Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
4.3 Use of Force
4.3.9 Special Weapons (Revi sed: 6/6/22 )
Only an officer demonstrating a p roficiency in the use of agency -authorized special weapons is
permitted to carry or use such weapons. Special weapons training will be monitored by a
certified weapo ns instructor.
A. Shotguns
1. Police Department shotguns will be Remington 870 12 gauge , loaded for pa trol
carry with four Department -approved “00” buckshot cartridges. Three additional
“00” buckshot and three Department -approved rifle slug cartridges wil l be carried
in the shotgun side saddle. Rifle slugs will be used only in special situations.
2 Patrol shotguns are outfitted with a bead sight, dedicated weapon -mounted light
and Department -approved tactical sling.
3. When in service, shotguns will be sec ured in an electric locking device in each
marked patrol unit with the chamber empty, a full magazine, action lock closed
and safety on.
4 An officer will conduct the following safety check of the shotgun in their vehicle
at the beginning of the shift: the shotgun will be removed from the vehicle and
unloaded; the officer will visually and manually ensure the weapon is empty and
then check the barrel for obstructions. The shotgun will be reloaded and replaced
with a full magazine and empty chamber.
5 A shot gun will be removed from the vehicle cand secured in the weapons locker
prior to delivery of the vehicle for maintenance. The shotgun will be stored with
the action open, safety on and the magazine and chamber empty.
6 Shotgun familiarization training will be conducted by the Department annually.
Course content and qualification will be determined by the Range Master.
B. Rifle s
1. The authorized patrol rifle issued by the Department shall be the Colt Model
6721 /6920 LE AR15 Tactical Carbine. The Colt Mode l 6721 LE AR15 Tactical
Carbine has a 16” heavy barrel and a four -position adjustable butt stock. The Colt
Model 6 920 LE AR15 Tactical Carbine has a 16” barrel and a four -position
adjustable butt stock. No personally -owned rifles may be carried for patrol duty
unless approved in writing by the Chief of Police and then only after they are
inspected and approved by the Range Master.
2. The patrol rifle is outfitted with a Department -approved weapons mounted light ,
EoTech Holographic Diffraction Sight (HDS) s ystem, fixed front and flip -up rear
iron sights, one 30 round and two 20 round magazines, two -point tactical sling
and a soft rifle carry case.
3. The Range Master shall approve any after -market accessories placed on the patrol
rifle. The officer must qua lify with the weapon with any such accessories installed
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
2
before it is deployed. Installation of after -market accessories may require
installation by a certified armorer.
4. Only approved , Department -issued, factory -loaded, .223 or 5.56 center fire,
jacket ed, 55 -64 grain ammunition will be carried in any rifle while on duty.
5. Officers shall not carry or utilize the patrol rifle unless they have successfully
completed POST -certified Basic Patrol Rifle Operator’s course and successfully
completed the Depar tment rifle qualification course.
6. Patrol rifle familiarization training and qualifications will be conducted by the
Department annually. Course content and qualification will be determined by the
Range Master.
7. Officers shall be required to field st rip, clean and lubricate an assigned patrol rifle
as needed. Maintenance of the patrol rifle beyond operator level maintenance and
cleaning shall be performed by a certified Colt Armorer or designee . Rifles found
to be unsafe shall notify the Armorer with a written explanation of the deficiency
(General Order 4.3.7 (H), “Duties of Armorer”).
8. When in service, patrol rifles will be secured in an electronic locking device in
each marked patrol vehicle with the chamber empty, bolt forward, hammer down,
20 ro und magazine loaded with 18 rounds or a 30 round magazine loaded with 28
rounds (respectively) in the magazine well and the safety on.
9. Patrol rifles carried to and from vehicles or other administrative areas in a non -
emergency situation will be carried either in a protective case or slung unloaded,
bolt open, muzzle down, with the safety on.
10. No person shall load or unload a rifle while inside any building, including any
police buildings, except when police action is required or at an approved weapo ns
clearing station. The patrol rifle will always be pointed in a safe direction when
transporting to and from the patrol vehicle or when loading and unloading.
11. An officer will conduct the following safety check of the patrol rifle at the
beginning of his/her shift:
a. The patrol rifle will be inspected outside of any vehicle or building with
the magazine removed. The action will be open with no ammunition
chambered.
b. The patrol rifle will be checked for cleanliness and proper functioning.
c. A func tions check will be done in the following manner:
(1) Remove magazine.
(2) Open action and lock bolt back.
(3) VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY INSPEC T TO ENSURE THAT
RIFLE IS UNLOADED.
(4) Point muzzle in a safe direction .
(5) Let bolt and bolt carrier close (do n ot pull trigger