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101.2 Firearms (Issued 12-14-2020)FRIDLEY POLICE DATE OF ISSUE NUMBER: GENERAL ORDER December 14, 2020 101.2 SUBJECT: REVISION DATE SECTION: Firearms New Red I. PURPOSE The purpose of this General Order is to establish rules and procedures governing Fridley Police Department officers’ training, qualification, safety, carrying, care, and maintenance of department-issued and/or authorized firearms and ammunition. Minnesota Statutes § 609.666 Negligent Storage of a Firearm II. POLICY The Fridley Police Department (“department”) is committed to the belief that increased training enhances professionalism and decreases the likelihood of injury to officers and citizens. Because of this commitment, officers are required to demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms once annually in compliance with POST requirements. Only officers who first receive training in the department’s Use of Force and Firearms policies, and demonstrate proficiency in their application, are authorized to carry firearms. All department qualifications and sponsored firearms training shall be administered by trained firearm instructors. Firearms qualification is a combination of skill and discretion. Department training emphasizes proper use of force decision-making (when to shoot as well as how to shoot). Any officer who makes an unlawful, excessive, or unauthorized use of a firearm will be subject to disciplinary actions and may be subject to civil and criminal liability. III. DEFINITIONS Administrative No Gun Status The lack of technical ability to qualify, as determined by the Firearms Program. Approved Handgun Any handgun that is authorized for carry (Primary Handgun, Secondary Handgun, Back- Up/Off-Duty Handguns) Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun A handgun that does not meet the standard of the Secondary Handgun, that upon approval and qualification can be worn concealed in addition to a Primary Handgun while on-duty or concealed alone when off-duty. Critical Firearm Discharge When an officer discharges a firearm. (Range and training discharges, and discharges at animals, are not included under this section.) Department Armorer/Armorer A firearms instructor trained in the maintenance and/or repair of a specific weapon platforms which may include handgun, rifle, and munition launchers. Deployed Any time a firearm is removed from its holster or mounting and brought into view of the public during an emergency or other police operation. Firearm An issued and/or authorized weapon designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive (e.g., revolver, pistol, shotgun, rifle) to be utilized in accordance with applicable department policies, but not including devices only designed to expel less- lethal projectiles. Firearms Coordinator: The sergeant in charge of coordinating and supervising firearms training, firearms related equipment (ammunition, firearms), less lethal impact munition and launchers, chemical and distractionary munitions (tear gas, other related devices), decision making simulation training and equipment, and related policies and standards. Firearms Instructor An officer or sergeant with two or more years’ experience within the agency as an officer who has been professionally trained to instruct the disciplines of either/and/or handgun, rifle and/or munitions (40MM, throwables, etc.) use. Handgun A class of firearms designed to be held in the hand and not stabilized with the aid of a shoulder rest. For this policy handguns are defined as the group that includes Primary Handguns, Secondary Handguns, Back-Up/Off-Duty Handguns Magazine or “Source of Feed” An ammunition retainer for semi-automatic pistols and rifles Medical No-Gun Status The lack of physical ability to qualify with a firearm as determined by a qualified physician Minnesota Board of Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) The state board that regulates peace officer licensing, standards, and training. Munitions Master An officer level less lethal/chemical munition instructor appointed by the firearms coordinator to oversee the maintenance and inventory of all munition equipment, and the armoring of the launchers. Patrol Rifle The department-issued 5.56/.223 caliber AR 15 shoulder fired variant rifle Physical Stress Training Requires the officer to successfully perform a live-fire exercise before or during an agility drill. Precision Rifle The department-issued .243 caliber bolt action rifle with a magnified scope Rifle Squad Ready The rifle is set on “safe”, no round of ammunition in the chamber, the bolt is forward and closed, and loaded magazine is inserted in the rifle. The rifle is secured. Primary Handgun The department-issued on-duty handgun, a Glock 9MM model 17, approved for carry for all officers Proper Use of Force Decision Making The use of reasonable force, including proper tactics and de-escalation techniques. Psychological Stress Training Under stress certain physical changes may occur (e.g., loss of fine motor skills, tunnel vision, auditory exclusions). This training mentally prepares the officer to overcome or minimize these changes by demonstrating proficiency in a variety of skills within a specific