MEMORANDUM

November 23, 2007

To: David L. Corliss, City Manager

From: W. Ronald Olin, Chief of Police

Ref: Electronic Immobilization Device Project

I am requesting a limited deployment of electronic immobilization devices in the Patrol Division to address recent incidents where people were at great risk when officers did not have an effective and potentially immediate method of stopping the violence. This deployment will utilize training per Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center standards and a recommended policy developed from the International Association of Chiefs’ of Police (IACP) model policy. The policies were reviewed by Scott Miller. The key guidelines for this project are as follows:

· A policy statement covering when use of electronic immobilization devices is inappropriate/prohibited.

· A policy statement requiring officers to document any use, and the rationale for any use, in a police report.

· Detailed training in the practical application and operational use of the device with practical role-playing to test officer decision-making as it relates to department policy.

· A post–training written examination to test officer knowledge of the policy.

· Supervisory notification whenever an electronic immobilization device is used.

· Aftercare procedures that include direction to have individuals who have been incapacitated medically evaluated whenever reasonably possible.

Most law enforcement agencies in surrounding jurisdictions use these devices. Other agencies include Douglas, Jefferson, Shawnee, and Johnson County Sheriffs’ Departments, most Johnson County police agencies, and the Kansas Highway Patrol. The cost of the devices is approximately $900 per unit.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

W. Ronald Olin

Chief of Police

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