Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
2 02/01/2021 02/01/2021
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
________ _______ ____ _______ ____
311 – Firearms Range Regulations 1 POLICY 311 FIREARMS RANGE REGULATIONS
311.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes the procedures and safety guidelines for the use of firearms at the range.
In order to ensure that officers receive the highest level of training, the Tustin Police D epartment
utilizes several locations to conduct firearms training. Emphasis is placed on safety and the
operational needs of individuals by developing essential weapon handling skills that will increase
each student’s proficiency.
311.1.1 ACCREDITATION S TANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 4.3.5
This policy pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
311.2 SAFETY PROCEDURES AND RANGE RULES
Safety is the responsibility of every individual. Every person par ticipating or observing training
while at the range is a safety officer and can call , “cease fire” or halt training at any time.
Concerns for safety should never be limited to the training event itself, but should always include
associated training activit ies that may take place at the range site . Safety rules and regulations
for the range should be conspicuously posted and reviewed with all personnel prior to every
training event held at the range site .
The following safety procedures apply to all instru ctors and personnel observing and participating
in firearms training at the range site :
a. Identify the instructors and location of the safety equipment, including the first aid kit.
b. In case of an injury, the Range Staff will properly assess for necessary treatment or call 9 -
1-1, document and make notification via the chain of command.
c. All instructors and personnel shall abide by the following “Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm
Safety ”:
1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded ;
2. Master Grip – Finger off the trigger and out of trigger guard until you make
the conscious decision to use lethal force ;
3. Laser Rule – Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you are not prepared
to use lethal force against ;
4. Always be sure of your target, its backstop and beyond .
d. Range Oper ational Rules
1. A POST -certified Firearms Instructor must be present any time there is live
fire training on the range .
2. All personnel entering or leaving the range site will carry all firearms in a
safe manner .
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
2 02/01/2021 02/01/2021
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
________ _______ ____ _______ ____
311 – Firearms Range Regulations 2 3. All firearms brought into the range site shall be unloaded unless the firearm
is worn directly on the person, in a holster , or concealed in a safe and
secure manner .
4. Firearms shall only be chambered on the range or in a designated loading
barrel .
5. Personnel shall ensure weapons are unloaded and safe bef ore
disassembling them in the cleaning room .
6. No firearm shall be left unattended .
7. No shooting shall take place until directed by the Firearms Instructor .
8. No malfunctioning weapon shall be removed from the firing line without first
being cleared of the malf unction, unloaded completely , and made safe .
9. All personnel shall wear hearing protection, eye protection, and protective
body armor while participating in firearms training .
10. Appropriate attire is required while shooting at the range.
11. No horseplay is allow ed anywhere within the range site.
12. All unintended discharges will be reported to the Range master .
13. Minimum safe distance to steel targets shall be considered .
311.3 RANGE SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
The range site shall be under the exclusive control of the Rangemaster. All members attending
shall follow the directions of the Rangemaster. The Rangemaster shall maintain a roster of all
members attending the range. Failure of any officer to sign in and out with the Rangemaster may
result in non -qualificati on. The range shall remain operational and accessible to department
members during the hours established by the department. The Rangemaster has the
responsibility of making periodic inspection, at least once a year, of all duty weapons carried by
officers of this department to verify proper operation. The Rangemaster has the authority to deem
any department or personally -owned weapon (s) unfit for use. Officers are responsible for all
repairs to their personal ly-owned weapon and are required to submit for in spection by the
Rangemaster prior to use.
311.4 AUTHORIZED WEAPONS, AMMUNITION AND EQUIPMENT
The Tustin Police Department Range Staff reserves the right to inspect all firearms and
ammunition to ensure they are safe to use and are the proper type of c aliber authorized to fire at
the range site. Refusal to submit equipment for inspection is grounds for immediate suspension of
range privileges. It is the responsibility of the on -site Tustin Police Department Firearms
Rangemaster to ensure all weapons and ammunition are within the guidelines for use at the
range site .
A detailed list of authorized ammunition can be found in the Firearms General Order §312.3. The
list of authorized weapons (Duty, Secondary, Backup and Off -Duty Weapons), can be found in
the Firearms