WCSDPD Policy Manual - Chapter 21-Firearms
WCSDPD Policy Manual - Chapter 21-Firearms
WCSDPD Policy Manual - Chapter 21-Firearms
POLICY MANUAL
21.00.0
FIREARMS PROCEDURE
21.01.0
GENERAL POLICY
June,2015
Only sworn police officers that have been authorized by the Chief shall carry a
Department approved firearm. lt is the responsibility of any member of this
Department who handles firearms be familiar with this chapter prior to handling
any department-approved firearms.
Primary Duty Weapon: The weapon that is normally carried while on duty in
uniform.
Secondary Duty Weapon: Weapon that the officer has passed the primary duty
weapon qualification with, but is not the officer's primary duty weapon.
BACKUP Weapon: lt is the policy of this Department that no officer carries a
backup handgun without the pre-approval of the Chief's Office and only after
satisfying the requirements established in this section.
ln order to carry a back-up weapon, officers will pass a Department Backup
Proficiency Course a minimum of twice yearly.
21.02.0
GENERAL INFORMATION
POLICY
MANUAL
21.03.0
June,2o15
HANDLING RESTRICTIONS
Officers shall exercise the utmost care and caution in the use of firearms at all
times. Officers shall not needlessly display or carelessly handle any firearm.
Officers are specifically prohibited from engaging in any form of "dry" fire in any
school district building or public place except as part of a training course under
supervision. This term is meant to include snapping of the hammer.
During business hours, maintenance will not be performed on any firearm on
Washoe County School District Property without prior approval from the
department Range master or supervisor.
The officer is responsible for the security and safekeeping of his/her firearm. The
officer shall insure any firearm in his/her possession is secured so unauthorized
persons do not use it. No firearm shall be left unattended or unsecured in a
purse, unlocked desk, or unlocked file cabinet. Officers will be required to remove
all firearms from school district property at the end of his/her shift.
!f a firearm is lost or stolen the Chief of Police MUST be notified immediately, via
the chain of command.
21.O4.0
1. Protect
2.
3.
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June,2015
where,
under the totality of the circumstances, there is reasonable cause to
anticipate imminent death or serious bodily harm. Officers will not point
firearms in unsafe directions which may endanger the innocent public. lf
the officer has drawn his or her weapon from their holster, the officer is
required to immediately (or as soon as safely possible) notify a supervisor.
o
.
.
.
o
As warning shots.
lf it appears likely that an innocent person may be injured.
An officer will not discharge a firearm at any animal unless there is
immediate, imminent danger to the officer or to a citizen. An officer
encountering situations involving dangerous or injured animals will request
the assistance of the animal control agency for that jurisdiction.
From a moving vehicle, except as a last resort.
At a moving vehicle, unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to protect
against imminent threat to the life of the member or others. As such,
members:
o Shall attempt to move out of the path of an oncoming vehicle if
possible, rather than discharge their firearms.
o Shall not intentionally place themselves in the path of an oncoming
vehicle and attempt to disable the vehicle by discharging their
firearms.
o Shall not discharge their firearms at a fleeing vehicle or its driver.
21.05.0
FIREARM TRAINING
The Department will require each officer, (authorized to carry a firearm) to shoot
and pass the designated Department Proficiency Course each time they attend
range training (A minimum of twice a year). (Specific dates to be announced by
the Chief or designee.)
21.05.1
Firearm Qualifications
Firearms proficiency is a criticaljob skill for all officers. All officers must remain
proficient with their firearms. The following steps will outline firearms
qualifications for all on duty weapons.
POLICY MANUAL
1.
June, 2015
lf an officer fails to qualify with their duty weapon (Pistol, shotgun or rifle),
they will be given another opportunity to qualify after a minimum of 30
minutes of down time (No live fire). lf the failure is the result of a
mechanical problem with the firearm, the failure will not be documented as
a failed qualification for the officer.
2. lf the officer fails the second qualification attempt range staff will provide
remediation to diagnose and address the problem. Onsite remediation will
be given whenever possible, time permitting. Upon completion of the
remediation, the officer will be given a 3'd attempt to qualify.
3. lf the officer fails to qualify on the 3'd attempt, the Range Master shall
notify the Deputy Chief and/or the Chief.
4. The officer will be directed to attend an extensive remediation session to
21.06.0
Sth
POLICY
MANUAL
June, 2015
A. Will be one of the following weapons in either 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP. The
weapon must be a full size duty pistol for uniformed use, in blued/black or stainless finish
only. Compact models are approved for the plain-clothes assignments.
1. Beretta pistols
2. Colt (XSE Model Only)*
2. Glock Pistols
3. Heckler & Koch (USP series only)
4. Kimber*
5. Sig Sauer*
5. Smith & Wesson Pistols*
6. Springfield Armory*
7 . P ara Ordnance (ParaUSA)*
*In addition,lgll style single action pistols by these manufactures are also approved.
