicing personnel office and shall contain a record of every use of force report completed by the employee.
(j) The warden or designee shall be responsible for submitting accurate information to the personnel office in order to maintain Form DC2-802 . Any use of force reports completed prior to April 15, 1998, shall remain in the file and retained for the applicable retention period.
(k) The Office of Inspector General shall notify the warden of any officer involved in eight or more use of force incidents in an eighteen month period.
(l) Any incident that necessitates the drafting of Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, shall be reported to the Emergency Action Center (EAC).
(m) Any employee or officer who witnesses, has reasonable cause to suspect, or has knowledge that any inmate has been a victim or subject of an unlawful battery or has been abused in violation of law or the Department’s administrative rules shall without unnecessary delay report the incident to the warden or designee and complete Form DC6-210, Incident Report, describing his or her observations, knowledge, or suspicion. No employee shall commit a battery on or engage in cruel or inhuman treatment of any inmate. The warden or designee shall forward a copy of all reports involving allegations of inmate abuse, neglect, or battery to the Office of Inspector General without unnecessary delay.
(n) Officers may use reasonable physical force to restrain an inmate, upon supervision and direction of a physician or medical practitioner, for the purpose of providing necessary treatment or for the safety of an employee. The attending Qualified Health Care Provider who directs or observes medically necessary use of force shall prepare Form DC6-232, Authorization for Use of Force. Officers who use force pursuant to a physician or medical practitioner’s request shall complete Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, when actual force is used, or Form DC6-210, Incident Report, when restraints are applied with no physical resistance by the inmate, and the form shall be forwarded to the warden.
(o) The attending physician or medical practitioner shall complete Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Record, and Form DC4-708, Diagram of Injury, with applicable data or the letters “N/A” used to indicate inapplicability. The attending physician or medical practitioner shall document the presence or absence of any injury in his or her records whenever force has been applied. Every physical examination of an inmate patient who has been the subject of an application of force shall be documented with specificity by the attending physician or medical practitioner to include extent of injury, type of injury, and a description of any injury. Any time a physician or attending medical practitioner reports reasonable suspicion of abuse of an inmate to the warden or the Office of Inspector General, it shall be reported on Form DC6-210, Incident Report.
(p) Any employee or officer who participates in the application of reactionary or organized use of force and receives or experiences any injury shall report such injury to the officer in charge. Injured staff shall be offered an opportunity to receive a medical examination. Should the employee or officer decline a post-use of force medical examination, he or she shall sign Form DC4-711A, Refusal of Health Care Services, indicating an examination was offered but declined. In those cases where an injury is claimed but not substantiated by medical examination, the statement by the medical provider shall indicate this, and the documentation shall be sufficient to support that no injury was found upon examination. Form DC4-711A is hereby incorporated by reference ini Rule 33-401.105, F.A.C. Copies of this form are available from the Forms Control Administrator, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500. The effective date of the form is 11-28-10.
(q) When the use of four-point or five-point psychiatric restraints is authorized, and the inmate does not offer resistance to the application of the restraints, the completion of Form DC6-210, Incident Report, shall be required. In these situations where there is no resistance to the application of psychiatric restraints, the application of the restraints will be videotaped. The videotape, completed Incident Report, Form DC6-232, Authorization for Use of Force Report, Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Record, and Form DC4-708, Diagram of Injury, shall also be completed in their entirety with applicable data or the letters “N/A” used to indicate inapplicability. In each case, the examination shall be completed and result in a statement by the medical provider with appropriate description and detail of observations indicating that there is or is not an injury. The record shall provide sufficient documentation to support a conclusion and shall be forwarded to the warden or acting warden for review within one working day. Each institution shall retain the reports for the applicable retention period. If at any time prior to or during the application of the psychiatric restraints, the inmate offers resistance to the application, the steps outlined in subsection (5) shall be followed.
(12) Use of Deadly Force. For the purposes of this rule, deadly force refers to force that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm. An officer is authorized to use deadly force only when the officer believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to him or herself or another.
(a) Use of Firearms. In order for all concerned to be aware of their responsibilities, the procedures set forth in this rule shall be readily available at all institutions and facilities for staff review.
