312_-_Firearms

Policy 312Mountain View Police Department Mountain View PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Mountain View Police DepartmentFirearms - 1Firearms 312.1 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. 312.2 POLICY The Mountain View 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. 312.2.1 SINGLE ACTION FIREARMS Single action firearms must have a thumb safety and a grip safety. 312.2.2 PERSONALLY OWNED FIREARMS Officers choosing to carry a personally owned firearm are responsible for purchasing and maintaining the weapon and holster. This includes providing proof that the weapon has been inspected annually. Personally owned Glocks may be inspected by Department Armorers if they have time and capacity. Only Department approved ammunition may be carried in personally owned firearms used for duty use. Officers carrying personally owned firearms for duty use must carry a minimum of 35 rounds of ammunition on their person while on uniformed patrol. 312.2.3 DUTY HOLSTERS Handguns must be carried in a Department issued holster or in a holster approved in writing by the Head Rangemaster. (a)Belt holsters shall meet the following criteria: 1.Made of natural or synthetic leather or ballistic nylon; 2.Provides Level 2 threat protection or greater unless otherwise approved in writing by the Head Rangemaster; (b)Shoulder holsters shall meet the following criteria: 1.Made of leather or ballistic nylon; 2.Constructed with a retention strap; Mountain View Police Department Mountain View PD Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Mountain View Police DepartmentFirearms - 23.Designed to retain its shape when the gun is drawn; 4.Does not carry the handgun in a muzzle-up position. 312.2.4 DEPLOYMENT OF OTHER FIREARMS AND WEAPONS Officers may deploy any specialized Department firearm or weapon in which they have received specific training and are qualified to utilize (such as SWAT weapons by SWAT members). Officers must be able to provide articulable facts of how this weapon would be beneficial in that situation, and receive supervisory approval prior to such deployment. 312.3 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 Captain. This exclusion does not apply to the carrying of a single folding pocketknife that is not otherwise prohibited by law. 312.3.1 HANDGUNS The authorized department-issued handgun is the Glock Model 17, 9mm or Glock Model 21, .45 caliber. 312.3.2 SHOTGUNS The authorized department-issued shotgun is the Less Lethal Remington 870 12 gauge. When not deployed, the shotgun shall be properly secured consistent with department training in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle. 312.3.3 PATROL RIFLES The authorized department-issued patrol rifle is the AR-15 platform rifle. 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. (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. Mountain View Police Department Mountain View PD Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Mountain View Police DepartmentFirearms - 3(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. 312.3.4 PERSONALLY OWNED DUTY FIREARMS Members desiring to carry an authorized but personally owned duty firearm must receive written approval from the Head Rangemaster. Once approved, personally owned duty firearms are subject to the following restrictions: (a)The firearm shall be in