San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Definitive Section: CA Gov’t Code §7070(c)(1)
Equipment Type: CTS 7290 diversionary flash-bang devices Quantity Owned/Sought: 42 owned Lifespan: Approximately 5 years Equipment Capabilities: It is an ATF-controlled Class-C explosive device that emits a bright light and thunderous noise to distract potentially dangerous individuals.
Manufacturer Product Description:
7290 -The CTS 7290 is the standard for diversionary flash-bang devices. The 7290 produces an 175db and 6-8 million candela of light output. The patented design of the 7290, incorporates a porting system that eliminates movement of the body at detonation even if the top or bottom of the device should be in contact with a hard surface. In addition, internal adjustments have greatly reduced smoke output.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Flash Bangs are used by special tactical units during hostage rescue and high-risk warrants.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial costs of equipment is approximately $40 per device which was purchased though the SMSO SWAT Budget. Ongoing cost associated with the CTS diversionary devices during operation and training is estimated to be approximately $2000 per year.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: The use governing the deployment of diversionary device is located in the SMC Sheriff’s Office SWAT/CNU Procedures Section : 2-11B (Use of Diversionary Devices)
Training Required: Team certified instructors shall complete a POST certified diversionary device instructor course. Each team member shall be instructed by the POST certified trainers on the use, deployment, and storage of diversionary devices.
Other Notes: None.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Definitive Section: CA Gov’t Code §7070(c)(1)
Equipment Type: 40mm Less Lethal Launchers, 37mm Liquid Gas Launcher Quantity Owned/Sought: 4 owned Lifespan: Indefinite
Equipment Capabilities: The 40mm Less Lethal Launcher is capable of firing 40mm Kinetic Energy Munitions, which are essentially rubber projectiles and Liquid CS Gas round. The 37mm Less Lethal Launcher is capable of firing 37mm Liquid Ferret CS Gas round.
Manufacturer Product Description:
Penn Arms 40MM launcher are manufactured using 4140 hardened steel, 6061-T6 mil-spec anodized aluminum and DuPont super tough glass filled nylon. These launchers are light weight, versatile and used worldwide by police and corrections officers. The 40MM launcher family of products is available in single-shot, spring-advance multi, and pump-advance multi-versions.
Federal M201-Z Gas Riot Gun (37x122mm) The Federal M201-Z is an upgrade to the Federal L-5 grenade launcher. It's a simple, single-shot, break-open smoothbore launcher intended to fire nonlethal tear gas grenades.
Defense Technology 37mm Single Shot Launcher Manufactured exclusively for Defense Technology, launcher that features a fixed rear stock and an Integrated Front Grip (IFG). The ambidextrous Lateral Sling Mount (LSM) and QD mounting systems allow both a single and two point sling attachment. It will fire standard 37mm less lethal ammunition,
Purpose/Authorized Uses: The 40mm and 37mm Less Lethal Launchers and Kinetic Energy Munitions are intended for use as a less lethal use of force option.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of this equipment was approximately $4,000. The ongoing costs for munitions will vary and maintenance is conducted by departmental staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal and Local laws governing police use of force. The use governing the deployment of chemical agents and less lethal munitions is located in the SMC Sheriff’s Office SWAT/CNU Procedures Section : 2-11c (Use of Chemical Agents) and 2-11d (Use of Less Lethal Munitions)
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Policies including:
Lexipol Policy 300 - Use of Force, Conducted Energy Device (Taser), Control Devices and Techniques Lexipol Policy 306 – Firearms
Lexipol Policy 426 – First Amendment Assemblies
Training Required: Team certified instructors shall complete a POST certified Chemical Agent or Less Lethal Instructor Course. Each team member shall be instructed by the POST certified trainers on the use, deployment, and storage of the 40mm and 37mm launchers.
Other Notes: None.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Definitive Section: CA Gov’t Code §7070(c)(1)
Equipment Type: CTS CS Gas and Defense Tech CS liquid
Quantity Owned/Sought: 134 owned Lifespan: Approximately 5 years Equipment Capabilities: All three CS gas types can be deployed by ARV gas spike, burn box/tomahawk, 37mm launcher, or hand thrown.
Manufacturer Product Description:
CTS CS Gas - 5230B – Pyrotechnic grenade designed for indoor use delivering a maximum amount of irritant smoke throughout multiple rooms with minimal risk of fire.
CTS CS Gas - 8230 – The smallest diameter burning grenade that discharges a high volume of smoke and chemical agent through multiple emission ports. Specifically for outdoor use and it should not be deployed on rooftops, in crawl spaces or indoors due to fire producing capability. Can be hand thrown or launched.
CTS CS Gas - 4330 – 40mm CS Liquid Barricade, Spin Stabilized, 4.1″ Long, Liquid CS filled projectile penetrates intermediate barriers and delivers irritant agents into an adjacent room.
Defense Tech CS liquid - The Ferret® 37 mm CS Round is a frangible projectile filled with chemical agent.
