Firearms

Policy 306CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/06/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentFirearms - 1Firearms 306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This policy provides guidelines for issuing firearms, the safe and legal carrying of firearms, firearms maintenance and firearms training. This policy does not apply to issues related to the use of firearms that are addressed in the Use of Force or Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths policies. This policy only applies to those members who are authorized to carry firearms. 306.2 POLICY The CSU Police Department will equip its members with firearms to address the risks posed to the public and department members by violent and sometimes well-armed persons. The Department will ensure firearms are appropriate and in good working order and that relevant training is provided as resources allow. 306.3 AUTHORIZED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND OTHER WEAPONS Members shall only use firearms that are issued or approved by the Department and have been thoroughly inspected by the Rangemaster. Except in an emergency or as directed by a supervisor, no firearm shall be carried by a member who has not qualified with that firearm at an authorized department range. All other weapons not provided by the Department, including but not limited to edged weapons, chemical or electronic weapons, impact weapons or any weapon prohibited or restricted by law or that is not covered elsewhere by department policy, may not be carried by members in the performance of their official duties without the express written authorization of the member’s Division Commander. This exclusion does not apply to the carrying of a single folding pocketknife that is not otherwise prohibited by law. 306.3.1 FIREARMS The authorized department-issued firearms, which may include handguns, shotguns, and rifles, shall be specified within each university police department procedural manual. 306.3.2 SHOTGUNS When not deployed, the shotgun shall be properly secured consistent with department training in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle. 306.3.3 PATROL RIFLES Members may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the member 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: (a)Situations where the member reasonably anticipates an armed encounter. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/06/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentFirearms - 2(b)When a member is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long range. (c)Situations where a member reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's firepower. (d)When a member reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or a person with a hostage. (e)When a member reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor. (f)When authorized or requested by a supervisor. (g)When needed to euthanize an animal. When not deployed, the patrol rifle shall be properly secured consistent with department training in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle. 306.3.4 PERSONALLY OWNED DUTY FIREARMS Members desiring to carry an authorized but personally owned duty firearm must receive written approval from the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Once approved, personally owned duty firearms are subject to the following restrictions: (a)The firearm shall be in good working order and on the department list of approved firearms. (b)The firearm shall be inspected by the Rangemaster prior to being carried and thereafter shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary. (c)Prior to carrying the firearm, members shall qualify under range supervision and thereafter shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members must demonstrate proficiency and safe handling, and that the firearm functions properly. (d)Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, color, serial number and caliber of the firearm to the Rangemaster, who will maintain a list of the information. 306.3.5 AUTHORIZED SECONDARY HANDGUN Members desiring to carry a personally owned secondary firearm must receive written approval from the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Once approved, personally owned secondary firearms are subject to the following restrictions: (a)The handgun shall be in good working order. (b)Only one secondary handgun may be carried at a time. (c)The purchase of the handgun and ammunition shall be the responsibility of the member unless the handgun and ammunition are provided by the Department. (d)The handgun shall be carried concealed at all times and in such a manner as to prevent unintentional cocking, discharge or loss of physical control. (e)The handgun shall be inspected by the Rangemaster prior to being carried and thereafter shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/06/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentFirearms - 3(f)Ammunition shall be the same as department issue. If the caliber of the handgun is other than department issue, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall approve the ammunition. (g)Prior to carrying the secondary handgun, members shall qualify under range supervision and thereafter shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members must demonstrate proficiency and safe handling, and that the handgun functions properly. (h)Members