Sheriff’s office outlines training and tools, says it is working toward removing multi‑projectile munitions

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office told the Public Protection Committee on Thursday that deputies receive reality‑based training emphasizing de‑escalation and a practical principle—"time plus distance equals options"—and described an inventory of less‑lethal tools and the policies that govern their use.

Sergeant Chris (training) said deputies are trained to increase time and distance to expand response options, and that training includes reality‑based scenarios, role players and annual recertification on devices. "Time plus distance equals options," the sergeant said, describing the guiding framework for training.

The presentation reviewed less‑lethal devices and their intended use: OC spray carried on deputies' duty belts (range described as about 1–12 feet), conducted electrical weapons (TASER models 7 and 10, with effective ranges cited up to 45 feet depending on device) and distance systems such as pepperball launchers that can deliver a powdered irritant (brand uses PAVA). The sergeant described a 40mm direct‑impact launcher as an incident‑specific tool used by specially trained personnel.

The Sheriff's Office outlined nonweapon response options as well, including the Community Assessment and Transport (CAT) team, crisis intervention training (CIT) for deputies, behavioral‑health assessment teams at Santa Rita Jail, a crisis negotiation unit and an unmanned aerial vehicle unit used to increase distance and situational awareness.

Committee members asked about the schedule and geography for behavioral‑health team responses; the Sheriff and trainers said CAT and clinician responses are geography dependent and not available 24/7 countywide, and that deputies receive CIT training to provide interim support when specialized teams are not immediately available.

On policy changes and inventory, the sergeant discussed state constraints and a code cited in the presentation as "13600And52" affecting crowd‑control use; he said multi‑projectile munitions (scattershot rounds) are under active evaluation. During public comment multiple residents asked for removal of scattershot and multi‑projectile munitions; the Sheriff clarified that the office is "working towards" alternatives and assessing the need for those munitions, but said removal is not yet final.

Public commenters also criticized late posting of materials and urged stronger de‑escalation emphasis over deploying more tools. The Sheriff said the agency will continue to evaluate tools, train to higher standards and coordinate with community partners.