200.10 departmental safety policy

SUBJECT: DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY POLICY Number:
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Date: 4/29/14
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Departmental Safety Policy is to protect the health and safety of all
employees, volunteers, guests, and animals, and create a safe environment at OC Animal Care
through the development of a comprehensive and effective safety plan that endeavors to
eliminate unsafe conditions and minimize the impact of hazardous situations.
II. POLICY
OC Animal Care will make every reasonable effort to promote, create, and maintain a safe and
healthy environment. This can only be realized by adherence to basic safety principles, sound
management practices, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws,
and standards.
Any employee who fails to comply with any provision of this policy or related procedures
may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. As an employee, you have
the responsibility to read and be familiar with this policy.
III.SCOPE
Applicable to all OC Animal Care staff.
IV.FORMS
Assault/Serious Threat Incident Report
Use of Force Report
Firearm Discharge Report
V. DEFINTIONS
Field Lt. – Supervising Animal Control Officer
Field Sgt. – Senior Animal Control Officer
VI. PROCEDURE
DEPARTMENT SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE (DSR)

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BACKGROUND
Employee safety is an important objective of the County of Orange. Conformance with
established guidelines and other safety principles promotes operational efficiency and
helps to protect us all.
It is County policy to establish a network to assist in minimizing risk to employees
through the use of County Safety and Training Officers (STOs) and assigned
Department Safety Representative(s) (DSRs).
PROGRAM
The DSR Program is mandated by County Safety and Loss Prevention Resource
Manual (CSLPRM) policy #304. CSLPRM #304 provides guidance relative to the
typical duties and responsibilities of both STOs and DSRs. OC Community Resources
(OCCR) has a full-time STO assigned from the County Executive Office (CEO) who
has OC Animal Care as one of their designated areas of responsibility. The STO is a
full-time safety professional who provides overall guidance to their assigned
departments/programs on safety issues and policies. Among other duties, the STO
conducts annual inspections of locations with more than 10 employees, conducts more
complex accident investigations and assists with the creation and implementation of
safety policies and training programs. The STO works closely with the OC Animal Care
DSR.
Per CSLPRM #304, the Director of OC Animal Care is responsible for appointing
responsible personnel to act as the DSR(s). Although DSR is not an official job
classification and the duties are typically ancillary to the designee’s normal job
duties/classification, it’s important that the person selected to perform the duties of the
DSR be enthusiastic about safety and empowered by the Director to carry out their DSR
duties. Those duties include:
A. Assisting in the promotion of employee safety and health and an effective Injury
and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) by;
i. Collaborating with the STO to coordinate OC Animal Care’s staff workplace
safety training needs including training on OC Animal Care’s IIPP and this
policy.

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ii. Periodically inspecting OC Animal Care Department locations and
accompanying the STO on their annual inspections of OC Animal Care
Department locations with more than 10 employees.
iii. Investigating and making detailed reports on all workplace injuries (in the case
of more complex accident investigations, the DSR will assist the STO).
B. Attending scheduled DSR meetings at the request of the County Safety Manager.
C. Develop and assist in the implementation of safety and health policies as necessary.
REFERENCES
County of Orange, Safety and Loss Prevention Manual, Number 304, Responsibilities
of Agency/Department-Based Safety and Training Officers and Department Safety
Representatives
Assault/Serious Threat Incident Report P&P 200.37
OC Animal Care Shelter Map
Safariland Body Armor Use and Care Guidelines:
rubidiumAnimalcareAdminOC Animal Care SafetyVestsVest Cleaning_Care
p1.pdf
rubidiumAnimalcareAdminOC Animal Care SafetyVestsVest Cleaning_Care
p2.pdf
IDENTIFICATION CARDS AND SECURITY
POLICY
It is the policy of this Department to promote the security of employees and facilities.
Each section Chief should ensure conformance with the following guidelines.

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IDENTIFICATION/BUILDING ACCESS CARDS
An assigned Staff Specialist will obtain and distribute the Identification/Building
Access Cards required by this policy to each permanent employee and record the
issuance of such card.
Employees are required to visibly affix the Identification/Building Access Cards on
their clothing, or wear an authorized uniform, whenever on duty or on Department
premises.
The Volunteer Coordinator will issue a Volunteer Identification Card to each volunteer
and record the issuance of such card. Volunteers are required to visibly affix their
Identification Cards on their clothing whenever they are performing their duties and/or
in an authorized nonpublic Department area.
An assigned Staff Specialist will utilize a sign-in/sign-out sheet to record the issuance
and return of Temporary Identification/Building Access Cards to visitors and temporary
workers. Visitors and temporary workers are required to visibly affix issued temporary
Identification/Building Access Cards on their clothing while visiting or working in an
authorized nonpublic Department area if they do not have a permanent
Identification/Building Access Card.
SECURITY
Access doors and gates to nonpublic Department areas should be kept closed and locked
at all times. Access doors and gates to public Department areas, including Kennel
areas, Quarantine areas and Treatment areas, should be kept closed and locked during
non-business hours. Visitors attending meetings such as volunteer orientation or
explorer post meetings must be accompanied by a staff member.
Employees should question any unidentified person found in a public Department area
during non-business hours or at any time in a nonpublic area. Members of the public,
including volunteers and ride alongs, should not be granted access to Station 3.
The section Chiefs should ensure a system is developed for the security of keys and access
codes or cards. Distribution or disclosure of such items should be limited to authorized
persons.