B. The use of revolvers as a primary or secondary duty weapon is not authorized.
21.07.0
l.
2.
The officer must qualify with the off-duty/back up weapon before being
authorized for use.
The weapon must be carried fully concealed and secured on the
employee's person. The officer must carry police identification and badge
whenever they are carrying a weapon.
21.07.O1
While on duty, all uniformed officers (authorized by the Chief to carry a firearm)
will carry at least three magazines, filled to capacity with department-approved
ammunition. The Department will provide all training and duty ammunition for the
POLICY MANUAL
June, 2015
primary duty weapon. Training ammunition for secondary and back up weapons
will be provided by the officer. The department will provide duty ammunition for
one (1 ) secondary weapon.
The following ammunition is approved for use while carrying a weapon:
The department range master will maintain a list of the current authorized duty
ammunition. Only the current authorized ammunition is to be used for primary or
secondary weapons.
Back up/off duty weapons:
Ammunition for back-up/off duty weapons should be of the same brand/model as
the approved duty ammunition for that caliber; however ammunition from major
commercial manufacturers that is designed for duty or personal defense may be
used.
The following holsters are approved for uniformed duty use:
Safariland - Model 070, 296,6280, and 6360 ALS/SLS in black basket weave or
plain.
Blackhawk - Serpa Level ll and lll (NON LIGHT BEARING) in black basket
weave or black "STX" (nylon) finish, EPOCH level lll light bearing in black basket
weave or plain.
G-Code - SOC holster (Black only).
Drop leg thigh platform is only approved for motor officer wear.
2'1.07.2
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June, 20f5
The followinq are approved pistol mounted liqhts for vour weapon:
No modification mav be made to the approved pistol mounted liqht. to include the
addition of pressure or depression switches.
21.08.0
DISCHARGE OF FIREARM
The officer shall notify the Chief via the chain of command and briefly
explain what occurred.
The officer shall be placed on paid administrative leave pending results of
an investigation
The officer involved will surrender the weapon to the Chief of Police or
designee as soon as heishe arrives on the scene (ln accordance with the
current OIS protocol).
The officer involved will be escorted by a member of this Department to
the School Police Office and placed on paid administrative leave pending
the immediate results of the investigation. Witnesses will be handled in
POLICY MANUAL
June, 2015
21.09.0
At any time a shot is fired by a member of this Department, other than during
range or other authorized practice, an investigation report and recommendation
wil! be prepared by a Shooting Review Board and submitted to the Chief of
Police. lf an injury occurs on the range involving shooting, the same applies.
FORMATION:
21.11.0
POLICY
MANUAL
21.11.1
June, 2015
POLICY
Only officers who are trained and qualified in the use of the Washoe
County School District Police Department's patrol rifle are authorized
to carry and deploy this weapon. This policy is intended to be consistent
with, and a component part of, the Department policy on the Use of
Deadly Force.
2I.II.2
DEFINITIONS
A.
B.
locked open.
C.
D.
2I.I1.3
A. Authori zed
RIFLES
P atr ol
Rifl es
POLICY
MANUAL
June,2o15
B. Authorized Modifications:
1. Only the department assigned armorer
will perform
f) Forward grip
g) Handguard mounted flashlight
will
Rifle qualifications.
C. Issuance and Use
1. On-duty officers are only authorized to use Department issued
rifles, unless written approval is obtained from the Chief of Police.
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MANUAL
June,2o15
2I.II.4
4. Officer selected will complete the Training Course and requirements set
by this department.
rifle
as
well
as the
carry a rifle.
2I.II.5
qualification course.
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MANUAL
June,2o15
A. The rifle safety will be ON at all times unless the operator is on target and has decided
to shoot.
B. The rifle will not have a round loaded in the chamber when in a police vehicle, and
will be locked in its designated rifle rack.
C. A round will only be loaded into the chamber of the weapon outside the police vehicle
in anticipation of the weapon's imminent use ("Cover/Ready Condition").
D. Except when anticipating the imminent use of the rifle, employees will inspect the
weapon to ensure that the safety is on "Safe" and there is no round loaded in the chamber
when:
1. Checking a rifle out from an authorized police weapons storage facility
or locker.
If the rifle is found to have a round in the chamber, the employee will move to
a safe location, point the muzzle in a safe direction and unload the weapon.
E.
2I.II.6.
RIFLE DEPLOYMENT
A. Recommended
Use.
Below are guidelines for deploying with a rifle. The officer will be
POLICY
MANUAL
June,2o15
responsible for justifying his/her decision to deploy with a rifle in any given set
circumstances.
of
of
B. Rifle Use:
congested areas.
of
2. The rifle shall be turned over to on scene supervisor (Or OIS personnel)
when the incident is concluded.
