15-06 Less Lethal Shotguns

Question 1

15-06 Less Lethal Shotguns - Supervision

Answer 1

 Supervisory Officer attendance mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged
 Supervisory Officer notification mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged
 Officer in Charge notification mandatory when equipment is missing, damaged or malfunctioning
 Officer in Charge of Division of occurrence notification mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged
 Duty Senior Officer notification mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged
 Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC) notification mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged
 Firearm Discharge Investigator (FDI) notification mandatory when less lethal shotgun is discharged

Question 2

Police officers may use a less lethal shotgun as a force option

Answer 2

 to prevent from being overpowered when violently attacked
 to prevent a prisoner from being taken from police custody
 to disarm an apparently dangerous person armed with an offensive weapon
 to control a potentially violent situation when other use of force options are not viable
 for any other lawful and justifiable purpose.

Question 3

It is critical that Less Lethal Shotguns are not confused with conventional shotguns. The Toronto Police Service (Service)
has established the following safeguards to prevent unintended injuries or death that may result from such confusion:

Answer 3

1. Less lethal shotguns are clearly identifiable by their orange stocks and fore-ends.
2. Less lethal shotguns and associated ammunition shall be stored in a designated storage container at the unit.
3. No conventional shotguns or any other types of shotgun ammunition, including “00” buckshot or rifled slug rounds
   shall be stored in the less lethal shotgun storage container.
4. Less lethal shotguns will only be transported in a designated orange bag.
5. Ammunition for conventional shotguns shall not be carried in the designated orange bags.
6. Conventional shotguns shall not be transported in the orange bags designated for less lethal shotguns.
7. Officers assigned with a less lethal shotgun shall not be simultaneously assigned a conventional shotgun.
    Two (2) officer cars shall not be assigned both a lethal and less-lethal shotgun.
   Due to the methods of loading, carrying, storage, etc. used for less lethal shotguns; they should not be loaded, unloaded,
   and proven safe inside a Service facility.

Question 4

Supervisor - When notified of a less lethal shotgun discharge incident shall

Answer 4

 attend the scene immediately
 ensure immediate medical attention is provided, if required
 comply and ensure compliance with the applicable sections of Procedure 15–01
 complete a TPS 586
 notify the
- Officer in Charge
- Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre
 comply with Procedure 13–16
 ensure compliance with item 7