DRAFT REPORT OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE USE ... - Samuel Walker

Mr. Earl F. Martin
RE: REPORT TO USE OF FORCE COMMISSION
December 3, 2012
Page 18
Items 1-4 are not for use on individuals. Items 5-13 are handheld devices; 5-7 are for inside
locations; 8-13 are for outside use only; 10-13 are capable of being launched. The handheld CS and
smoke that are useable inside are covered with a plastic shroud to prevent fire issues.
Cpl. Keller explained the training that occurs with the munitions systems. The training
consists of blunt impact training once a year for SWAT, Crowd Control Team and CART. The team
members are required to shoot 5-7 rounds of the 12 gauge super sock variety from 7 yards, 10 yards
and 15 yards. The target consists of a full body target with a barrel base and the acceptable target
areas are thighs, back of legs, buttocks and lower abdomen. If a deadly force area is hit during
qualifications the team member must re-qualify. Team members go thru live "Shoot, Don't Shoot"
scenarios and are given a written test. The deployment systems available to the SPD personnel
include a "less lethal" shotgun, a patrol shotgun and a breaching shotgun.
With regard to safety issues surrounding potential munitions confusion, the one area of
concern appeared to be the similarity in appearance between the breaching rounds (designed to be
used for taking out door locks and hinges for example) and an impact projectile round known as the
"Super Sock" round. Cpl. Keller indicated that the Super Sock round and the TKO breaching rounds
look very similar, and thus, he maintains them separate and apart from one another. Cpl. Keller
provided the following information with regard to the manner in which this is handled:
"Super Sock rounds are kept on “Less Lethal” Shotguns and are only deployed
through designated Less Lethal Shotguns. T.K.O. breaching rounds are kept on
designated Breaching Shotguns or in bandoliers that only contain T.K.O. rounds.
Although the rounds are the same color, they are clearly marked T.K.O. or Super
Sock in bold writing.
Every time we load any of these rounds we perform a two man loading drill. Both
officers check to make sure the proper shotgun is clear (empty). Both officers check
each round before it is loaded into the shotgun. I also train officers to dispose of any
rounds if they are not clearly marked.
In addition, Less Lethal Shotguns are clearly marked with orange and Breaching
Shotguns are clearly marked with a stand off device on the end of the barrel.
To be clear, the rounds only look similar because they both have off white color
shells. We continue to use each of these rounds because they have proven through
training and experience to perform the best. We use the safety procedures listed
above to prevent any accidents."