CHAPTER 5

Sabre® MK-9 canisters are designed to balance portability with capability. This balance is obtained by having a light, portable canister that can carry between 16 oz and 18.5 oz, dependant on delivery system. It is an excellent tool for crowd management, cell extraction or confined area contamination. Numerous agencies ensure that each street supervisor unit carries an MK-9 with more and more agencies beginning to adopt a policy of having an MK- 9 secured in the trunk of every patrol unit.

5.1 NOMENCLATURE OF THE MK-9

5.2 SABRE® MK-9 SECURITY FEATURES

Unlike smaller models, the MK-9 does not have a ‘flip top’ safety. To ensure that an accidental discharge does not occur, the MK-9 utilizes two levels of safety:

1. Tab

The first level of safety is the security tab located on the top of the trigger assembly. The security tab is a non replaceable, composite tab that will break upon first deployment of the unit. Although it provides extra resistance, it will not completely negate the trigger from being depressed. The first deployment of the trigger by an operator will permanently break off the security tab.

5.2 SABRE® MK-9 SECURITY FEATURES

2. Safety Pin

The removable safety pin is similar to a grenade pin. The safety pin inserts into an opening under the trigger preventing accidental depression. The pin MUST BE REMOVED in order for the MK-9 to fire. The safety pin can be re-inserted at anytime to assist in preventing accidental discharge of the MK-9. The safety pin has an elastic lanyard that assists retaining the pin for future use. Operators must be aware of this pin and ensure that a subject does not gain possession of the pin during an encounter. The pin could potentially be used as a weapon or as a tool to facilitate escape from mechanical restraint devices. The safety pin should be securely in place any time the MK-9 is being transported.

5.2 SABRE® MK-9 SECURITY FEATURES

5.3 MK-9 RETENTION GRIP

Unlike smaller canisters, it is imperative that the operator grip both the canister and the handle at the same time.

If a subject grabs a hold of the canister, it takes minimal strength to break the canister from the upper assembly. This can cause the contents of the canister that are under pressure to expel directly into the face of the operator.

The retention grip prevents an assailant from being able to pull the canister free from the upper assembly.

5.4 MK-9 DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Depending on the formulation utilized, the Sabre’s MK-9 Canister is available in the following delivery systems:

1. High Volume Stream (HVS)
2. Heavy Fogger
3. Foam
4. Wand (Cellbuster™)

MK-9 High Volume Stream (HVS)

Point of Aim: The eyes.
Safe Stand Off Distance: Minimum 6feet (2meters).

Individual Application

There are times when the MK-9 High Volume Stream may be utilized on a single resistant individual. This may include, but is not limited to, events were a tactical team is involved in a stand off with an individual with an edged weapon or impact weapon. The HVS effectively increases the range from the subject that OC can be deployed. It may also be used in a correctional setting where officers desire a direct contamination but have distance restricted because of environmental factors.

MK-9 High Volume Stream (HVS)

Crowd Management

The MK-9 High Volume Stream works excellent for crowd management. The compact nature of the MK-9 allows for easy deployment for various platforms. In situations of large crowd management the HVS can be deployed over shields or shoulders of the front line. Operators must ensure they utilize a proper grip as discussed. It also works excellent when it can be used from an elevated position behind the front line.

The benefit with the crowd application is that the streamer can reach deeper into the crowd. This allows the ability to effectively begin the break up of the crowd behind the front line. This can prevent the crushing effect from the crowd on each other as individuals from the front line try to escape the OC spray but are not allowed to do so because of unaffected individuals pushing behind them.

MK-9 Fogger

Point of Aim: The center of face.
Safe Stand Off Distance: Minimum 6 feet (2 meters)

Individual Application

One of the most effective uses of the MK-9 against an individual is for open cell extraction. These events are when a resistant prisoner is secured in a cell space or similar small environment that is not secured by a solid door. An example may be a cell that has open bars. Since resistant prisoners are often aware of tactics utilized by correctional staff, they take overt measures to try and defeat the direct application of OC spray. This may involve taking measures to hide from direct contamination of placing barriers in an effort to prevent direct contamination.

Since the fogger propels microscopic droplets of OC, direct contamination is not needed to create the desired effect on the resistant individuals breathing. Correctional officers must evaluate the specific environment prior to spraying to ensure that cross contamination of other areas, prisoners or staff does not occur.

MK-9 Fogger

Crowd Management

The fogger can be an excellent tool for crowd management as direct contamination does not have to occur to ensure effectiveness. Once wind direction and wind strength issues are taken into account the fogger can be deployed into a crowd and have a pronounced effect on breathing. In fact, it is sometime desirable to have less effect on the eyes of individuals in the crowd as it allows them the ability to navigate their way from the area they are obstructing.

If there is a need to affect the visual system of individuals in a resisting crowd, operators must ensure they apply directly to the eyes.

High Volume Streamers are commonly referred to as over the shield tools and foggers are commonly referred to as under the shield tools. This is because the fogger is usually best deployed upwards from a low position. This assists in the prevention of wind blowing away particles and typically assists in contamination as the crowds face downwards as they push the front line.

