Policy Text
Policy
306Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/05, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana 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 training. This policy does not apply to issues related to the use of firearms
addressed in the Use of Force or Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths policies. This policy only
applies to members who are authorized to carry firearms.
306.2 POLICY
The Santa Ana Police Departmentequips its members with firearms to address the risks posed
to the public and department members by violent and 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 issued or approved by the Department and that are 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 Bureau Commander. This exclusion does not apply to carrying a single folding
pocketknife that is not otherwise prohibited by law.
306.3.1 HANDGUNS
Refer to the Firearms Procedure for a list of authorized handguns.
306.3.2 SHOTGUNS
Refer to the Firearms Procedure for a list of authorized, department issued, shotgun
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
Refer to the Firearms Procedure for a list of authorized patrol rifles.
Officers are required to complete the Department's Tactical Rifle course in order to be authorized
to deploy any patrol rifle.
(a)Active SWAT/CNT members who have successfully completed the 80-hour Basic
SWAT Course are deemed to have met the above requirement.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Firearms
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/05, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentFirearms - 2Members may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the member can articulate a
reasonable expectation the rifle may be needed. Examples of 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 there may be a need to fire on a barricaded
person or a person with a hostage.
(e)When a member reasonably believes 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 ALTERNATE DUTY FIREARMS
Refer to the Firearms procedure regarding the carrying of personally owned alternate duty firearms
306.3.5 AUTHORIZED SECONDARY HANDGUN
Members desiring to carry personally owned secondary handguns are subject to the following
restrictions:
(a)The handgun shall comply with the guidelines set forth in the Firearms Procedure.
(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 ammunition is 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 function tested by the Rangemaster prior to being carried and
thereafter shall be subject to function testing and/or verification whenever it is deemed
necessary.
(f)Ammunition shall be the same as department issue. If the caliber of the handgun is
other than department issue, the Training Commander or the authorized designee
shall approve the ammunition. This approval shall be in writing.
(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.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Firearms
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/05, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentFirearms - 3(h)Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, color, serial number and
caliber of a secondary handgun to the Training Division, who will maintain a list of the
information.
306.3.6 AUTHORIZED OFF-DUTY FIREARMS
The carrying of firearms by members while off-duty is permitted by the Chief of Police but may
be rescinded should circumstances dictate (e.g., administrative leave). Members who choose to
carry a firearm while off-duty, based on their authority as peace officers, are required to meet the
following guidelines