What Are Less Lethal Munitions and Methods?
Steve Maynard, Strategic Account Executive at GUARDIAN RFID, worked behind the walls of a correctional facility for nearly 15 years. But where did his story begin? Steve’s father, a Major with the Sheriff’s Office, helped create and develop the Detention Tactical Team (known as D-TAC) in the early 2000s.
As a child, Steve attended training sessions and even donned the “Redman suit” (a training outfit designed to withstand strikes) to role-play as an inmate during cell extraction training. He loved being in the cell as the team entered dynamically, simulating a real-life scenario. This experience gave Steve firsthand insight into the field and the tactical aspects of corrections. He absorbed as much information as possible, recognizing it was his calling. Steve was truly “built for this.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Steve became a correctional officer. He started his career at a linear-style facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, working alongside some of the toughest and most confident officers in corrections. With his D-TAC experience, he felt he blended in seamlessly. After a couple of years, he tried out for the tactical team and passed with flying colors, feeling like a longtime member from the start.
The team conducted monthly facility shakedowns and annual mock riots, which were their time to shine. These mock riots involved city police, EMS, fire department, SWAT, city transport (buses), jail medical staff, and available detention staff. Several officers dressed as inmates while the tactical team applied their training, managing fights, riots, medical emergencies, and evacuating inmates from fires to undisclosed locations. These exercises showcased D-TAC's readiness and demonstrated to other law enforcement agencies that they could rely on them in critical situations.
A couple of years later, Steve attended a CERT (Cell Extraction Response Team) class and the Advanced CERT class in Salemburg, North Carolina, at the North Carolina Justice Academy. The advanced classes certified operators in using less lethal and distraction devices that could be deployed in corrections settings. Having these tools readily available allowed officers to respond quickly and de-escalate situations. Sometimes, the mere presence of a team member holding a launcher was enough to make inmates or combative individuals comply without any physical intervention. Mission accomplished.
The D-TAC trained weekly with the less lethal launchers to maintain proficiency and accuracy. Steve eventually became a less lethal instructor, teaching his team and others around the nation. While cell extraction represents the bulk of less lethal deployments, having tools like tasers and electric pulse shields isn't the first step. The first action is to issue a warning, asking or ordering individuals to comply. If they do not, then force may be necessary. After the initial warning, if the inmate fails to comply, deploying three rounds of chemical irritants into a cell usually resolves the situation.
While Steve is passionate about the proper deployment of less lethal options and the importance of documenting events chronologically, his overarching goals are awareness and safety. It’s vital not to abuse the authority held while working behind the walls, nor to misuse available weapons. Remember, regardless of an inmate's actions, they are human beings, and their safety should always be the primary concern. Although events can escalate, it’s crucial to utilize training, remain calm, control your breathing, and maintain composure. This approach may save your job, your agency, a lawsuit, or even a life.
Does your facility have less lethal munitions for emergencies? If not, consider sending a few well-rounded, disciplined, and poised officers to a certification school. Having this training and knowledge, along with the right tools, could one day make the difference between life and death. Get your team home safe.