MK-9 Fogger

Area Contamination

Since the atomized particles of the fogger are significantly smaller than in the stream or foam delivery system, they have a pronounced effect on the respiratory system. The microscopic particles are also more easily suspended in the air, allowing for the OC to contaminate a greater area in a much quicker time.

Outdoor Application

Anytime the fogger is utilized outdoors, it is imperative that the operator takes into account wind direction and strength. The wind direction can cause unwanted cross contamination of the operator or other officers. The wind strength can rapidly remove the suspended particles from the area thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the product.

MK-9 Fogger

Indoor Application

Since the particles will remain suspended in the air for a longer period of time, the use of a fogger indoors can cause extreme area contamination. This may cause cross contamination to officers who may need to enter or remain in the area.

MK-9 Foam

Point of Aim: The eyes.
Safe Stand Off Distance: Minimum 6 feet (2 meters)

Individual Application

The only major advantage of the MK-9 Foam delivery system versus smaller application systems is the extended range.

Foam is notorious for having a short effective range. The MK-9 Foam delivery system extends the effective range to between 12 to 15 feet.

MK-9 Foam

Crowd Management

Foam is rarely seen as a tool for crowd management. However, there may be environmental concerns that create a need for this type of delivery system. If area contamination is a major concern, this may be the only option if OC application must occur.

Application Caution

It is possible for an individual who has been contaminated with foam to wipe off the product and throw it back at the operator or other officers. This is extremely likely in a correctional environment where prisoners observe the foam being used on themselves or others and formulate a plan for any future application.

Safety Caution

The high volume allows for up to 16 ounces of foam to be deployed. This can become an extreme hazard on flooring that has the potential to become slippery. Operators must exercise caution when deploying foam in smooth floor environments.

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

The SABRE® Red Phantom Cell Buster consists of a MK-9 with a hose and wand assembly. It is an essential tool for correctional facilities that have a need for closed cell extractions. Closed cells are described as small room environments where a solid security door is utilized. The closed security door will prevent the application of other MK-9 delivery systems. The hose and wand assembly will allow for application without the need to open the door and expose officers to the violent subject.

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

The wand has a cut away ‘thumb press’ that assists the operating in orienting the tip of the wand when it cannot be seen. Operators must be careful to ensure that the subject does not grab or trap the wand or hose as both can be used as a weapon/force option. The Cell Buster is best deployed with the assistance of a spotter who will advise when the subject is towards the rear of the cell. The operator should try to ensure that they do not over penetrate the wand under the door as the more length of the wand that is exposed to the subject, the greater chance they have of seizing it.

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

Set Up

You must attach the hose to the housing assembly of Cell Buster before deployment. Insert hose into the extraction assembly located at the canister’s nozzle. Pull in opposite directions to ensure the hose is securely attached. If after pulling away from the assembly the hose comes lose, push the hose further into the assembly to ensure it locks in to place. Once this is done, pull again in opposite directions to ensure hose is securely attached

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

Deploy

When deploying the Cell Buster hose under a door, it is important that the tip of the wand moves past the inner edge of the door or past any barricading items such as a mattress.

The easiest way to gauge the depth of the wand is to slowly insert the wand while applying torque so the bend at the tip pushes against the bottom of the door. Once the tip passes the threshold of the door, it will turn upright at the bend. Do not push any further once this occurs.

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

If possible, slide the wand under the cell door and mattress. Remove the safety pin and press the yellow trigger with your thumb for approximately three (3) continuous seconds. Move the wand side to side while deploying. This will help prevent the inmate from grabbing the wand and assists in dispersion. After deploying for approximately three (3) seconds, immediately remove the wand from the cell and wait for the product to take affect.

If the product does not produce the desired affect within a few minutes, repeat the above process. Once the desired effect is observed, the Cell Buster should be secured and the entry team can move in. If after several attempts, the desired affect is not achieved or the prisoner is showing obvious signs of distress, secure the Cell Buster® in its storage locker and then resort to the next appropriate level of force or enter to assist the prisoner if they are showing signs of obvious distress. The inmate should not be left in a cell which has been exposed to OC.

MK-9 Wand and Hose (Cell Buster®)

Secure

Since Cell Buster® delivers a heavy fog of OC into the cell, the product will produce the desired affect with most contaminations. In order to increase officer safety, Cell Buster® should be secured in its storage locker before entering the cell. Although safety devices have been built into the Cell Buster® to prevent puncture wounds, reduce injuries by taking preventative measures to ensure the inmate does not take possession of the Cell Buster®. Securing the product before making the entry will also prevent it from being used on correction officers.

5.5 MK-9 INERT TRAINING

Trainers can obtain inert training products for any of the MK-9 Delivery Systems or utilize the refillable MK-9 system.

CAUTION: Trainers must ensure that anyone training with MK-9 Inert training units do not spray anyone within the safe standoff distance of 6 feet (2 meters) and that anyone being sprayed is wearing appropriate eye protection.

MK-9 High Volume Stream Refillable Inert Training Unit

The MK-9 Refillable Inert Training Kit

• MK-9 refillable canister Refill bottle
• Plastic funnel
• O-ring
• Refill Instructions

CAUTION: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO FILLING AND PRESSURIZING THE UNIT.

The MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit is an excellent cost saving system for specialized crowd management units who conduct a high volume of training. The unit delivers a stream pattern to 25-30 feet (9-10 meters). This unit will provide seven (7) one second bursts before it needs refilling. It has the same firing mechanism as the non-refillable MK-9 unit.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

STEP 1: PREPARATION

1. Ensure operator and any assistants are wearing appropriate eye protection.
2. Invert MK-9 canister and depress valve lever to release all remaining pressure.
3. Making sure the dispenser has no pressure remaining, unscrew the valve head from the bottle and empty any remaining liquid.
4. Fill the empty plastic bottle in the refill kit with clean, cool water.
5. Place funnel into neck of bottle and pour contents of plastic bottle, approximately 215 grams (7.5 ozs., 225 mL) into the funnel. ONLY FILL WITH CLEAN WATER.
6. Observe O Ring on valve. If it is warped or cracked, replace with new O Ring.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

7. Place firing handle, including the valve, back onto canister and hand tighten until the handle is tightened firmly against the top of the canister.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: THE FIRING HANDLE MUST BE TIGHTENED FIRMLY ONTO THE BOTTLE OR LEAKAGE WILL OCCUR!!!
8. Remove the protective cap from the Schrader Valve.
9. Before beginning pressurization, verify that the inflation chuck does not lock down on the stem.
10. The system includes a pressure gauge. DO NOT PRESSURIZE THE UNIT PAST 250 PSI.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

STEP TWO: PRESSURIZATION (Choose only one method)

Nitrogen Pressurization

1. Open Nitrogen valve on the cylinder and adjust the regulator to 250 PSI.
2. Engage the air chuck and begin pressurizing for 10 seconds until the pressure has equalized. Internal pressure will reach approximately 220PSI.
   WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 275 PSI. WHILE PRESSURIZING, IF YOU HEAR A HISSING NOISE, STOP PRESSURIZATION.
3. If the canister is accidentally over pressurized, turn the MK-9 upside down and press the yellow lever to relieve the excess pressure.
4. Replace the protective cap on the Schrader Valve.
5. The MK-9 Refillable Training Unit is now ready for use.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

CO2 Pressurization

1. Open CO2 valve on the cylinder and adjust the regulator to 500 PSI.
2. Engage the air chuck and begin pressurizing for 2.5 to 3 seconds. Internal pressure will reach approximately 250 PSI.
3. By pressurizing the canister for 2.5 to 3 seconds, approximately 12.5 grams of CO2 will be added to the canister. The MK-9 Total Filled Weight is approximately 600 g.
4. DO NOT FILL THE MK-9 greater than 600 g.
   WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 275 PSI. WHILE PRESSURIZING, IF YOU HEAR A HISSING NOISE, STOP PRESSURIZATION.
5. If the canister is accidentally over pressurized, turn the MK-9 upside down and press the yellow lever to relieve the excess pressure.
6. Replace the protective cap on the Schrader Valve.
7. The MK-9 Refillable Training Unit is now ready for use.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

Compressed Air Pressurization

1. Open valve on the cylinder and adjust the regulator to 250 PSI.
2. Engage the air chuck and begin pressurizing for 10 seconds until the pressure has equalized. Internal pressure will reach approximately 250 PSI.
   WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 275 PSI. WHILE PRESSURIZING, IF YOU HEAR A HISSING NOISE, STOP PRESSURIZATION.
3. If the canister is accidentally over pressurized, turn the MK-9 upside down and press the yellow lever to relieve the excess pressure.
4. Replace the protective cap on the Schrader Valve.
5. The MK-9 Refillable Training Unit is now ready for use.

MK-9 HVS Refillable Inert Training Unit Instructions

• EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED
• PRESSURIZE WITH NITROGEN
• CO2 OR COMPRESSED AIR ONLY
• THE DISPENSER MAY RUPTURE IF OVER PRESSURIZED. DO NOT ATTEMPT PRESSURIZATION WITHOUT A REGULATED CHARGING SOURCE. DO NOT USE LOCKING TYPE INFLATION CHUCKS.

5.6 SABRE® MK-9 AMBIDEXTROUS THIGH HOLSTER

The Sabre® MK-9 Ambidextrous Thigh Holster is specifically designed to allow officers to carry the MK-9 with minimal interference to movement while still allowing easy accessibility. The MK-9 Ambidextrous Thigh Holster features the following:

• Secure Snap Closure
• 2" Heavy Nylon Webbing
• Adjustable Height
• 1 1/2" Reversible Heavy Duty Elastic Leg Strap
• 2" Quick Disconnect Buckle Belt Mount with Hook and Loop Closure (Allowing to install Belt Mount without having to strip belt down)
• Mount
• Holster 11 inches long
• 2 inches wide (empty) 3 wide with MK9
• Belt mount approx 6 inches long counting female buckle

5.7 SABRE® STINGER

The SABRE® Stinger Cell Breaching Tool (Patent Pending) is a speciality item specifically designed for use in corrections.

For more information, please visit www.sabrered.com or www.setcan.com (Canada Customers)