ii-20WeaponsQualifications

Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (04/21/2022) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Subject: WEAPONS QUALIFICATIONS Index as: Aerosol S ubject Restraint (ASR) Firearms Qualifications, Training Annual Retraining – Weapons Firing Range ASP Less -Lethal Weapons Proficiency ASR OC Spray CEW Qualifications Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) Weapons Qualifications Accreditation Standards: 4.1.4, 4.3.1, 4.3.2 , 4.3.3 , 4.3.4, 33.1.5, CFA 4.02, 4.06, 10.04 , 10.10 Cross Reference: GO I -04, Discipline Authority GO II -06, Take -home Vehicle Program GO II -42, Use of Force GO II -43, Lethal and Less -Lethal Weapons GO II -44, Conducted Electrical Weapon GO II -45, Firearms Range TD SOP X -16, Armorer City of St. Petersburg, Rules and Regulations, Section 7: Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Provisions §943.1717, FSS CJSTC Rule 11B -27.00212 11B-00212, F.A.C Replaces : GO II-20, Weapons Qualifications ( June 10, 2021 ) All employees shall be issued a copy of , and receive training on , General Order II -42, Use of Force . Prior to being permitted to carry any authorized weapon or assigned any duties which require the possession of a weapon , all agency personnel authorized to carry a weapon shall be instructed about state law and the policies of this agency regarding the use of force , the use of authorized weapons , and demonstrate proficiency . This Order consists of the following: I. Purpose II. Policy III. Qualification Process IV. Qualification Standards V. Firearms Qualification VI. Failure to Qualify w ith A Department Firearm VII. Discipline Guidelines VIII. Firearms Practice IX. Firearms Training X. Less -Lethal Weapons Proficiency DATE OF ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER April 2016 Immediately II-20 Distribution: All Employees General Order II -20 Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (04/21/2022) I. PURPOSE A. This Order establishes firearms practice, and firearms training policy . Additionally, this O rder establishes weapons qualification procedures for sworn personnel and certified R eserve Officer s who may be issued and/or authorized to po ssess firearms, ammunition and/or less -lethal weapons . B. The possession and/or handling of firearms by employees of this Department are a regular part of the duties of a Police Officer and a small number of civilian employees; i.e., the armorer, forensic te chnicians and property clerks. Firearms are inherently dangerous devices which require extra caution to ensure they are handled safely , and access to them is strictly controlled. II. POLICY A. Firearms 1. Sworn Officer s and certified Reserve Officer s shall not carry any firearm or ammunition, either on or off duty, unless it has been issued or authorized by the Department. However, unauthorized firearms may be carried by Officer s while engaged in hunting or sporting eve nts, but those firearms shall not be concealed nor carried off duty in lieu of approved off-duty firearms. 2. Sworn Officers and certified R eserve Officer s shall participate in annual U se of Force training , in accordance with CJSTC Rule and receive instructi on on the Department’s Use of Force policy , administered by a certified firearms instructor, and demonstrate proficiency with all issued and authorized firearms approved for use in the course of their dutie s. (See J:\Research \GeneralOrders \II Administrative General Orders \II-42 Use of Force.pdf .) a. An Officer who fail s to demonstrate knowledge of Use of Force policies and law, or proficiency with a Department -issued sidearm or shotgun shall immediately be subject to progressive discipline , per Department and City of St. Petersburg guidelines. b. An Officer who fail s to qualify with an issued sidearm are immediately removed from their line assignment and are required to take applicable leave , either vacation or personal, until such time as they can demonstrate proficiency with their authorized sidearm(s). 1) If an Officer does not wish to utilize their leave, they will be assigned to TRU, until such time they qualify with their primary weapon. 2) The Supervisor will coordinate this transfer. c. Officers who fail to qualify with an authorized shotgun , shall not carry or utilize a shotgun until such time as they can demonstrate proficiency with the weapon. d. Officers failing to qualify with an authorized AR-15 rifle ar e prohibited from carrying the weapon until qualification requirements are met. 3. It is the responsibility of all Officers and certified R eserve Officer s to maintain proficiency with their issued sidearm(s) , and where applicable, the authorized shotgun, and the authorized AR-15 rifle. 4. No civilian employee is authorized to carry a firearm on duty for defensive purposes. It is recognized that certain civilian employees; i.e., the armorer, forensic technicians and property clerks, may have brief possession of firearms while performing their duties. B. Less -Lethal Weapons 1. No employee shall carry or possess any less -lethal weapon