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PERSONAL SAFETY
Due to the unlimited variability of potential safety situations, it is not feasible to
prescribe in the OC Animal Care Departmental Safety Policy what to do in every
instance. The decision of what to do in each individual circumstance rests with the OC
Animal Care employee, subject to the parameters of this Safety Policy and based on
training, tools and common sense. It is OC Animal Care’s policy that every OC Animal
Care staff member should make every reasonable effort to avoid and/or minimize
potentially unsafe situations. It is imperative that OC Animal Care employees assess
situations for potential hazards and act accordingly. Absent an unforeseen circumstance,
OC Animal Care employees are not to put themselves in harm’s way.
OC Animal Care employees should always act to maximize their personal safety by all
reasonable means including by maintaining awareness of their surroundings and
appropriately determining when to use specific personal protective equipment. When
potentially dangerous conditions are anticipated and/or noted, the OC Animal Care
employee should discuss the situation with their supervisor.
Physical resistance to OC Animal Care employees and threats to, or assaults on, OC
Animal Care employees engaged in their work are not common but may occur. There
may be times when you will be confronted by unfriendly or hostile persons. OC Animal
Care requires conflict resolution training to assist and prepare you to diffuse a
potentially volatile situation. It is important that you complete and remain current on
this training annually. In most instances, conducting your activities with tact, honesty,
diplomacy, and persuasiveness will be enough to diffuse the situation. Although you
may have to adopt a firm posture at times, you should never resort to threats,
intimidation, or strong-arm tactics.
Safety is the responsibility of all OC Animal Care employees, including you, your
supervisor and other Department management. If you determine that a member of the
public possibly presents a threat to your personal safety, immediately remove yourself
from the situation and consult with your supervisor. WALK AWAY!
OC Animal Care employees are permitted to act in self-defense against a member of the
public only if necessary and reasonable under the circumstances, and if the force used
by the employee is proportionate to the threat. Self-defense against a member of the
public may be used only when a safe retreat is not possible. Any acts of self-defense
must promptly be reported to a supervisor and subsequently documented in writing.

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The completed documentation shall be submitted to supervision by the end of the shift
and forwarded to Human Resources for review.
PREPARATION
Below are some suggested questions that you may want to consider when preparing for
your shift to assess if there will be potential personal safety issues. This list is not meant
to be all inclusive.
• Does the assignment involve working with other agencies such as OC Sheriff’s
Department, city police, U.S. Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigations, US
Customs in executing search warrants, seizures, etc.?
• Does the assignment involve a location where there is a suspicion and/or
knowledge of questionable or illegal activities?
• Does the assignment involve a visit to an individual’s residence or a business?
• Based upon prior interactions with representatives of this business or residence,
what is the past history from a personal safety standpoint? Have first responder
counterparts or other Federal and/or local agencies who have experience with
this representative, business or residence indicated a concern for personal
safety?
• What is the location of the business or residence? Is it in an area which may be
unsafe? Has the business or residence been uncooperative with government
officials?
• Is there any additional information which would assist you?
PHYSICAL RESISTANCE/THREATS/ASSAULTS
If you receive physical resistance or threats, or if you sense the real possibility of an
assault, immediately disengage from the confrontation, get to safety, and call your
supervisor immediately and local law enforcement when appropriate. Make careful and
exact notes later of who said what to whom, who did what, and whether someone tried
or succeeded in threatening, assaulting or taking information or equipment from you. Be

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careful in any descriptions you give or write of such events, just as you are in recording
other evidence that may result in a court case. Your safety is most important.
If you are assaulted (either physically or put in fear by threats of physical violence), you
can summon Control One by pressing the red emergency activation button located on
the top of the pac set. By pushing this button, Control One is immediately notified of
the Individual Unit Identification (IUID) number which is engraved on the side of each
pac set. In turn, Control One will contact the OC Animal Care Radio Dispatcher or
make a general broadcast to our station via Silver One immediately to notify us of the
activation and ascertain the officer’s location so they can dispatch the appropriate law
enforcement agency to the location.
Depending on the IUID number, either the last two or three digits will be recorded on
the Watch List to show which officer is carrying which pac set. A list of all IUID
numbers must be posted in the Radio Dispatch office at all times for pac set
identification purposes should there be an activation.
Staff members who have been or are aware of another employee who has been the
victim of an assault or the recipient of a serious threat are to report the incident to
supervision. Immediately upon receipt of the information, the supervisor will initiate
the Assault/Serious Threat Incident Report. The report is used to record incidents of
assault or serious threats to all staff regardless of whether working at the shelter or in
the field.
DOCUMENTATION OF DANGEROUS PEOPLE/LOCATIONS
CHAMELEON
Per OC Animal Care Policy and Procedure 500.01, Chameleon Person Window, when
information is obtained that might indicate the person(s) at a location may pose a threat
to staff, the “Danger” box at the bottom of the Chameleon Person ID window is to be
marked with a “Y”. By marking this box, the skull and crossbones icon will appear on
the screen once stored or updated.
In addition to marking the “Danger” box, a memo must be added to the Person ID
window detailing the nature of the threat and whether police must be on scene prior to
contact being made with the person(s). If available, the physical description of the
subject must also be included in the memo.

