Policy Text
Procedure
306Garden Grove Police Department
Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/26, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentFirearms Procedures - 1Firearms Procedures
306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
These procedures serve as guidelines for the care, maintenance, qualification, and use of
department-issued shotguns and department-issued and personally owned AR-15 rifles.
306.2 DEPARTMENT ARMORER RESPONSIBILITIES
The department armorer is responsible for inspecting a shotgun before it is placed in any police
vehicle for use. The armorer will clean and service the shotguns that are placed in the gun
locker. The Benelli and Remington will be loaded with slug rounds in the magazine and on the
sidesaddle carrier. THE SHOTGUN WILL NOT HAVE A SHELL IN THE CHAMBER WHEN IT IS
IN ITS HOLDER OR WHILE IN THE SHOTGUN STORAGE LOCKER.
306.3 SHOTGUN SECURITY
Shotguns will be securely maintained. Shotguns are to be kept in the locked gun locker or in the
locking holder in marked patrol vehicles. If a shotgun is removed from either of these locations, it
is to remain in the employee's control at all times. When officers take a police unit out of service
for repair or maintenance, THE OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING THE SHOTGUN
OUT OF THE UNIT AND PLACING IT IN THE GUN LOCKER.
306.3.1 INSPECTION OF SHOTGUNS
Officers will inspect the shotgun(s) in their marked patrol vehicles to ensure that the weapon is
loaded and properly functioning at the beginning of their shift. The Benelli shotgun is located in the
driver’s compartment of the unit in a secured mount. The magazine and side-saddle are loaded.
The Remington model 870, with grey stock and fore-end, is a dedicated less lethal shotgun and is
secured in a mount in the unit. The less lethal rounds are stored on the sidesaddle. The magazine
is empty, requiring the officer to load the shotgun prior to deployment. If a problem is detected
the shotgun will be placed in the shotgun locker and a b/o slip will be completed. Spare shotguns
will also be maintained in this locker.
Investigators who have a shotgun mounted in the trunk of their unmarked unit will inspect their
shotgun and ensure it is properly maintained and serviced.
306.3.2 USE OF SHOTGUNS
Officers should consider the following when evaluating the need for a shotgun:
(a)The shotgun may be taken from the patrol vehicle in most cases where a high risk
situation is in progress or when it has already been determined that the suspect(s) are
armed with deadly weapons.
(b)The shotgun can be a hindrance in certain situations such as foot pursuits, searches,
and when handling prisoners.
306.4 USE OF DEPARTMENT-ISSUED AND PERSONALLY OWNED AR-15 RIFLE
Garden Grove Police Department
Procedures Manual
Firearms Procedures
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/26, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentFirearms Procedures - 2306.4.1 DEFINITION AND RIFLE SPECIFICATIONS
AR-15 RIFLE - A gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle that works using direct gas
impingement. This rifle is primarily available in the.223 Remington/5.56mm x 45mm cartridge.
AR-15 is a trademarked name owned by Colt Firearms.
AR-15 Series Rifle - A rifle possessing all of the same characteristics and features of the Colt
AR-15 Rifle. Manufacturers are unable to call their product by the name “AR-15” because of the
trademarked name, but for all intents and purposes it is the same type of weapon.
In the interest of ensuring members deploy reliable, functional, and dependable rifles; the following
specifications shall be adhered to. The approved manufacturers are listed below:
(a)Armalite
(b)Bushmaster
(c)Colt
(d)Rock River Arms
(e)Smith & Wesson
(f)Daniel Defense
(g)LaRue Tactical
The rifle must be assembled by one of the approved manufacturers or a department-certified
AR-15 Armorer.
If a member currently possesses a rifle manufactured by a company other than those listed above,
they can request a variance from the Chief of Police to allow them to utilize their rifle. This request
shall be made via department memorandum. The rifle will be presented to the Range Master for
inspection prior to submitting the memorandum. The Range Master will make a recommendation
to the Chief of Police regarding the serviceability of the rifle on the memorandum. The final decision
to approve any rifle not listed above will be determined by the Chief of Police.
The rifle shall be equipped with a barrel 16-20 inches in length and chambered for the.223
Remington/5.56mm x 45mm cartridge. The barrel rifling twist shall be either 1 in 7 inches or 1
in 9 inches. Per Federal regulations, the flashhider can be included in this measurement if it is
permanently attached to the barrel. The barrel of the rifle may be fitted with a flash hider. Muzzle
brakes or compensators are not authorized.
The rifle may be fitted with either an “A1” or an “A2” style fixed stock or a collapsible stock. All
non “mil-spec” handguards, buttstocks, vertical foregrips and pistol grips shall be inspected and
approved by a Department AR-15 Armorer prior to the