Policy Text
DEPARTMENTAL WEAPONS
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/01/97 STANDARD NO. 010 REVISED: 01/27/25
REPLACES: SOPs Second Hand Guns 19-02.1-2 – Rev. 01/01/03; A. S. P. Expandable Baton
01-05.1- 3 – Rev. 01/01/03; Firearms 06-02.1-3 – Rev. 01/01/03; and Bean Bag Round 02-03.1-3 –
Rev. 01/01/03; Rev. 01/06/12; Rev. 03/05/18: Rev. 07/20/21; Rev. 08/05/21; Rev. 01/13/22
OBJECTIVE:
To establish criteria for the types of weapons and ammunition to be issued to and
carried by employees, as well as training and standards for the use of these
weapons.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Homestead Police Department (HPD) to create standards and
safeguards designed to enhance employee performance in the protection of
citizens. Such safeguards may serve to reduce the probability of criminal and civil
liability that could stem from questions of competency, training, and standards.
SCOPE:
All employees of this Department shall adhere to the rules, regulations and
procedures set forth below.
I. FIREARMS:
A. General safety rules:
1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Be sure of your target and the surrounding background.
B. Primary handgun:
1. The primary handgun of the HPD shall be the Glock semi-automatic pistol
equipped as provided by the HPD.
2. No modifications are to be made to any issued firearm(s) unless
specifically approved in writing by the HPD Range Master.
C. Shotgun:
1. The shotgun carried by employees of the HPD shall be the Remington Model 870,
12-gauge pump action shotgun.
Departmental Weapons – SOP# 010
2. Officers may carry shotguns issued by the Department or personal shotguns,
which have been approved in writing, by the Range Master and the officer has
qualified with the shotgun.
D. Secondary handgun:
1. A secondary handgun is any other handgun authorized by this standard operating
procedure (SOP), used while fulfilling the official duties of an HPD officer, both on
and off-duty.
2. It is to be carried with the understanding that the weapon is to be used only in the
cases of loss of primary weapon, malfunction of the primary weapon or complete
expenditures of carried ammunition for the primary weapon.
3. Second handguns shall be approved by the Range Master, and the individual
officer shall notify in writing his supervisor that he carries a second handgun, along
with a complete description of the weapon.
4. Each officer carrying a second handgun must ensure that the weapon is properly
secured in an approved holster to prevent its loss during strenuous activity.
5. The weapons must qualify under current Department guidelines as to make,
model, caliber and ammunition.
6. The weapon must be carried concealed on the person so as not to be
distinguishable to the citizenry.
7. Officers authorized to carry a second handgun will qualify at the same intervals as
their service weapon.
8. The use of second handguns in other than the above-prescribed manner or the
carrying of a second handgun, which does not meet the guidelines, is prohibited.
9. Specific exceptions may be allowed by the Chief of Police to individual officers due
to the nature of their assignments.
E. SL40 multi-launcher:
1. The 40 mm shoulder weapon shall be used by HPD officers who are trained in its
use.
F. Rifle:
1. The rifle carried by HPD employees shall be the Department-issued Colt AR15
rifle. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members may carry additional
approved rifles.
Departmental Weapons – SOP# 010
2. Employees must be properly trained and approved by the HPD Range Master
prior to being issued such rifle.
G. Handgun specifications:
1. All sworn employees of the HPD assigned to the uniform function shall carry as
their uniform sidearm the primary handgun described above.
2. Sworn employees of the HPD, of all ranks, assigned to administrative, desk, or
station duties shall carry and use their primary handgun or secondary handgun.