(b) Firearms or weapons shall be issued to an officer only upon instructions of the warden, duty warden, chief of security, or shift supervisor by the arsenal officer or the officer designated to issue weapons. Officers shall not intentionally discharge a firearm at or in the direction of another person except under the following circumstances and after all reasonable non-lethal alternatives have been exhausted, and there is no reasonable danger to innocent bystanders:
1. To prevent an escape of an inmate who is actively attempting to flee custody;
2. To prevent any conveyance to gain unauthorized entry into or exit from a correctional institution;
3. To prevent serious or life threatening injury to themselves or another person; or
4. To quell a riot.
(c) Shot guns are approved for use by the rapid response teams during riots and mass disturbances. Only #6 shot is authorized to be discharged from shotguns during attempts to cease riots or mass disturbances unless otherwise specifically authorized by the warden or designee.
(d) Weapons to be used shall be designated by the person in charge.
(e) Firearms shall not be discharged:
1. In any case where there is a reasonable belief that the life of a bystander may be endangered by discharge of the firearm;
2. From any moving vehicle unless such action is reasonably believed necessary to protect oneself or another from imminent death or great bodily harm;
3. As a warning, except during escapes;
4. Until the employee is sure that an escape is occurring or has occurred and he or she reasonably believes that the person to be fired upon is an escapee that is serving a sentence for a violation of a felony;
5. Unless the officer has positively identified an escape is occurring and the target is a Department inmate;
6. Except after all reasonable non-lethal alternatives have been exhausted; or
7. On the mere suspicion that a crime, no matter how serious, has been committed.
(f) No officer shall discharge any firearm except as authorized by Florida law.
(g) Because helicopters or other aircraft may be used during an escape or assault, the following policy shall apply:
1. When it can be done safely, actions other than firing weapons, such as waving arms in a manner to indicate disapproval to enter an area, shall be made in an attempt to cause the aircraft to leave.
2. If these attempts fail, the aircraft shall be allowed to land.
3. All inmates shall be kept away from the aircraft.
4. The aircraft shall be secured using armed security staff and shall be prevented from being flown away by securing the flight equipment with locks and chains without causing damage to the aircraft.
5. If the landing occurs due to an in-flight emergency, e.g., engine failure, staff shall maintain security of the aircraft and all occupants until their removal from the site.
6. Once the aircraft lands, efforts shall be directed to stop any inmate from boarding the aircraft. Staff are authorized to shoot any inmate attempting to escape in accordance with this rule. When circumstances permit, a verbal warning to halt and a warning shot shall be fired prior to the inmate reaching the aircraft to board.
7. If weapons are fired from an aircraft, Department personnel are authorized to return fire and use deadly force to protect the themselves and others upon property of the institution.
8. Firearms shall not be used on departing aircraft after leaving contact with the ground. Immediate notification, without delay, shall be made to the law enforcement agency of local jurisdiction and the Office of Inspector General upon an aircraft landing on Department property. The Office of Inspector General shall notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
9. All inmates shall receive orientation in regard to this subsection of the rule. This orientation shall contain instructions indicating that should any aircraft attempt to land on or near the property of any Department facility, inmates are required to move away from the aircraft. Movement toward the aircraft by an inmate shall be viewed as an escape attempt and shall subject the inmate to the use of deadly force to prevent him or her from escaping.
10. This subsection of the rule shall be made a part of the Department’s orientation program at all reception centers.
(h) Use of a conveyance to gain unauthorized entry into or exit from a correctional institution or facility. The institution or facility shall take the following steps to prevent any conveyance or vehicle from being used to gain unauthorized forced entry into or forced exit from its perimeter area:
1. Time permitting, a verbal order to halt shall be issued followed by a warning shot if the vehicle fails to stop.
2. If the vehicle does not stop and continues to be driven or operated in a manner that indicates the driver intends to or is in the process of forcibly entering or exiting the perimeter, officers may use deadly force to prevent serious injury or death to any person or to prevent the escape of an inmate.