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RESPONSE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT REQUESTS
Requests for assistance from other law enforcement agencies shall be handled as follows:
1. When the request is received, the Department will provide an appropriate response
by telephone or Field response. Any questions regarding the appropriateness of the
request should be referred to the Watch Commander.
2. If the request concerns a situation involving potential violence from a person upon
any premises, Field staff shall wait until the area has been secured by police
personnel before entering or approaching the premises.
3. If the request is for assistance in the execution of a warrant, Field staff will stand
by at a location away from the area until the other law enforcement agency
confirms the location has been cleared of any suspects. Field staff must not enter a
location unless they have confirmed there are no suspects inside.
4. Per OC Animal Care P&P 300.29, requests for assistance from other
governmental agencies shall be included in the Radio Journal.
RESPONSE TO NOTIFICATION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
When OC Animal Care receives reports from law enforcement regarding an emergency
or dangerous situation, OC Animal Care management will make the determination of
what to do and how to notify staff. If you learn of such a report, be sure that OC
Animal Care management has been advised.
Remember that it may take time for authorities to investigate the situation, verify the
facts and provide OC Animal Care with instructions or updates.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IN AN EMERGENCY
An emergency or dangerous situation is an unforeseen situation that threatens
employees, customers, animals or the public, and disrupts or shuts down operations, or
causes physical or environmental damage. OC Animal Care management will post
safety-related information in the shelter and make announcements via email, along with
updates, information and other resources. It is your responsibility to keep currently

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apprised of this information. Officers and canvassers in the field shall follow their
emergency operating procedures during an emergency or dangerous situation.
The OC Animal Care Field Services Operations Plan incorporates the components of
the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), as described by
California Government Code 8607(a) and the federal National Incident Management
System (NIMS) as described in Department of Homeland Security document titled,
National Incident Management System, dated March 1, 2004. SEMS and NIMS require
the use of standard protocols and the use of common terminology and a command
structure known as the Incident Command System (ICS). The required components of
SEMS and NIMS are reflected within the OC Animal Care Field Emergency Operations
Plan.
Nothing in this plan shall be construed in a manner that limits the use of good judgment
and common sense in matters not foreseen or covered by the elements of the plan or any
appendices hereto.
Emergency Preparedness
• Regularly review this policy.
• Become familiar with the evacuation plans for the buildings you use.
• Discuss preparedness plans with family and friends.
What You Should Do in an Emergency
Call 911 or 8 + 911 if you see anything that needs an immediate police, fire or
emergency response. Examples of possible emergencies include:
• A suspicious person or someone posing a threat
• Assault or immediate danger of an assault
• Any display of a weapon
• Any threats to harm one’s self or others
• Other crimes in progress

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• Severe injuries, illnesses or someone choking or drowning
• Fires
• Explosions
• Chemical spills
• Suspicious object or package
• Unusual odors
When you dial 911 from an OC Animal Care phone, dial 911 or 8 + 911.
Evaluating Emergency Situations
You will need to evaluate any emergency situation and determine the best approach to
insure your own safety. Following, are general guidelines to consider when doing so.
Suspicious Person
• Don’t physically confront the person or block their access to an exit.
• Don’t allow any suspicious or unknown people to enter a locked building, office
or area of the shelter not open to the public.
• Do not pursue suspicious person under any circumstance.
Suspicious Object or Package
• Notify a Supervisor immediately.
• Don’t touch or disturb the item.
• Call 911 or 8 + 911.
Bomb Threat

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• Remain calm.
• Get as much information as possible from a threatening caller – location of
explosive device, when the device was placed or other details.
• Call 911 or 8 + 911 and follow emergency officials’ instructions.
Telephone Threat
• Remain calm.
• Get as much information as possible from a threatening caller.
• If appropriate, Supervisor shall contact:
• Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch (714) 288-6740 (emergency).
Email Threat
• Remain calm.
• Do not delete email.
• If appropriate, Supervisor shall contact:
• Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch (714) 288-6740.
Fire
• Remain calm.
• Pull the nearest fire alarm and call 911 or 8 + 911. Call from outside the
building if you do not believe it is safe to call from inside.
• Evacuate the building. Stay out until emergency personnel say it’s ok.
• If it is safe to do so, help evacuate those who need help from the immediate area.

