305Firearms_7182025

Policy 305San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentFirearms - 1Firearms 305.1 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. 305.2 POLICY The San Luis Obispo 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. 305.3 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 Chief. This exclusion does not apply to the carrying of a folding pocket knife or fixed blade knife that is not otherwise prohibited by law. 305.3.2 PATROL RIFLES The authorized department-issued patrol rifle is the Colt AR-15. 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. (d)When a member reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or a person with a hostage. San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentFirearms - 2(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 carried in a patrol vehicle but not deployed, the patrol rifle shall be properly secured in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle with the chamber empty, the chamber flag inserted, and the bolt forward resting on the chamber flag, leaving the hammer cocked and the selector lever in the safe position. The final step is to insert the loaded magazine into the magazine well. When not in the field, the patrol rifle shall be properly secured inside the police facility with the chamber empty, chamber flag inserted, and the bolt forward resting on the chamber flag. The magazine will be removed and stored in a secure location. 305.3.3 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 of a reputable manufacturer and approved by the Rangemaster Supervisor. (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)Personally owned duty firearms shall be inspected each calendar year (January 1 to December 31) by a qualified armorer at the officer's expense. Written verification of the inspection shall be provided to the Rangemaster upon completion of the inspection prior to January 1st. Officers who fail to provide an inspection letter prior to January 1 will be issued a department firearm and will be prohibited from carrying their personally owned firearm until such a letter is provided. (d)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. (e)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. 305.3.4 AUTHORIZED SECONDARY HANDGUN Members desiring to carry department or personally owned secondary handguns are subject to the following restrictions: (a)The handgun shall be in good working order and of a reputable manufacturer approved by the Rangemaster Supervisor. (b)Only one secondary handgun may be carried at a time. San Luis Obispo Police Department San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual Firearms Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/01, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police DepartmentFirearms - 3(c)The purchase of the handgun and