(i) Any officer who discharges a firearm shall report the incident on Form DC6-210, Incident Report. Any officer who has fired a weapon during the performance of his or her duty, time permitting, shall secure the scene and immediately notify his or her supervisor and the Office of Inspector General. The senior officer in charge at the scene of the incident shall ensure all evidence is undisturbed, including locations of empty cartridges, until processed by a law enforcement agency or the Office of Inspector General.
(j) Any officer who accidently or negligently discharges a Department firearm or any firearm upon institutional property shall report the incident to the warden or designee without unnecessary delay and shall complete Form DC6-210, Incident Report.
(13) Use of Deadly Force to Prevent Escape or to Recapture Escapee. Officers are authorized to use force, including deadly force, as necessary to prevent the escape of an inmate from a correctional institution.
(a) Escape attempts from inside an institutional perimeter where armed perimeter staff are assigned:
1. A loud verbal warning shall be made, if possible, instructing the inmate to stop or halt prior to the inmate’s contact with any inner fence in institutions that have a double fence. A warning shot may be safely fired prior to any inmate’s attempt to cross or pass over, through, or under the inner fence. The firearm shall not be fired at the inmate until he or she has begun to cross or pass over, through, or under the inner fence.
2. A loud verbal warning shall be reasonably made where possible instructing the inmate to stop or halt and a warning shot safely fired prior to the inmate’s contact with the fence. A firearm shall not be fired at the inmate until he or she has begun to cross, or to pass over, through, or under the fence in institutions that have a single fence.
3. Warning shots are authorized only as provided herein. In all other instances where deadly force is authorized during inmate escape attempts, a loud verbal warning shall be issued if time and circumstances permit.
(b) Apprehension of escaped inmates once they are outside an institutional perimeter.
1. Officers are considered to be in active pursuit of an escaped inmate who has fled from an institution or supervised work detail so long as the escape commander determines that the escape recovery efforts are active. An officer is authorized to use deadly force, after giving a loud verbal warning for the inmate to stop or halt the escape attempt, when the inmate is demonstrating a refusal to cease active flight or escape from an institution or supervised work detail. A firearm shall not be fired if it creates a hazard to persons other than the inmate.
2. The officer in charge of the incident shall be the incident commander until relieved by a higher authority or the incident is turned over to a law enforcement agency or the Office of Inspector General. The incident commander of the escape attempt shall determine when active recapture efforts are terminated. Upon order of incident termination, the incident commander of the escape attempt may provide assistance to any law enforcement agency that is conducting an investigation of the incident. Officers who are utilized to assist outside law enforcement agencies are authorized to use deadly force pursuant to Florida law.
3. Officers may provide assistance to any law enforcement agency that is seeking to capture or take into custody any inmate who has failed to return from a furlough or non-supervised outside assignment or who has escaped from any work release center. Correctional officers who are utilized to assist outside law enforcement agencies are authorized to use deadly force pursuant to Florida law.
(c) Escape attempts by inmates who are being transported or escorted outside institutional perimeters, e.g., court appearances, hearings, and medical visits, or while being supervised while in a hospital for treatment, are included within the purview of this subsection.
(14) Other authorized uses of force. The use of electronic immobilization devices (EIDs), batons, chemical agents, specialty impact munitions, or other less lethal weapons within institutions shall be authorized only by the warden or designee. Such weapons shall be utilized by officers who have completed training on their use and shall be used in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Hands-on physical force shall not be used if injury is less likely to occur by using chemical agents, specialty impact munitions, or EIDs. Batons, chemical agents, EIDs, specialty impact munitions, and other authorized less lethal weapons shall not be used on inmates who are assigned to inpatient mental health care in an infirmary, transitional care unit, crisis stabilization unit, corrections mental health institution, or other mental health treatment facility, as such facilities are defined in Rule 33-404.103, F.A.C., except when attempts by available mental health staff to physically control dangerous or violent behavior are unsuccessful.
