Law enforcement agency policies: carrying of equipment.

Existing law requires law enforcement agencies to maintain a policy on the use of force, as specified. Existing law places certain restrictions on the use of force by law enforcement agencies, including prohibiting the use of a choke hold or carotid restraint. This bill would require a law enforcement agency that authorizes peace officers to carry an electroshock device, such as a taser or stun gun that is held and operated in a manner similar to a pistol, to require that device to be holstered or otherwise carried on the lateral side of the body opposite to the side that that officer's primary firearm is holstered. By requiring local agencies to create, promulgate, and enforce new policies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.