The Byrna Law Enforcement team trained the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday on the use of its less-lethal platform.
The Spokane County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of Byrna less-lethal launchers, including 200 Tactical Compact Rifles (TCRs) and 39,000 rounds of Byrna non-lethal ammunition and accessories.
In July, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1310 and House Bill 1054, which established new use-of-force standards for law enforcement. The new legislation prompted the sheriff’s office to explore less-lethal options.
The sheriff’s office plans to supply launchers to the patrol division, SWAT team, and TAC unit, providing a TCR for every patrol car.
Sheriff's deputies surround a table with Byrna products.
Nineteen deputies from the patrol division, SWAT team, and TAC unit attended the Byrna Train-The-Trainer course. It consisted of classroom training, practical application, and scenario-based training. The course certified attendees to teach others how to use the Byrna platform.
Two deputies engaging in a training course in Spokane.
Local news stations also attended the training. You can view coverage from KXYL here and KHQ here.
A reporter from KXYL holds a Byrna with the assistance of Schirard.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is expected to begin training its deputies and deploying the Byrna launchers in early 2022.