Upon impacting the barrier, the nose cone ruptures and instantaneously delivers the .16 oz. agent payload inside a structure. The munitions is 4.8 in. by 1.5 in. and travels at 650fps within an effective range of 50 yards.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Chemical agents may be deployed to incapacitate dangerous or hostile subjects, unruly persons, or to overcome resistance to lawful law enforcement actions. SWAT may tactically deploy chemical agents to induce suspect(s) movement or deny or restrict movement and access to areas.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial costs of equipment is approximately $40 per device which was purchased though the SMSO SWAT Budget. Ongoing cost associatedwith the CTS CS Gas devices and Def Tech CS Liquid Ferret rounds during operation and training is estimated to be approximately $3600 per year.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: The use governing the deployment of diversionary device is located in the SMC Sheriff’s Office SWAT/CNU Procedures Section : 2-11c (Use of Chemical Agents) San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Policies including:
Lexipol Policy 300 - Use of Force, Conducted Energy Device (Taser), Control Devices and Techniques Lexipol Policy 306 – Firearms
Lexipol Policy 426 – First Amendment Assemblies
Training Required: Team certified instructors shall complete a POST certified Chemical Agent Instructor Course. Each team member shall be instructed by the POST certified trainers on the use, deployment, and storage of the chemical agents.
Other Notes: None.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Definitive Section: CA Gov’t Code §7070(c)(8)
Equipment Type: Firearms of .50 caliber or greater - Barrett Quantity Owned/Sought: 4 owned Lifespan: Indefinite.
Equipment Capabilities: The .50 caliber semi-automatic rifle is capable of firing a .50 caliber bullet.
Manufacturer Product Description:
Barret – various models and configurations – all semi-automatic – all chambered in .50cal
1. Hard case storage.
2. Affixed folding sights.
3. Various type and range of magnification scopes.
4. 5 round detachable magazines.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: These rifles are authorized for use by Sniper-trained members of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. They are for deployment in circumstances where the personnel can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples for situations that may require the deployment of these rifles include but are not limited to:
1. Situations where the personnel reasonably anticipate an armed encounter.
2. Situations where a suspect may need to be engaged at extended distances with accurate fire.
3. Situations where a vehicle may need to be disabled, to include from an extended distance.
4. Situations where personnel reasonably expect the need to exceed a suspect’s firepower.
5. Situations where the suspect is wearing body armor.
6. Situations where the suspect is in an armored vehicle.
7. Situations where the suspect has taken a hostage(s).
8. Situations where a barricade, armor or similar barrier needs to be penetrated.
9. When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: The equipment and ammunition was seized over the course of several investigations.
The ongoing cost after all ammunition is expended would be the cost of ammunition. Cleaning and maintenance is conducted by the Sniper Team.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal and Local laws governing law enforcement use of force. Various San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Polices on the Use of Force and Firearms.
Training Required: In addition to patrol rifle and standard SWAT Operator training, SWAT Snipers must successfully complete a CA POST certified sniper course as well as regular SWAT Sniper training and qualifications as required by law and policy. Snipers currently hold training once a month for 6 hours.
Other Notes: None.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team
Definitive Section: CA Gov’t Code §7070(c)(3)
Equipment Type: Wheeled vehicles that have a breaching apparatus attachable Common Name: Lenco Bearcat
Quantity Owned/Sought: 1 owned Lifespan: 20+ Years
Equipment Capabilities:
To be used in response to critical incidents to enhance officer and community safety, improve scene containment and stabilization, and assist in resolving critical incidents.
Manufacturer Product Description:
The ARV is designed to provide ballistic protection during tactical events (designed to withstand multiple bullet strikes from small arms fire as well as low level explosions). Equipped with nuclear/radiological detection devices, self-contained breathing apparatus, explosive gas detection devices, and thermal imaging camera. Equipped with emergency lights/siren and a public address system. Common uses for the ARV include citizen and officer rescues, evacuations, and the deployment of officers and chemical agents. The ARV is currently deployed at large events in San Mateo County including parades, and festivals. The ARV is a regional mutual-aid asset that has been requested and deployed to allied agencies in San Mateo County. The ARV responded to high profile events and incidents where local officers were injured/killed in the line of duty.
Purpose/Authorized Uses:
The use of armored vehicle shall only be authorized by a watch commander or SWAT commander, based on the specific circumstances of a given critical incident. Armored vehicles shall be used only by officers trained in their deployment and in a manner consistent with Department policy and training. The driver of the vehicle shall have a valid California driver license.
Fiscal Impacts:
Initial cost: $300,000.00 Annual maintenance cost of approximately $2,500.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use:
All applicable State, Federal and Local laws governing police use of force. The use governing the operation of the Armored Rescue Vehicle is located in the SMC Sheriff’s Office SWAT/CNU Procedures Section : 2-08 (Armored Vehicle (Bear Cat) Operations)
Training Required: Selected operators will attend a 24 hour POST certified course. SWAT Team members that have attended the POST certified course will instruct SWAT Team member on the operating procedures, mounting and dismounting techniques, firearms deployment procedures, vehicle road operations and ensuring the vehicle is properly serviced and maintained.
Other Notes: None.