Training Technology And Innovation
Police department’s use-of-force policy updated to use safer foam rounds
Jackson Police Department Transitions to Safer Foam Rounds in Use-of-Force Policy Update
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Jackson, WY
In a significant policy change, the Jackson Police Department (JPD) has moved from using traditional 12-gauge shotguns to 40mm launchers that fire foam rounds, as part of an updated use-of-force policy. This decision was made in response to the limitations of older, less-lethal weapons like the beanbag shotgun, which can be misused in high-pressure situations. The foam rounds have a larger surface area, dispersing impact across a wider region and reducing the likelihood of severe injury. The shift to foam rounds aims to make the departments response to non-lethal threats safer for both officers and the public. Lt. Russ Ruschill of the JPD emphasized the advantages of the new 40mm launchers, particularly in preventing accidents that could result in deadly force being used mistakenly. According to Lt. Ruschill, the departments goal is to ensure that every use of force, whether lethal or non-lethal, is as controlled and precise as possible. This policy update reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to incorporate technology that improves safety and reduces risks in high-stress situations. The move to foam rounds is also part of a broader effort to modernize law enforcements approach to non-lethal force. The department wanted to address incidents where beanbag shotguns, while less-lethal, were still able to cause significant harm or even death when used at close range. The foam rounds, on the other hand, can be deployed from a greater distance and have a larger surface area that reduces the likelihood of inflicting deadly harm. Lt. Ruschill explained that the decision to move away from older shotguns was not just about updating equipment but about increasing the overall safety of both officers and civilians. With foam rounds, officers are able to maintain distance from potentially dangerous situations, thus providing an additional layer of safety. One of the key aspects of the transition to foam rounds is the extensive training that officers have already undergone. JPD officers have been trained to use the new foam rounds and 40mm launchers in various scenarios, ensuring they are familiar not only with the new equipment but also with the specific guidelines governing its deployment in real-life situations. The training program covers how to effectively use the foam rounds to de-escalate situations without resorting to deadly force. Additionally, officers are trained to understand when foam rounds are the appropriate tool and when other options, such as verbal de-escalation or physical restraint, might be more appropriate. The department's commitment to using force only when necessary remains unchanged. This transition is not a replacement for traditional methods but rather an expansion of options available to officers in the field. The department has emphasized that the goal is not to encourage the use of force, but to ensure that officers have the tools to safely and effectively handle situations where non-lethal force is necessary. The launchers are expected to provide a safer alternative to beanbag shotguns and other less-lethal weapons. In addition to the change in equipment, the department has worked to refine its policies to ensure that the use of foam rounds remains consistent with best practices for use-of-force situations. These policies will continue to evolve as more data is gathered from officers' real-world experiences with the new technology. The department has also committed to regular reviews of its use-of-force practices to make sure the latest advancements in law enforcement technology are being utilized to their full potential.