Although it varies
state to state and even city to city, here is a breakdown on the
paperwork that is requried after Flash Bang and Explosive Tip Impact Round use.
When police deploy
a flashbangofficially known as a Noise Flash Diversionary
Device (NFDD)they're typically required to complete detailed
documentation to ensure accountability, safety, and compliance
with departmental and federal regulations. Here's what that paperwork
often includes:
FLASH BANG
Required Documentation After Flashbang
Use
1. Use-of-Force Report
- Justifies the deployment of the device
- Describes the tactical situation (e.g. barricaded suspect, high-risk
warrant)
- Includes names of officers involved and supervisor authorization
2. Incident Report
- Narrative of the entire operation
- Time, location, and context of deployment
- Outcome of the operation (e.g. arrests made, injuries, property
damage)
3. Flashbang Deployment Log
- Serial number of the device used
- Officer who deployed it
- Exact time and location of deployment
- Whether the device functioned properly
4. Supervisor Authorization Record
- Required unless in extreme emergencies
- Confirms that the Incident Commander or on-scene supervisor
approved the use
5. Safety and Risk Assessment
- Notes on environmental factors (e.g. presence of children, flammable
materials)
- Any injuries or unintended consequences
- Whether fire-retardant gloves and eye protection were worn
6. Training Verification
- Confirms that the deploying officer was certified and had completed
department-approved training
- May include refresher training logs for SWAT teams
Since the ForseMark Exploding Tip
round is classified as special purpose ammunition rather than
an explosive device, the post-use documentation shifts away from
ATF explosive tracking and toward agency-level use-of-force and
specialty munition protocols. Here's a breakdown of what law enforcement
officers typically need to complete after deploying such a round:
StrikeForce ETIR
Post-Deployment Paperwork for
Special Purpose Ammunition
1. Use-of-Force Report
- Required if the round was deployed in a tactical or enforcement
context
- Must detail the justification for use, target area, and intended
effect
- Includes officer name, badge number, and supervisor review
2. Incident Report
- Narrative of the full engagement or operation
- Specifies the type of round used (e.g., Exploding Tip, Olfactx,
etc.)
- Notes on effectiveness, outcome, and any injuries or property
damage
3. Specialty Ammunition Deployment
Log
- Serial or batch number of the round (if applicable)
- Date, time, and location of use
- Officer who deployed it and any witnesses
- Confirmation that the round functioned as intended
4. Supervisor Authorization Record
- Required for pre-planned deployments (e.g., warrant service,
crowd control)
- May be waived in exigent circumstances but must be documented
post hoc
5. Training & Certification Verification
- Confirms that the deploying officer was trained and certified
for that munition
- May include refresher logs or scenario-based training records
6. Post-Incident Review or Debrief
- Conducted by command staff or internal affairs
- Evaluates tactical decision-making, adherence to policy, and
community impact
- May trigger additional reporting if the round caused unintended
harm
Optional but Recommended
7. Ballistic Performance Summary
- Useful for internal tracking and product refinement
- Notes on penetration, dispersion, or sensory effects
- Helps agencies build trust through transparency and data-driven
reviews
8. Community Impact Statement (if
public-facing)
- Especially relevant for rounds with sensory or psychological
effects
- Can be used in press briefings or community oversight reports