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• If you believe you have time to safely do so, use a fire extinguisher if you’ve
been trained and you believe it’s otherwise safe to do so.
Building Evacuation
• Remain calm.
• When the fire alarm is activated, evacuation is mandatory – even if you don’t
smell smoke.
• If you have time and it is safe to do so, take personal belongings (keys, wallets,
purses, identification).
• Follow directions given by emergency responders, and report to any pre-
designated meeting areas.
• Assist people with disabilities.
Adverse Weather
For up-to-date adverse weather information:
• Monitor the National Weather Service Web page, www.weather.gov/, for
announcements about any change in weather.
• During hurricane threats or tornado warnings, seek shelter inside, stay away
from windows and doors, move to an interior hallway on a lower floor, and get
under sturdy furniture.
• During floods, don’t walk through flowing water or drive through flooded areas.
Stay away from electrical power lines.
Active Shooter Response Strategies

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• Avoid being a stationary and passive target under a desk or in a closet.
• Escape away from sounds of gunshots or explosions.
• Stay low while peeking around corners before running down the hall.
• When encountering law enforcement raise hands and loudly say,
“FRIENDLY”.
• Determine the type of response that will best ensure your safety, and the safety
of those around you.
Earthquakes
• DROP to the ground
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
• If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of
the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Important Contact Information
• 911 (emergency) or 8 + 911
• Orange County Sheriff’s Non-Emergency
(714) 647-7000 (non-emergency)
(714) 288-6740 (emergency)
• County of Orange – Risk Management
Reception Desk (714) 285-5500

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• County of Orange - Employee Health
(714) 565-3780
• County of Orange Facilities
Service Desk (714) 667-4900
After-hour emergency service, please call (714) 834-3244
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Designed to assist you, and those close to you, resolve problems affecting your
physical and emotional well-being and job performance. It is a completely
confidential employee benefit. For information or assistance call 1-800-221-
0945.
USE OF FORCE AGAINST ANIMALS
This policy recognizes that the use of force against animals by all personnel whose job
duties take them into the field requires constant evaluation. Even at its lowest level, the
use of force against animals is a serious responsibility. The purpose of this policy is to
provide all personnel whose job duties take them into the field with guidelines on the
reasonable use of force against animals. While there is no way to specify the exact
amount or type of reasonable force to be applied in any situation, all personnel whose
job duties take them into the field are expected to use these guidelines to make such
decisions in a professional, impartial and reasonable manner.
All personnel whose job duties take them into the field are involved on a daily basis in
numerous and varied animal encounters and when warranted and necessary, may be
compelled to use force against animals in carrying out their duties. All personnel whose
job duties take them into the field must have an understanding of, and true appreciation
for, the limitations of their authority.
The use of force against animals shall be restricted to circumstances requiring self-
defense or defense of others and only to the degree minimally necessary to avoid
bodily harm.

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The Department considers the use of force to be defensive in nature and to be used only
when necessary and justified. The Department requires that all personnel whose job
duties take them into the field exercise good judgment at all times when determining if
force is necessary.
Department personnel should not become involved in an argument, or engage in
physical conflict with any person, including an arrestee. If circumstances justify
physical arrest, police or sheriff personnel should accomplish any restraint required.
It is the policy of this department that all personnel whose job duties take them into the
field shall use only that amount of force against animals that reasonably appears
necessary, given the facts and circumstances perceived by the personnel whose job
duties take them into the field at the time of the event, to effectively avoid bodily harm.
"Reasonableness" of the force used will be judged from the perspective of a reasonable
animal control officer on the scene at the time of the incident. Any interpretation of
reasonableness will allow for the fact that all personnel whose job duties take them into
the field are often forced to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense,
uncertain and rapidly evolving about the amount of force that is necessary in a
particular situation.
Given that no policy can realistically predict every possible situation that personnel
whose job duties take them into the field might encounter in the field, it is recognized
that all personnel who’s job duties take them into the field must use well-reasoned
discretion, in accordance with these policies and subject to prior supervisorial approval
if the exigency of the circumstances allows, in determining the appropriate use of force
in each incident. It is the ultimate objective of all personnel whose job duties take them
into the field to minimize injury to everyone.
Any personnel present and observing other personnel using force that is clearly beyond
that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to
do so, intercede to prevent the use of such excessive force. Such personnel shall also
promptly report these observations to a supervisor and the Chief of Field Services and
or Chief of Canvassing, and accurately document the incident in writing as soon as
reasonably possible. The completed documentation shall be submitted to supervision
by the end of the shift and forwarded to Human Resources for review.