time frame. Range Master An officer level firearms instructor appointed by the Field Operations Commander and the Firearms Coordinator with a diverse portfolio of training and experience to oversee the maintenance of the firearms training facility, facilitate firearms training, maintain training equipment, oversee the schedule of handgun armoring, and to fulfill duties assigned by the Firearms Coordinator. Rifle Master An officer level firearms instructor appointed by the firearms coordinator appointed to oversee the maintenance and inventory of all agency rifles and oversee the armoring of the rifles. Secondary Handgun A department-issued or personally owned firearm manufactured by the same manufacturer as the Primary Handgun that uses the same or nearly identical action in 9x19 (9MM), .40 S&W, or .45 ACP calibers. Upon qualification, a Secondary Handgun may be carried as a back-up weapon, off-duty, and when engaged in department sanctioned activities where criminal enforcement and investigation is unlikely such as training, office meetings or court. When approved, a Secondary Handgun may be carried on-duty in lieu of the Primary Handgun (i.e. plainclothes or undercover assignments). Storage Condition The rifle’s selector lever on “safe,” magazine removed, chamber empty, and bolt closed. Yearly Firearm Qualification Firearms qualification is required once every calendar year (annually). IV. PROCEDURE A. Authorized Use of Firearms/Ammunition 1. General a. Officers are authorized to carry firearms on-duty, off-duty, or as a back-up as authorized in this policy and in accordance with state and federal statutes. b. Only those firearms that are issued and/or authorized by department and qualified with shall be carried while on or off- duty. This is true even if an officer chooses to secure a permit to carry/CCW permit in addition to his/her authorization to carry a firearm granted by virtue of his/her employment as a Licensed Peace Officer. This does not include any firearms that are used purely for recreation, hunting, or engaging in firearms related sports. c. All officers will be issued a Primary Handgun for on-duty carrying to the exclusion of all other handguns unless an officer is issued a Secondary Handgun for their current assignment (i.e. Detectives) or the Director of Public Safety has granted permission to carry a Secondary Handgun in lieu of the Primary Handgun. The Firearms Coordinator will maintain a record of all approved weapons. All officers, regardless of what firearm they are approved to carry, must maintain qualification on the Primary Handgun. d. Additionally, the department authorizes for use the following department-owned rifles: 1) 5.56/.223 caliber AR-15 shoulder fired variant rifle 2) .243 caliber bolt action rifle with a magnified scope e. Qualification with one department-issued model firearm does not qualify the officer to carry other model firearms. Officers must qualify separately with each firearm that they choose to carry either while on or off-duty 3. Security, Storage, and Safe Handling of Firearms a. Officers shall be trained in accordance with department guidelines and shall obey all safety rules when handling any firearm or any other weapon. No person other than Fridley Police Department officers shall be permitted access to any department-owned firearm, with the exception of: police officers from other jurisdictions in the official performance of their duty; for repair or maintenance as approved by the department; or other circumstances with the express permission of the Firearms Coordinator. b. Officers will secure and store firearms, both on and off-duty, in such a way as to ensure that no unauthorized person will have access to or gain control over the firearm. All department firearms kept at home must be secured in a safe place inaccessible to family members, especially children. c. Whenever an officer is in the department and removes his/her handgun or other weapon, the item must not be left in the open and must be secured so that it is not readily accessible to civilians, suspects, victims, or witnesses. d. Rifles that are removed from squads for storage will be secured in the armory unloaded. e. Rifles will be removed from any vehicle prior to being serviced by someone other than the City of Fridley Fleet Services Employees unless an officer is available to standby with the vehicle until the maintenance is completed. f. Vehicles shall not be left with their rifle mount unlocked and the rifled contained within. g. Vehicles with manual locks shall not be left unattended without first removing the rifle l ock key and the rifled contained within. 