2I.II.7
RIFLE SECURITY
POLICY
MANUAL
June, 2015
A. Vehicles:
1. Most patrol units assigned on this department are take-home units. If a
patrol unit is kept in a locked garage at an officer's residence, the rifle
may remain in the patrol unit secured in the electronic or manual key rack.
If a patrol unit is parked in the driveway or on the street in front of an
officer's residence, the rifle will be removed from the patrol unit and
secured inside the officer's residence. Under no circumstances is a rifle to
be locked in the trunk of a patrol unit unless approval is received from the
officer's supervisor, and only for a limited time as designated by the
supervisor
2. Rifles will be removed from any vehicle prior to being taken out of
service unless an officer is available to standby with the vehicle until the
maintenance is completed. Officers shall contact their supervisor and
make alrangements for safekeeping of the rifle if necessary.
3. Rifles in vehicles
21.11.8
will
o'Car
be in
Condition"
QUALTFTCATTONS
A. Qualification
POLICY MANUAL
June, 2015
4. Those who fail to pass the qualification will be given one additional
opportunity to qualify during that session (Time permitting).
5. Unexcused failures to shoot, or failure to appear for remedial training as
directed, will cause the Range Master to forward a memorandum to the
Deputy Chief, and may result in removal of the employee from the rifle
program.
B. Failure to Qualify
2.lf
3. Officers may appeal their removal from the patrol rifle program to the
Chief of Police.
21.12.0
2t.t2.t
POLICY
Only officers who are trained and qualified in the use of the Remington 870 shotgun are
authorized to carry and deploy this weapon per the Chief s approval. All officers assigned
to the patrol division who are not assigned to the rifle program must qualifu with the
shotgun. This policy is consistent with, and a component part of the department policy on
the use of deadly force.
The authorized shotgun is a Remington 870,t2-gaugs pump-action shotgun. No
modifications are to be made to this weapon by individual officers unless specifically
authorized by the Chief s office. Officers may submit a request to the Chief s office to
carry their own personally purchased shotgun. The weapon must be a l2-glage pump
action shotgun. The Chief s office may decline any request at his discretion.
POLICY MANUAL
June,2015
Training and Duty Ammunition for the shotgun will be issued by this department only.
2I.I2.2
DEFINITIONS
t. Armory condition: Bolt is to the rear, chamber and magazine is empty, shell
carrier in the up position, safety is off. Used for general transporting,
cleaning/maintenance and entering range.
2. Car condition: Bolt is forward, chamber is empty, trigger is disengaged,magazine
is full and the safety is off. This condition is used while on duty and the weapon is
being transported in a patrol unit.
J. Cover/Ready condition: Bolt is forward, a round in the chamber, trigger is
cocked, magazine is full, finger on or off the trigger depending on threat, safety
off.
While on duty, officers will store their shotguns in a electronic or manual lock shotgun
rack mounted in their respective patrol units. Under no circumstances are shotguns to be
transported or left in the trunk of a patrol unit unless specifically authorized by a
supervisor.
Once the decision is made to deploy with the shotgun, the officer will determine when to
place the shotgun in a Cover/Ready condition. The decision to chamber a shell should be
based upon the officer's perception of the immediate threat to the officer's life or the life
of others.
It is advised that officers should place the safety switch in the on position anytime the
stock is removed from the shoulder. If the situation is resolved without the need to fire
the shotgun, the officer will use a safe location to place the shotgun back into patrol Car
Ready condition as soon as practical.
2I.I2.3
SHOTGUN DEPLOYMENT
Below are guidelines for deploying with a shotgun. The officer will be responsible for
justifying hisftrer decision to deploy with a shotgun in any given set of circumstances.
MANUAL
POLICY
l.
2.
3.
4.
5.
June, 2015
2I.I2.4
SHOTGUN SECURITY
Most patrol units assigned on this department are take-home units. If a patrol unit is kept
in a locked garage at an officer's residence, the shotgun may remain in the patrol unit
secured in the electronic or manual key rack. If a patrol unit is parked in the driveway or
on the street in front of an officer's residence, the shotgun will be removed from the
patrol unit and secured inside the officer's residence. Under no circumstances is a
shotgun to be locked in the trunk of a patrol unit, unless approval is received from a
supervisor and only for a limited time as designated by the supervisor
Shotguns
will
be removed from any vehicle prior to being taken out of service unless an
officer is available to standby with the vehicle until the maintenance is completed.
Officers shall contact their supervisor and make arrangements for safekeeping of the rifle
if
necessary.
A. Qualification
Chief of Police or his/her designee shall establish the qualification
standards and profi ciency-trainin g curri culum.
1. The
B. Failure to Qualify
POLICY
MANUAL
June,2o15
Officers failing to qualify with their shotgun are not authorized to carry
the shotgun for duty use until successful completion of the shotgun
qualifi cation is accomplished.
1.
2.If
4. Officers may appeal their removal from patrol to the Chief of Police.