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BATON TRAINING
In accordance with Penal Code Section 22295(g), prior to receiving authorization to
carry a baton, officers must successfully complete a course of instruction relating to the
use of batons as protection and remain current with respect to any additional training
requirements related thereto. Such instruction shall be in the format prescribed by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Upon successful completion of
the course, and any required additional training, a current certificate shall be maintained
on file at OC Animal Care. The Animal Control Officer’s baton and/or short catch pole,
liquid chemical agent, and pac set shall be carried at all times when the officer is
outside the vehicle performing his/her job duties.
THE POSSESSION AND USE OF KNIVES
OC Animal Control recognizes that a knife can occasionally be a useful tool during the
commission of many animal control duties (such as, for example, cutting fishing line, or
rope). Animal Control Officers are thus required to carry knives but only such knives
as are approved and provided by OC Animal Care and only as long as such possession
and use is consistent with the law. OC Animal Care provided knives may only be used
while on duty and in appropriate animal control situations, such as cutting string, rope
or collars.
Animal Control Officers may only carry, or possess a knife during work hours if the
knife is provided and approved by OC Animal Care. OC Animal Care will only provide
knives of a size, type, and/or variety that could reasonably be seen as being a useful tool
for the commission of typical animal control duties as determined by supervision.
CARRYING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Every Animal Control Officer shall be equipped with a twenty-eight (28) inch catch
pole, a minimum four (4) foot catch pole which is assigned to each vehicle, and a
Department approved liquid chemical agent for protection from animals, none of which
shall be altered in any way. Every Canvasser shall be equipped with a twenty-eight (28)
inch catch pole. All staff entrusted with OC Animal Care equipment are responsible for
its proper use, care, custody and safekeeping. Staff must immediately report any
missing, lost or damaged equipment prior to going into the field.

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Animal Control Officers shall carry Department issued or approved batons only, which
shall not be altered in any way. The baton must be carried properly in the officer's
baton scabbard. The Animal Control Officer’s baton and/or short catch pole, liquid
chemical agent, and pac set shall be carried at all times when the officer is outside the
vehicle performing his/her job duties. Animal Control Officers shall have their body
armor readily available in the officer's assigned vehicle when assigned Field duties.
This includes officers assigned to the investigative section. Canvassers shall carry
Department issued pac sets at all times when outside the vehicle performing his/her
duties.
Personal Protective Equipment shall be stored securely while in a Department vehicle.
Whenever officers leave Personal Protective Equipment within a Department vehicle,
the vehicle shall be kept locked. Personal Protective Equipment shall not be carried in
private vehicles, with the exception of catch poles and body armor. When not in use,
the Personal Protective Equipment shall be kept securely locked in the officer’s
assigned locker at the shelter and locks will be provided
USE OF BATON OR ALTERNATIVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
When practical to do so, Animal Control Officers should use a catchpole or liquid
chemical agent rather than a baton. Animal Control Officers shall not, however, use
either a baton or a liquid chemical agent on a confined animal.
The baton may be used as protection from an animal which presents an unreasonable
risk of immediate bodily harm to either the Animal Control Officer or others, and when
the use of a catch pole, liquid chemical agent, or other safety measures have failed or
have been determined by the officer to be inadequate.
When confronted with a situation that may necessitate the use of a baton, consideration
should be given to calling additional cover officers for assistance.
Officers are permitted to use only that force which is reasonably necessary to protect
themselves or others from immediate bodily harm.
An Animal Control Officer shall only use liquid chemical agent for the purpose of
defending the Animal Control Officer or others. Animal Control Officers shall only use
Department issued liquid chemical agents. All Department issued liquid chemical

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agents shall be administered using an aerosol spray, and shall not exceed 2.5 ounces net
weight. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 22810(a), it is illegal in California to
possess a liquid chemical agent if you have been convicted of a felony or any crime
involving an assault. Any Animal Control Officer who has been convicted of such a
crime, or is convicted of such a crime, shall promptly notify his or her supervisor.
VETERINARY TREATMENT
It is the impounding Animal Control Officer's responsibility to ensure that any
necessary veterinary care is provided whenever physical force is applied to an animal.
Whenever an Animal Control Officer impounds an animal that has been sprayed with a
liquid chemical agent, the Animal Control Officer must not bring the animal directly
into the shelter clinic or the contract veterinarian’s office for examination and/or
treatment. Instead, the animal should be left in the patrol vehicle and the veterinary
staff immediately notified of the situation. It may be safer to examine and treat the
animal in the vehicle rather than expose numerous people to the fumes.
REPORTING
In any case when a liquid chemical agent or a baton is used upon an animal, the Animal
Control Officer shall complete a Use of Force Report (DAS-75) concerning the
circumstances relating to their use, to be forwarded to the Chief of Field Services. The
Chief of Field Services will then forward the report to the Administrative Manager of
Field Operations and the Director.
COMMENTARY
This policy cannot address all specific situations where the use of force may be
necessary. Clearly, good judgment and concern for the safety of people and animals
should guide each officer's actions.
FIREARMS
The role of Animal Control Officers includes promoting the health, safety, and welfare
of people and animals. Given the nature of the job, officers may be placed in situations
where they must capture or destroy animals that are suffering from illness or injury or