(a) Use of EIDs and less lethal weapons. EIDs shall not be used on anyone other than an inmate during an authorized use of force or upon any person to prevent serious injury or death. EIDs authorized by the Department include:
1. Handheld EIDs, which shall be the intermediate level of force alternative, issued primarily for the purpose of transportation and supervision of inmates outside the institution;
2. Electronic shields, which may be used by force cell extraction teams; and
3. Electronic restraint belts, which are authorized to be placed on an inmate for appearance in court, during transportation, or when the inmate is determined to be high risk or to have a history of violent behavior.
4. If possible, the shift supervisor shall counsel with the inmate, issue the final order, and be present prior to the use of an EID at an institution or during work detail or transport.
5. Handheld EIDs shall be issued to unarmed officers on any inmate transport or any outside hospital visit where firearms are issued. The chief of security or, in his or her absence, the shift supervisor shall determine the number of officers who will be issued firearms and EIDs during the transportation or movement of inmates.
6. An inmate shall be provided a medical examination and treatment as necessary any time he or she has been subject to an application of an EID or less lethal weapon. Medical staff shall, upon completing the medical examination, make a mental health referral for each inmate who is classified with a mental health grade of S-2 or S-3. A referral shall be made upon Form DC4-529, Staff Request/Referral, and forwarded to mental health staff as soon as possible. Mental health staff shall evaluate an inmate no later than the next working day to determine whether a higher level of mental health care (for example, isolation management, transitional care, or crisis stabilization) is indicated.
7. The application of force by an EID or less lethal weapon shall be reported by completion of Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used, by the officer who deployed the device.
8. EIDs and other less lethal weapons shall be stored and maintained in either the main arsenal or the control room mini-arsenal. The warden may authorize, in writing, the storage of one handheld unit and one shield in the confinement unit or close management unit. All EIDs or less lethal weapons shall be secured in a locked cabinet when not in use. The arsenal sergeant shall be responsible for the proper documentation of the maintenance, storage, and issue of EIDs and less lethal weapons.
9. All EIDs and other less lethal weapons shall be accounted for in the same manner as firearms.
10. There shall be no attempt to alter, tamper with, or repair any EID or less lethal weapon. Devices shall be sent to an authorized repair station if a malfunction occurs or repair is necessary. Any EID or less lethal weapon that is dropped or is subject to possible damage shall be immediately tested to determine if it is safe and properly functioning. EIDs shall not be used after the application of any chemical agents.
(b) Specialty impact munitions. Specialty impact munitions shall be used primarily by the Department's designated armed response teams, rapid response teams and correctional emergency response teams during riots and disturbances. They are intended as a less lethal alternative to the use of deadly force. Specialty impact munitions shall not be used on anyone other than an inmate during an authorized use of force.
1. The following specialty impact munitions have been approved for use by the Department:
a. 37/40-mm rubber ball pellet rounds (minimum engagement distance is 15 feet);
b. 12 gauge rubber ball pellet rounds – high velocity (minimum engagement distance is 15 feet);
c. 12 gauge rubber ball pellet rounds – low velocity (minimum engagement distance is 3 feet);
d. 12 gauge drag stabilized (bean bag) rounds (minimum engagement distance is 15 feet);
e. 37/40-mm wooden baton rounds (minimum engagement distance is – skip fired 6 feet in front of target, no direct fire);
f. stinger rubber ball grenades (no minimum engagement distance – stun grenade);
g. 40-mm exact/direct impact – OC marking rounds/short range (minimum engagement distance is 5 feet); and
h. 40-mm exact/direct impact – OC marking rounds/long range (minimum engagement distance is 25 feet).
2. Selection and deployment of specialty impact munitions during a riot or disturbance or other instance where less lethal force options are needed shall be authorized by the Secretary, regional director, or warden or designee. The use of all specialty impact munitions shall be supervised by the tactical field operations leaders, designated armed response team, rapid response team or correctional emergency response team leader.
3. Specialty impact munitions shall only be used after all other reasonable alternatives to regain control have been exhausted and their use is necessary. They are intended to be used as an interim force response between the use of chemical agents and lethal force.
4. Specialty impact munitions shall not be deployed in the direction of any individual in a manner contrary to the manufacturer's directions or at a distance of less than that recommended by the manufacturer, unless the threat of bodily harm or death justifies the escalation to deadly force.
