Policy Text
University of Califo rnia, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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4.3 Use of Force
4.3.11 Restrictions on the Use of Firearms (Revised : 1/14/21)
INTERIM POLICY
A. An officer is authorized to discharge a firearm only as previously described in this policy
and:
1. When destroying a severely injured animal for humane purposes when other options
are not available or practical, and when authorized by the Watch Commander
2. When destroying a dangerous animal that is posing an immediate threat to the
Officer, another person or an animal
3. When directed during authorized firearms training
4. While pursuing off -duty, lawful, recreational activities.
B. An officer is prohibited from discharging a firearm under the following circumstances:
1. Firing a warning shot
2. Firing at or from a moving vehicle , unless the circumstances meet the conditions
stated in General Order 4.3.2, “Use of Deadly Physical Force.” Shots fired at or
from a moving vehicle are rarely effective. Where feasible, officers should attempt
to move out of the path of an approa ching vehicle instead of discharging their
firearm at the vehicle or any of its occupants. An officer should only discharge a
firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes
there are no other reasonable means available to avert the threat of the vehicle, or
if deadly force other than the vehicle is directed at the officer or others.
3. Officers should not shoot at any part of a vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle.
C. An officer shall be subject to corrective acti on or dismissal should the discharge or public
display of a firearm by the officer involve the following:
1. A violation of the law
2. A violation of a U CPD order relating to the discharge or display of firearms
3. A wanton disregard for public safety
4. Warning shots are prohibited. Shots fired for the purpose of summoning aid are
discouraged and may not be discharged unless the member reasonably believes that
they are necessary, likely to be effective and reasonably safe.
5. Misconduct, including but not limited to:
a. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
b. Unjustified display of authority
c. Use of official position for personal advantage
d. Dereliction of dut y
e. The accidental discharge of a firearm through carelessness or misbehavior
f. Any other misuse of a firearm.
University of Califo rnia, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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D. Department -owned handguns issued to officers and kept in their homes shall be secured
and locked in a handgun security box unless it is in the possession of the officer.
E. Except as provided in the policy or during training or lawful recreational use, any member
who discharges a firearm intentionally or unintentionally, on - or off -duty, shall make an
oral report to a ranking officer as soon as circumstances permit, and shall file a written
report in addition to any police report, as soon as possible, describing the incident fully.
Officers participating in training or lawful recreational use shall report a discharge resulting
in injury or death.