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that present a serious risk of harm to others. It is therefore necessary to arm certain
officers.
OC Animal Care Sergeants and Lieutenants who have successfully completed a course
of training prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training as
described in Section 832 of the Penal Code, including that part of the training course
pertaining to the carrying and use of firearms, and who remain current with respect to
any such training, may be authorized to use Department firearms during the course and
within the scope of their employment, subject to provisions of law and the terms and
conditions of this policy (Penal Code sections 597.1(b),(e), 830.9, and 832).
Penal Code section 830.9 provides in part that: “For the purposes of this section,
‘firearms’ includes capture guns, blowguns, carbon dioxide operated rifles and pistols,
air guns, handguns, rifles, and shotguns.” OC Animal Control adopts this definition for
the purposes of this policy.
FIREARMS STORAGE AND ACCESS
Department firearms include chemical capture pistols, rifles, and related equipment, a
.243 rifle, 410/22 Savage rifles and 12 gauge shotguns. Each facility shall maintain a
secure and locked armory where all Department firearms and firearm related equipment
and supplies are to be kept, except as otherwise authorized by this policy. Access to
facility armories will be limited to qualified staff that is approved by Field Supervision
to utilize weapons and have obtained the required firearms certification.
FIREARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
OC Animal Care Field Sergeants and Field Lieutenants who have successfully
completed the training required by law may be authorized to use Department firearms
during the course and within the scope of their employment, subject to the terms and
conditions of this policy.
Prior to the use of any Department firearm, qualified personnel will be instructed in, and
furnished a copy of this policy.
OC Animal Care will conduct or coordinate firearms requalification as often as required
by law and regulatory guidelines but, in no event, less often than on a bi-annual basis.

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No employee may use a Department firearm unless he or she has satisfactorily qualified
for the use of that firearm.
A police or Sheriff’s Department range master or officer will oversee shotgun
qualification exercises, and one or more Departmental instructors designated by the
Administrative Manager of Field Operations will conduct tranquilizer firearm
qualification. All personnel required to participate in firearm qualification exercises
must satisfactorily demonstrate competence, as determined by the instructor or range
master. OC Animal Care Animal Control Officers must qualify with each firearm they
might carry. Officers not currently qualified with a particular firearm are not authorized
to use that firearm unless or until they become currently qualified with it.
It is the responsibility of each Animal Control Officer to maintain proficiency with
each firearm that may be utilized in Department service.
ISSUANCE OF DEPARTMENT FIREARMS
Each qualified Field Sergeant and Field Lieutenant and acting Field Sergeant and Field
Lieutenant may be issued Department chemical capture equipment, including a
tranquilizer pistol, to be stored, inspected, maintained, used, and disposed of in
accordance with this policy.
All Department firearms and firearm related equipment issued to any qualified
Department member must be stored during off duty periods, unloaded, with the safety
engaged, and secured in the designated locked firearms safe in the Department armory.
AMMUNITION
All ammunition carried on duty must be of a type approved and issued by the
Department and shall not be altered in any manner. The Field Lieutenant assigned to
oversee the weapons will maintain a listing and description of Department issued and
non-issued ammunition.
SAFE HANDLING
No Animal Control Officer may discharge any firearm except as authorized by state law
and this policy. Firearms will be kept unloaded and with the safety engaged except

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Date: 4/29/14
when being used in the field, and should not be loaded, unloaded, tested, or discharged
inside any structure or vehicle unless warranted by the circumstances.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
All cleaning necessary to maintain the firearm in good working order is the
responsibility of the officer to whom the firearm is issued. Animal Control Officers are
responsible for maintaining their issued firearm(s) and related equipment in a safe
condition, and for periodically inspecting their issued firearm(s), including each time
the Animal Control Officer qualifies, fires the weapon, and at each inventory, or on a
more frequent basis if recommended by the range master, Department instructor, or the
Field Lieutenant assigned to oversee the weapons.
The Field Lieutenant assigned to oversee the weapons will develop a schedule to ensure
cleaning and safety inspections of non-issued Department firearms are conducted on a
regular basis.
All repairs and servicing of Department firearms shall be performed only by a law
enforcement range master or other trained individual or qualified entity approved by a
range master or Department instructor.
Any Animal Control Officer whose firearm has been dropped and any Animal Control
Officer who has a question regarding the safety condition or proper functioning of a
firearm shall have the firearm checked by a range master or other Administrative
Manager-approved individual or entity prior to usage.
Any defective firearm that is not repaired satisfactorily shall be properly disposed of by
the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and accounted for on the inventory.
INVENTORY OF FIREARMS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
The Department purchasing clerk will tag all weapons with asset numbers and maintain
a listing and description of each Department issued and non-issued firearm and related
equipment. The Field Lieutenant assigned to oversee the weapons program will
maintain a listing and description of each Department issued and non-issued firearm.
The Field Lieutenant assigned to oversee the weapons will ensure an annual or more
frequent inventory of firearms and related equipment stored at OC Animal Care, or
issued to Animal Control Officers, is conducted. The Field Lieutenant will verify the

