Operational partnerships - Storage of incapacitant (O43g)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This standard operating procedure (SOP) has been reviewed in February 2024 – no amendments to content have been made.

2. What this procedure is about

2.1. This SOP outlines the procedures for the issue of incapacitant spray.

Compliance with this SOP and any governing policy is mandatory.

3. Detail the procedure

3.1. The use of aerosol incapacitant spray will be in accordance with the ACPO guidance on the use of incapacitant spray.

3.2. Captor 2 PAVA incapacitant spray is the only authorised spray for use by Kent officers.

3.3. The unique number of each canister will be recorded upon receipt on division.

3.4. Canisters have a shelf life of three years, which is indicated via the unique batch number at the bottom of the canister.

3.5. Issue to division and disposal of canisters will be through the Procurement department.

3.6. Canisters will be personal issue. Each issue will be signed for by the officer and countersigned by the issuing officer.

3.7. On issue the unique number and weight of the canister will be recorded on the appropriate issue form and in the officer's pocket notebook.

3.8. Supervisors are instructed to check officers PAVA dates and to document this. Subsequent checks to be carried out as part of the six-month performance development reviews (PDRs) and documented within the appraisal.

3.9. Any leakage will be drawn to the attention of a supervisor and the canister withdrawn, put in a sealed plastic bag and placed in the relevant secure locker until disposal via the Procurement department.

3.10. Use of aerosol incapacitant in any arrest must be included in the relevant statement, quoting the number of the canister used. Production of this or a similar canister at court will be sufficient.

3.11. The canister must be weighed and replaced after discharge. Canisters will not be exhibited as special property unless there are clear indications that allegations are likely over its use.

4. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this procedure would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Risk assessment

5.1. This SOP has been assessed as medium risk.

6. Consultation

• Staff Safety Training Unit
• Procurement
• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Estates
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Police Federation

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. The SOP will be monitored by the Staff Safety Training unit. It will be reviewed every two years with the next review due in February 2026.

8. Other source documents

None listed.

9. Security

9.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

10. Retention and disposal of records

10.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.