Board approves Madison Police SOP 047 on kinetic-energy projectiles

Madison’s Board of Public Works and Safety on Sept. 15 approved Madison Police Department standard operating procedure 047, which governs the department’s use of kinetic-energy projectiles — commonly known as beanbag rounds — as a less-lethal force option, department presenters said.

Department presenters described the rounds as shotgun cartridges loaded with fabric-encased bean bags intended to reduce the risk of death or serious injury when used appropriately. Major and other department staff said the policy was drafted with Lexipol and that the department has completed initial training for the tactic.

The department said the rounds can cause bruising and injury but present a lower likelihood of fatality than traditional lethal rounds when used in appropriate circumstances. Major described likely deployment contexts as situations where someone is attempting to harm themselves or others, riot control or other cases where officers seek a less-lethal option to attempt de-escalation. Training and documentation are required by the SOP; staff said a use-of-force report is required after deployment.

Staff said the department currently owns 17 launchers and plans to assign them to ERT members and shift leaders so that at least one launcher is available on each shift; full departmental rollout would depend on staffing and inventory. Cody Lewis was named as the department’s training coordinator and presenters said training would be required at first use and then every two years.

A board member moved to approve SOP 047 and the board approved the policy by voice vote.