4. Maintenance a. Officers are responsible for the care and cleaning of weapons issued to them. Officers shall keep their department-issued and/or approved weapons in good, serviceable condition at all times. All weapons shall be kept clean and free from excessive amounts of oil. b. Officers shall report any weapon malf unction to a department armorer. Department-issued weapons shall only be repaired by department armorers, a professional armorer approved by the Firearms Coordinator, or the manufacturer. c. Primary responsibility for maintenance of rifles shall fall on the Rifle Master and rifle armorers, who shall inspect, service and approve each rifle on a routine basis. Training rifles shall be cleaned monthly. d. Department-issued weapons that become defective will be immediately removed from service. e. Any damage to weapons, other than cosmetic, or mechanical failure of any kind, shall be immediately reported to supervisor. The weapon shall be taken out of service until repaired and cleared for service by an appropriate armorer. Depending on the weapon, the Munition, Range or Rifle Master shall be notified if a weapon is out of service. f. If a department-issued weapon must be replaced, the officer will report to a department armorer for an exchange. An armorer shall record the information (e.g., weapon, model number, serial number) on the officer’s firearm’s record and notify the Firearms Coordinator. g. Rifles will be zeroed/checked for accuracy annually, after significant maintenance, after a drop or fall of the rifle, and/or if there is a notable accuracy issue. Rifles will be zeroed as such: a. Patrol Rifle: 50 yard zero b. Precision Rifle: 100 yard zero 5. Ammunition a. All ammunition carried on-duty in Primary Handguns, Secondary Handguns, Patrol Rifles and Precision Rifles will be approved by the Firearms Coordinator. This list will be posted in the gun cleaning facilities and updated annually. b. All department-issued handguns carried by officers, on or off- duty, shall be carried with a chambered round and a fully loaded magazine. Additional magazines, when carried, shall also be fully loaded. c. On-duty officers in uniform assigned to patrol functions must carry a minimum of three handgun magazines (one inserted in the handgun and two spares). In all other on-duty functions, an officer must carry a minimum of two magazines (one inserted in the handgun and one spare; except when in an undercover capacity, when an officer may elect to not carry a reload or if unarmed.) d. Patrol Rifles shall be equipped at minimum with a thirty (30) round magazine loaded with 29 rounds. Officers may carry additional Patrol Rifle magazines. e. Precision Rifles shall be equipped with a magazine fully loaded and additional ammunition may be carried f. Any magazine designed for use in, but not manufactured by the same manufacturer as the weapon, must be approved for on- duty carry by the Firearms Coordinator. Approvals do not need to specifically be listed in policy. Magpul Pmags are approved for handguns (21 round capacity or less) and Patrol Rifles (30 round capacity). B. Firearm Safety 1. General a. All firearms shall be carried holstered or in a gun bag, gun box or in a gun mount. b. Officers are prohibited from using cross draw holsters 2. Securing Firearms While Processing Arrested Individuals Prior to removing a prisoner(s) from any secured area (e.g. rear of vehicle, cellblock, etc.) while in a secured facility (sallyport, booking facilities and/or jail), officers will secure their firearms in a weapon locker or in a locked squad. 3. Modifications a. Officers are prohibited from affixing any attachment, except for a weapon light, or in any way modifying any Primary or Secondary Handgun, or rifle without the approval from the Firearms Coordinator. Modifications or additions to the grip designed by the manufacturer, or solely intended to increase grip or comfort on the firearm while shooting, are allowed without authorization. b. In general, a rifle may be set up with a sling, sights, an optic, grip material, a suppressor, a muzzle brake or flash suppressor, a bi-pod, and/or a modular stock and foregrip without further specific authorization needed. 4. Prohibited Uses a. The use of a firearm is categorized as deadly/lethal force. The use of a firearm must be in strict compliance with this department’s Use of Force policy (General Order 101). b. An officer shall not unnecessarily display or at any time use any weapon as an intimidation device. c. Officers are prohibited from discharging their firearms as a means of warning or frightening a person. d. Officers are prohibited from discharging their firearms at or from a moving vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle (collectively, “moving vehicle”) unless officers reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to defend the officer or a third person from the use, or imminent use, of deadly force. For purposes of this policy, officers will not discharge their firearms at moving vehicles except under extreme circumstances. Such discharges will be rigorously scrutinized. Officers shall, as a rule, avoid tactics that could place them in a position where a vehicle could be used against them. When confronted with an oncoming, moving vehicle, officers must attempt to move out of its path, when possible, and should generally avoid placing themselves in situations where the use of deadly force is more likely. e. Officers are prohibited from drawing and pointing their firearms at or in the direction of a person, absent an objectively reasonable determination that the situation may esc alate to the point where deadly force would be authorized under this policy. When it is determined that the use of deadly force is not necessary, officers shall, as soon as practicable, secure or holster their