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22
Date: 4/29/14
inventories to ensure accountability for all firearms. Any discrepancies will be reported
to the Director, Administrative Manager of Field Operations, Chief of Field Services
and the purchasing clerk.
Within 60 days from the issuance of this policy, and as a part of the annual inventory,
the Field Lieutenant must also ensure an assessment of firearm and firearm related
equipment and supplies is conducted. Any recommendation for acquisition of new or
replacement of existing firearm related equipment or supplies must be submitted
through the chain of command for review by the Administrative Manager of Field
Operations.
DAMAGED, LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS
A report shall be filed with the Field Lieutenant and the Department purchasing clerk
anytime a firearm is discovered damaged, whether or not negligence or misconduct is
suspected. All damaged firearms and related equipment must be returned immediately
regardless of condition, in order to be repaired or replaced.
A report shall be filed with the Field Lieutenant , the Director, the Administrative Manager
of Field Operations, the Chief of Field Services, the Department purchasing clerk, and the
local law enforcement agency anytime a firearm is discovered missing, whether or not
theft is suspected.
USE OF FIREARMS
Qualified personnel may use chemical capture equipment, with the prior approval of the
Watch Commander, in the following situations:
A. To immobilize an unrestrained animal subject to rabies that the Animal Control
Officer has reasonable cause to believe has bitten a person, when all other practical
capture efforts have failed or have been determined by the Animal Control Officer
to be inadequate, and the safety of people has been given prime consideration; or
B. To immobilize an unrestrained animal that the Animal Control Officer has
reasonable cause to believe presents substantial risk of imminent harm to a person
or other animal, or has recently harmed a person or other animal, when all other
practical capture efforts have failed or have been determined by the Animal

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23
Date: 4/29/14
Control Officer to be inadequate, and the safety of people has been given prime
consideration; or,
C. To immobilize an unrestrained animal that the Animal Control Officer has
reasonable cause to believe is suffering from or afflicted with a serious illness or
severe injury, when all other practical capture and/or euthanasia efforts have failed
or have been determined by the Animal Control Officer to be inadequate or unsafe,
and the safety of people has been given prime consideration.
Qualified personnel may use a shotgun, with the prior approval of the Watch Commander,
in the following situations:
A. To destroy an unrestrained suspected rabid animal, or animal subject to rabies that
is exhibiting symptoms suggestive of rabies, when all other practical capture
efforts have failed or have been determined by the Animal Control Officer to be
inadequate or unsafe, and the safety of people has been given prime consideration;
or,
B. To destroy an unrestrained dangerous animal that the Animal Control Officer has
reasonable cause to believe poses a real threat to the safety of humans, when all
other practical capture efforts have failed or have been determined by the officer to
be inadequate, and the safety of people has been given prime consideration; or,
C. To destroy any stray or abandoned dangerous animal in the field in any case where
the animal is too severely injured to move or where a veterinarian is not available
and it would be more humane to dispose of the animal, when all other practical
capture and/or euthanasia efforts have failed or have been determined by the
Animal Control Officer to be inadequate or unsafe, and the safety of people has
been given prime consideration.
The Animal Control Officer involved with any use of a rifle or shotgun is responsible
for ensuring that the Watch Commander is apprised of the results of the firearm use
as soon as possible.
If any person is injured as a result of a firearms discharge, the Animal Control
Officer(s) should administer appropriate first aid measures, and ensure that
appropriate medical staff and the law enforcement agency in the area where the
incident occurred are also notified.

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Date: 4/29/14
REPORT OF WEAPON DISCHARGE
Any Animal Control Officer who discharges an OC Animal Care firearm accidentally
or intentionally, except during training, shall make a verbal report to the on-duty Watch
Commander immediately by the fastest method possible and shall file a written report
with their Field Lieutenant prior to the end of shift.
All accidental and intentional discharges of an OC Animal Care firearm by any Animal
Control Officer shall be investigated to determine if the shooting is within the law and
OC Animal Care policy. If an uninvolved Department member has knowledge of an
unreported shooting incident they shall promptly report the known facts to a supervisor.
In the event a firearms discharge incident is investigated by the Department or other law
enforcement agency, all Animal Control Officers involved will cooperate fully with the
investigation, answering all questions asked, assisting with the investigation to
accomplish its speedy conclusion and submitting all requested reports. All involved
Animal Control Officers and witnesses will also refrain from speaking with each other
about the incident during the investigation. As a part of such investigation, all
personnel involved, witnessing or having pertinent information, will submit a detailed
report to their immediate supervisor covering the incident. This report will be
completed prior to the end of their work shift.
FIREARM DISCHARGE REPORT
A Firearms Discharge Report shall be prepared and submitted to the Field Lieutenant
assigned to oversee the weapons program each time a firearm is discharged in the field.
This report must be complete and accurate. The report must include, but may not be
limited to, the following:
Firearm Type: Indicate the type of firearm (tranquilizer pistol or rifle, shotgun,
etc.), the number of rounds or darts fired, and the number of any darts recovered.
Ammunition/Drug Used: Indicate the type and amount of any ammunition or
chemical capture drug used.
Animal Description: Provide a description of the animal, including weight, collars,
harnesses, etc.

