Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bernalillo approves police policy updates covering diversionary devices (flashbangs) and CJIS data handling
Summary
The Town of Bernalillo unanimously approved updates to the Police Department operating manual, adding a Diversionary Device Deployment policy limiting use of flash/sound devices to trained Warrant Service Team operators and a Criminal Justice Information Systems policy setting access, training and security requirements for protected data.
The Town of Bernalillo governing body on March 11 approved updates to the Bernalillo Police Department’s Operating Policies and Procedures Manual that add a Diversionary Device Deployment standard and a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) policy.
Police Chief Tom Romero presented the two policy changes. The Diversionary Device Deployment policy defines diversionary or distraction devices (commonly called flashbangs) as devices that emit light and sound to distract potentially dangerous persons or situations. The policy restricts deployment to approved Warrant Service Team operators, requires authorization by the WST commander or chief (except in life‑threatening circumstances), personal protective equipment for operators, consideration of the presence of vulnerable people, and an after‑action review by a lieutenant with a WST after‑action report due within 48 hours.
The CJIS policy establishes procedures for access, transmission, handling, storage and destruction of protected criminal justice information. It requires fingerprint‑based vetting and CJIS‑compliant training for personnel before they access protected information, assigns Local Agency Security Officer (LASO) and Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) responsibilities, mandates biennial training, and specifies secure destruction of records (shredding) when information has served its purpose.
Councilor Prairie moved to approve the updates to the Police Department manual; Councilor Sisneros seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The Diversionary Device policy creates clear limits and safeguards for flash/sound device use in high‑risk warrant and tactical operations and establishes reporting and training requirements. The CJIS policy documents steps the department must follow to protect sensitive law enforcement data and to maintain access agreements and security officer roles. Both changes are internal departmental policy and do not change statutory law.