firearms. It is the rule of this department that drawing a firearm and pointing in the direction of a subject is considered a use of force and must be documented as such. 5. Use of Force Reporting The use of a firearm must be reported in strict compliance with the department’s Use of Force General, Reporting and Reviewing Force and Critical Incident policies (See General Orders 101, 101.1 & 201) C. Yearly Firearms Inspections 1. Officers are expected to examine their handguns during and after shoots and upon cleaning after use. Annual inspection and armoring of Primary and Secondary Handguns will occur by a department armorer in a manner determined by the Firearms Coordinator. Scheduling of the annual armoring of department-issued handguns will be the responsibility the Range Master. Officers that are the personal owner of Secondary Handguns must schedule the armoring of their handgun with a department armorer. 2. An inspection and armoring must occur for any department-issued firearm before being assigned to an officer unless it is brand new. 3. An inspection and armoring must occur prior to carrying a Secondary Handgun and annually thereafter. Regardless, each firearm must be armored annually. 4. Annual inspection and armoring of rifles will occur by a department armorer in a manner determined by the Firearms Coordinator. Scheduling of the annual armoring of city issued rifles will be the responsibility the Rifle Master. Training rifles will be cleaned and armored monthly. 5. Records of annual armoring shall be maintained by the Firearms Coordinator. D. Firearms Training 1. General a. Any adopted firearm qualifications must have been approved by POST and comply with POST standards for annual qualifications for the given type of firearm. Any new qualifications must be approved by POST. b. All officers are required to qualify with any firearms they carry or may carry on-duty or handguns off-duty before they may carry the particular firearm and annually thereafter. This may include: Primar y Handguns, Secondary Handguns, Back-up/Off-Duty Handguns, and Patrol Rifles. Qualification on the Precision Rifles is optional unless otherwise directed. Firearm instructors will provide corrective measures for any deficient firearm techniques and/or any failure to adhere to safe handling procedures. c. All officers are required to attend monthly training for firearms unless approved by their Division Commander. Training shall include training on the department’s Use of Force policy. d. Annually, all officers must satisfy all POST requirements listed in the current POST “In Service Use of Force Learning Objectives for Peace Officers and Part Time Officers.” e. The following are the q ualifications for each specific firearm as required by POST requirements: 1) Handgun (Primary, Secondary, Back-up/Off-Duty): Fridley Police Department Duty Handgun Qualification Course of Fire. 2) Patrol Rifle: Fridley Police Department Full Range AR-15 Platform Rifle Qualification Course of Fire, or Fridley Police Department Short Range AR-15 Platform Qualification Course of Fire. 3) Precision Rifle: Fridley Police Department .243 Qualification. f. The Firearms Coordinator shall ensure that all officers are scheduled to qualify on an annual basis. g. A firearms instructor shall be in charge at all times when officers are on the firing range. h. All training, including remedial training, will be documented. i. Training and qualification sessions for Primary Handguns, Patrol Rifles and Precision Rifles, include but are not limited to: stress training, night training, advanced training and proper use of force decision making to adequately prepare for real life situations. E. Accidental or Unintentional Firearm Discharge 1. Commanding officers shall require officers that experience an accidental or unintentional discharge or that have improperly used a weapon to receive and successfully complete firearms re-training. An Interdepartmental Memorandum shall be submitted to the Director of Public Safety requesting that the officer(s) be provided with re- training. A copy of the investigation and report on the incident precipitating the request shall be attached. 2. All accidental or unintentional firearm discharges are classified as Level 3 use of force and will be investigated F. Firearms Qualification 1. Primary Handgun Failure to Qualify Failure to successfully complete the required qualification at the indicated frequency or to adhere to all safety protocols of the department shall result in the administrative actions listed below: a. Officers who fail to qualify shall be relieved of their Primary Handgun and shall sign a Revocation Notice acknowledging not only that the officer is in a no-gun status, but also that the officer is prohibited from taking any law enforcement action. The Revocation Notice shall be forwarded to the Director of Public Safety. b. Officers shall also relinquish their department identification card and shall be placed in an in-house, administrative assignment until such time as re-training and qualification is complete. c. Officers placed in no-gun status shall be scheduled to attempt the qualification again as soon as next available. The officer will be given up to five (5) attempts to qualify. For each attempt, the officer will be provided eight (8) hours of remedial firearm training session (40 hours total). d. Those officers that fail to qualify after five (5) remedial training sessions within thirty (30) days of their initial failure to qualify shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including a recommendation for termination of employment; and e. The Firearms Coordinator will notify the Director of Public Safety of an officer’s administrative no-gun status and will provide progress reports to the Director of Public Safety during the period of remedial training. 