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Circumstances/Location: Include all circumstances that led to use of the firearm
and the location of incident as accurately as possible, including a description of the
animal’s behavior that informed the decision to use the firearm and information
concerning any person present in the vicinity at the time of the event.
Outcome: Indicate the final result of the firearm use, including the condition of the
animal at the time the report is written, and the date and time the event ended.
REVIEW PROCESS
The Field Lieutenant will review firearm discharge reports, inform the staff veterinarian of
any medical issues, and report any unusual occurrences to the Chief of Field Services. The
purpose of the review is to determine whether departmental policies and procedures
regarding use of firearms were followed, and to assess any individual or departmental
training needs.
BODY ARMOR
The purpose of this policy is to provide Animal Control Officers at OC Animal Care
with guidelines for the proper use and care of body armor. It should be noted that most
commercially available vests are not effective against sharp objects such as knives and
ice picks, nor do they protect against certain high-caliber ammunition.
It is the policy of OC Animal Care to maximize officer safety through the use of body
armor in combination with prescribed safety procedures. While body armor provides a
significant level of protection, it is not a substitute for the observance of Animal Control
Officer safety procedures. Per the National Institute of Justice,
“Unfortunately, there is no such thing as bulletproof armor. Body armor can
provide protection against a significant number of types of handgun
ammunition, but law enforcement personnel must keep in mind that armor is
categorized and rated for different threat levels.”
http://www.nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/welcome.htm

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Date: 4/29/14
Issuance of Body Armor
1. All body armor issued shall comply with relevant industry standard protective
requirements.
2. All officers shall be issued body armor in a manner consistent with any current labor
contracts.
3. Body armor that is worn or damaged shall be replaced by the Department.
Training for Use of Body Armor
Prior to utilizing the body armor, Animal Control Officers must receive training which
covers the following topics:
• When the use of the vests is necessary
• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear the vests
• The limitations of the vests
• Use and care of vests
• Useful life and disposal of the vests
Use of Body Armor
1. Animal Control Officers shall only wear body armor approved by the Department.
2. Animal Control Officers shall wear body armor while engaged in on duty field
activities as follows:
a. While serving warrants.
b. While conducting search or seizure pursuant to a warrant or when entering
property under exigent circumstances, pursuant to a suspected or confirmed
violation of California Penal Code 597.

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Date: 4/29/14
c. While in known dangerous areas as designated by law enforcement or OC
Animal Care supervision.
d. While engaging with known dangerous people, identified by the “Danger”
(skull and crossbones) icon in Chameleon.
e. While on any call for service where gun shots have been fired, or there is a
reasonable suspicion that gun shots have been or may be fired.
f. At all other times while on duty that the officer reasonably believes that body
armor is necessary to ensure his/her safety.
Animal Control Officers shall have their body armor readily available in the officer's
assigned vehicle. This includes officers assigned to the investigative section.
3. Care, Maintenance and Replacement of Body Armor
a. Animal Control Officers shall routinely inspect personal body armor for signs
of damage and for general cleanliness. Animal Control Officers shall not alter
their personal body armor in any way. If alteration needs to be made to allow
for appropriate fit, placement or functionality, the Animal Control Officer shall
alert their supervisor.
b. On a monthly basis and prior to use, animal control officers shall inspect their
body armor for fit, cleanliness, and signs of damage, abuse and wear, and shall
promptly alert their supervisor if any problems with the integrity of the body
armor are apparent.
c. As dirt and perspiration may erode ballistic panels, each animal control officer
shall be responsible for cleaning personal body armor in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions.
d. Animal Control Officers are responsible for the proper storage, maintenance
and care of body armor in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
e. Animal Control Officers are responsible for reporting damage or excessive
wear to the ballistic panels or cover to their supervisor and the Chief of Field
Services.

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Date: 4/29/14
f. Body armor will be replaced in accordance with guidelines and protocols
established by the National Institute for Justice.
g. The Chief of Field Services shall monitor technological advances in body
armor that may necessitate a change in body armor.
PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING
All personnel shall be trained on this policy when it is initially implemented and
annually thereafter. The training should be conducted in such a manner as to allow for
the asking of follow-up questions by personnel.
Records of this training shall include:
• The employee’s name
• The date of the training
• Instructor’s name (if applicable)
• Signed acknowledgement by the employee that they received and understood the
training
WARNING
This directive is for departmental use only and does not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. The
department policy should not be construed as a creation of a higher legal standard of safety or care in
an evidentiary sense with respect to third-party claims. Violations of this directive will only form the
basis for departmental administrative sanctions.

200.10 departmental safety policy

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