5. Storage of Specialty Impact Munitions.
a. Specialty impact munitions shall be stored and maintained in the main arsenal.
b. Specialty impact munitions shall not be mixed with lethal munitions. Weapons designated to deploy specialty impact munitions shall be marked in a manner to alert staff of their intended use.
c. All specialty impact munitions shall be accounted for in the same manner as firearms and ammunition.
6. After each use of specialty impact munitions, exposed inmates shall be examined by medical personnel.
7. In any case where specialty impact munitions are deployed, the incident shall be recorded on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used.
(c) Pepperball Launching System (PLS). The PLS shall be used primarily by restricted labor squad supervisors and exercise officers for confinement, close management, maximum management, and death row populations. The PLS is intended for the dispersal of chemical agents in situations where the use of aerosol-type agents would not be effective due to weather conditions or when their use could subject the officer or uninvolved inmates to injury. The PLS shall only be employed by officers trained in their use and effects.
1. The Secretary shall designate those institutions authorized to use the PLS.
2. In controlled situations when time constraints are not an issue, the PLS can only be used if authorized by the warden or designee. The warden or designee shall only authorize trained and certified officers to use the PLS.
3. The PLS is authorized for use to quell mass disturbances, violent events, assaults, and fights among inmates assigned to restricted labor squads. Authorized activation of the PLS by staff assigned to restricted labor squads does not constitute deadly force.
4. PLS is authorized for use in confinement, close management, maximum management, and death row recreation areas to quell mass disturbances, violent events, assaults, and fights among inmates.
5. PLS is classified as less-than-lethal at all distances, but, unless the incident necessitates otherwise, it should be primarily utilized at a distance of five (5) feet or greater to prevent the inmate from attempting to take control of the launcher.
6. Written authorization from the warden or designee shall be received prior to utilization of the PLS for situations other than those described in subparagraphs 3. and 4. above. This written authorization shall detail the reasons it was necessary to utilize the PLS in addition to or in place of aerosol-type chemical agents.
7. All subsequent reports, medical requirements, and reviews required for the use of chemical agents as outlined in this rule shall be completed after the use of the PLS.
8. Each assigned PLS system shall be numbered, maintained, and inventoried by the shift supervisor or designee on Form DC6-216, Chemical Agent Accountability Log.
(15) Medical Attention Following Use of Force. Appropriate medical treatment shall be provided immediately or, in the case of a riot or other man-made or natural disaster, as soon as possible following resolution of the riot or disaster. Any treatment or follow-up action shall be documented on Form DC6-230, Institutions Report of Force Used. A health care provider shall examine any person physically involved in a use of force to determine the extent of injury, if any, and shall prepare a report that shall include a statement of whether further examination by a physician is necessary. Any noticeable physical injury shall be examined by a physician, and the physician shall prepare a report documenting the extent of the injury and the treatment prescribed. Such report shall be completed within one (1) business day of the incident and shall be submitted to the warden for initial review. The qualified health provider and physician shall use Form DC4-701C, Emergency Room Record, to document an examination following use of force. Form DC4-708, Diagram of Injury, shall be used along with Form DC4-701C to document observed or known physical injuries. A copy of the report, including referenced forms, shall be attached to Form DC6-230. The original reports shall be filed in the inmate’s medical record.
(16) No weapon shall be issued for any purpose other than the authorized use of force or to a certified training officer for the purpose of approved training without prior written authorization from the warden or designee.
Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 776.07, 944.09, 944.35 FS. History–New 4-8-81, Amended 10-10-83, 9-28-85, Formerly 33-3.066, Amended 3-26-86, 11-21-86, 4-21-93, 7-26-93, 11-2-94, 2-12-97, 11-8-98, Formerly 33-3.0066, Amended 10-6-99, 2-7-00, 7-25-02, 8-25-03, 2-25-04, 11-7-04, 4-17-05, 8-1-05, 3-2-06, 9-18-06, 10-4-07, 3-3-08, 8-4-08, 1-6-09, 5-26-09, 4-8-10, 9-13-10, _________.