3. Secondary Handgun Failure to Qualify a. Officers assigned or who elect to carry a Secondary Handgun are required to qualify with their Secondary Handgun or approved firearm annually. b. A failure to qualify with a Secondary Handgun will require the officer to be scheduled for subsequent qualification attempts. c. Officers may not carry a Secondary Handgun prior to successfully completing a training and qualification session. 4. Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun Failure to Qualify a. Officers who elect to carry a Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun are required to qualify with their Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun annually. b. A failure to qualify with a Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun will require the officer to be scheduled for a subsequent qualification attempt. c. Officers may not carry a Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun prior to successfully completing a training and qualification session. 5. Patrol Rifle or Precision Rifle Failure Qualify a. All officers are required to qualify with the Patrol Rifle annually. b. Officer who fail to qualify with a rifle will be scheduled for an immediate remedial training session. c. Officers may not deploy the respective weapon until they successfully complete a training and qualification session. d. Qualifying on the Precision Rifle is optional unless otherwise directed. 7. Failure to Complete Training a. Annual firearms training and qualifications will be conducted on dates to be determined by the Firearms Coordinator. b. Failure to complete required training sessions may result in the immediate revocation of authorization to carry a firearm. (1) Officers shall be required to sign the Revocation Notice acknowledging that the officer is relieved from carrying a firearm and is prohibited from taking law enforcement action. (2) This revocation shall remain in effect until such time as the officer attends a training and qualification session; and (3) It is incumbent upon each officer to ensure attendance in order to avoid further administrative action. F. Carrying Firearms - Generally 1. No officer shall enter any holding cell or holding cell area with a firearm, if the area is occupied by a prisoner. 2. Officers assigned to duty inside any department building shall keep all weapons immediately available but out of view and out of reach of the general public. 3. The taking of prescription drugs or over the counter medications that may inhibit an officer’s ability or judgment prohibits the officer from carrying any weapon. Officers shall notify their immediate supervisor, should they be required by a medical condition, to take any prescription or over the counter drug that may inhibit their ability or judgment to carry a weapon. 4. Officers on-duty shall carry an authorized handgun unless otherwise instructed or approved. Officers operating in an undercover capacity may elect to not carry a handgun for their safety and if approved by their supervisor. 5. Firearms shall not be removed from any holster in an unsafe manner. Officers shall keep their fingers off the trigger and the firearm pointed at the floor during the storage process. 6. All officers must carry their department identification card and badge while on-duty except while in an approved undercover capacity for their safety and if approved by their supervisor 7. Off-duty/Back-Up Handguns must serviceable and in good quality. G. Handguns 1. Uniforms (On-Duty) a. Officers shall carry their Primary Handgun holstered, unless otherwise approved, in a department-issued or approved holster, worn in accordance with department uniform standards. b. A Secondary Handgun used as a back-up or Back-Up/Off-Duty Handgun must be concealed and secured in such a manner so as to allow for no unusual bulges, protrusions or exposure. 2. Civilian Attire (On-Duty) a. All officers shall carry their Primary Handgun or approved Secondary Handgun holstered. b. Officers that carry a handgun in a purse, pouch, or similar article shall do so with the sidearm properly holstered, or in a separate compartment. A sidearm shall not lie free with other items. c. Officers in civilian attire shall not appear in public places or buildings open to the general public without having their weapons concealed such a manner so as to allow for no unusual bulges, protrusions, or exposure unless they display a visible badge on their belt or front torso. 3. Off-Duty a. The carrying of a handgun while off-duty shall be at the option of the officer. b. Officers are not authorized to carry their department-issued handgun off-duty until successful completion of the FTO program. c. Officers carrying handguns off-duty shall comply with the guidelines and procedures set forth in this General Order, and with all department use of force policies. d. All officers must carry their department identification card while carrying a handgun off-duty. e. While operating a Fridley Police Department marked vehicle off-duty, officers shall be armed with their department-issued or approved handgun. f. Officers electing to carry a handgun off-duty shall do so in a safe, secure, and accessible manner. Handguns carried off- duty shall be carried concealed from public view. g. Officers are prohibited from participating in any sporting activity while carrying a handgun. This does not include carrying firearms that are used purely for recreation, hunting, or engaging in firearms related sports. h. Officers shall not carry any department-issued firearm while engaged in or participating in any public demonstration, rally, march or picketing activity. i. Off-duty officers are prohibited by state law from carrying a firearm if their blood alcohol level is .04 or above. In addition, officers shall not carry a firearm in situations where an officer’s performance may be impaired. If it appears that the officer is carrying a firearm while off-duty has consumed alcohol or is otherwise impaired, the officer shall be required to submit to field sobriety, Breathalyzer, and /or blood tests. j. Officers are prohibited from carrying a firearm if they are taking any debilitating medication (prescribed or non- prescribed). k. Officers shall not carry any weapon while serving in the capacity of juror or prospective juror. 4. Off-Duty Police Action a. Off-duty officers are prohibited from carrying or using firearms or taking police action in situations where an officer’s performance may be impaired or the officer’s ability to take objective action may be compromised. H. Rifles 1. Records a. A record of all rifles to be used by the department, along with their records of zeroing, armoring and assignments, shall be maintained by the Rifle Master and provided to the Firearms Coordinator 1) Weapons will be logged by make, model, serial number and assignment. 2) An officer’s qualification to carry a rifle will be kept in the annual firearms training file. 3) Each rifle shall be zeroed annually. 2. Deployment Guidelines a. Officers may deploy a rifle in any circumstance where the officer can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the Patrol Rifle may include, but are not limited to: 1) Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter, or is receiving gunfire from an identified hostile source and the use of the handgun would not be practical; 2) When an officer is faced with a situation that may require the delivery of accurate and effective fire at long range; 3) Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect’s firepower; 4) When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to deliver fire on a barricaded suspect or a suspect with a hostage; 5) Rapid response to an active shooter; 6) When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor; 7) During the service of a search warrant; 8) When providing lethal coverage for an officer(s) who is deploying munitions; 9) When authorized or requested by a supervisor. b. Officers shall use caution when employing a Patrol Rifle in close proximity to subject(s) where weapon retention may be an issue. Considerations for when a rifle is deployed include, but are limited to: 1) Population density of the area; 2) Use and construction of building in which the weapon is to be used; 3) Type and proximity of surrounding buildings and area; 4) Type of weapon known or believed to be in the possession of the suspect(s); 5) Rapid response to an active shooter; and 6) Presence of a clear field of fire and backdrop. c. Rifles should not be utilized in an environment that would tactically hinder safe movement and the ability to utilize the weapon, if the situation is avoidable. d. Discharge of the Patrol Rifle shall be governed by the department’s Use of Force policy (General Order 101). 3. Rifle - Squad Ready a. Any officer carrying a rifle in the field shall maintain the weapon in “squad ready” status until deployed. A rifle is considered “squad ready” when it has been inspected by the assigned officer and meets the following conditions: 1) The rifle is set on “safe”, 2) There is no round in the chamber, 3) The rifle bolt is forward, 4) There is a loaded magazine in the rifle, and 5) The rifle is stored in a hard case or locked in a secured patrol mount inside squad, if the vehicle is outfitted with an appropriate rifle mount. 4. Deployment Ready and Making Safe the Patrol Rifle a. Any officer deploying a rifle in the field shall follow the below listed steps to chamber a live round and, once the circumstances no longer require the use of the weapon, to make the patrol rifle safe: 1) Safely remove the rifle from the locking rack or hard case, 2) Point the rifle in a safe direction (ie: pointed down toward a soft surface) and pull the charging handle back fully, releasing it and charging a live round into the chamber, 3) Ensure the rifle is in the “safe” position until ready to discharge the rifle, 4) Once the circumstances no longer require the rifle, move to a safe location, point the weapon in a safe direction, and remove the magazine, 5) Pull the charging handle back fully allowing the chambered round to eject onto the ground. Rack the rifle twice and lock bolt to the rear, 6) Perform visual and physical checks with the bolt OPEN to ensure an empty chamber. With an empty chamber, RELEASE THE BOLT FORWARD and move the safety to “safe;” 7) Return magazine to magazine well (now missing one round) and replace weapon into its mount or case in “squad ready” condition, 8) At first opportunity, or end of shift, replace the round that had been chambered with a new round. The expended round can be used as training ammunition. I. Post Firing Handling 1. Handgun Except for after dispatching an animal, participating in firearms training (aside from accidental discharges or negligence during training), or other non-use of force administrative situations: a. In the event the handgun is fired, the officer must maintain the condition of the handgun. b. After the incident has been stabilized, the safety shall be activated (if applicable) and the handgun should be holstered (if applicable). c. No other actions shall be taken to render the handgun “safe.” d. The handgun shall be turned over to a supervisor or their designee, the Incident Commander, and/or the investigating agency. e. The handgun shall be replaced as soon as it is available to be. 2. Rifle Except for after dispatching an animal, participating in firearms training (aside from accidental discharges or negligence during training), or other non-use of force administrative situations: a. In the event the rifle is fired, the officer must maintain the condition of the rifle. b. After the incident has been stabilized, the safety shall be engaged. c. No other actions shall be taken to render the rifle “safe.” d. The rifle shall be turned over to duty a supervisor or their designee, the Incident Commander, and/or the investigating agency. 3. Mandatory Blood Test Except in the case of an authorized use in dispatching an animal or during training (General Order 101 Section IV, sub E 5 & 6) whenever a member of the police department discharges a firearm, either accidently or in the performance of police duty, the officer shall be required to provide a sample of blood for analysis to determine the presence of alcohol and/or drugs. J. Master Instructor Positions 1. Master instructor positions are open to members of the firearms training program and are in addition to all other assigned duties as an officer and instructor. a. Munitions Master The Firearms Coordinator will designate and appoint a Munition Master. The Muntion Master must be an officer level firearms instructor with at least two years of experience as an officer with the police deparment with at least one year of experience as an instructor, a less lethal/chemical munition instructor, and a member of the mobile field force team. The tenure of the position is at the pleasure of the agency. Duties may include: 1) Oversee and complete maintenance on all munition equipment 2) Oversee the armoring of munition launchers 3) Maintain a current inventory of all munition equipment, including munition launchers 4) Provide munition specific training 5) Recommend munitions for mobile field force deployments/assignments 6) Complete munition specifc research and provide recommendations b. Range Master The Field Division Commander and the Firearms Coordinator will designate and appoint a Range Master. The Range Master must be an officer level firearms instructor with at least three years of experience as an officer with the department with at least two years as an instructor with a diverse portfolio of training and experience. Preference will be given to officers who are assigned to patrol duties and are instructors in multiple use of force related programs. The tenure of the position is at the pleasure of the agency. The Range Master is considered the senior firearms instructor and reports to the Firearms Coordinator. Duties may include: 1) Oversee and complete maintenance of the firearms training facility 2) Facilitate firearms training 3) Maintain training equipment 4) Monitor and replace firearm cleaning supplies 5) Oversee the schedule of handgun armoring 6) Maintain a current inventor of agency handguns 7) Organize agency firearms training 8) Mentor firearms instructors 9) Monitor training compliance with POST objectives 10) Post monthly shoots, and 11) Fulfill duties and projects assigned by the Firearms Coordinator. c. Rifle Master The Firearms Coordinator will designate and appoint a Rifle Master. The Rifle Master must be an officer level firearms instructor with at least two years of experience as an officer with the department with at least one year of experience as an instructor. The tenure of the position is at the pleasure of the agency. Duties may include: 1) Oversee and complete the maintenance of all agency rifles 2) Oversee the armoring of the rifles 3) Oversee annual zeroing of all agency rifles 4) Maintain a current inventory of agency rifles 5) Provide rifle specific training 6) Complete rifle specific research and provide recommendations