116 FIREARMS

POLICY 116.0APPROVED FIREARMS/AMMUNITION REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES: A.PURPOSE The El Portal Police Department has undertaken the task of examining and testing numerous types of firearms and ammunition in an effort to identify which of these items best serves the needs of the Department, its officers and the community. To that end, all officers are required to utilize only ammunition and functional firearms approved by the Department and specified in this Policy. All officers must be trained and demonstrate proficiency in the use of each weapon prior to utilizing such weapon in the performance of their duties. B.APPROVED FIREARMS 1.While on duty, uniformed and plainclothes officers will only carry firearms approved by the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police or his/her designee will maintain a list of all approved firearms. 2.All uniform firearms will be carried in holsters approved by the Department. Holsters must be plain black, border-patrol style, high-rise style, breakfront or security-type. 3.Uniformed officers assigned to administrative duties may carry any firearm approved for plainclothes, unless prohibited from carrying firearms by Order of the Chief of Police or other authority. 4.All plainclothes firearms will be carried in a holster. Officers may carry a firearm in a handbag or waist bag. When in plainclothes and the firearm is visible, the officer's badge must be displayed. C.FIREARMS NOT AUTHORIZED 1.The Colt "D" frame, .38 special caliber revolver. 2.Any semi-automatic pistol not equipped with a firing pin safety to prevent the firing pin movement without the trigger being pulled. Page 1 of 4 D.ADDITIONAL ON DUTY FIREARMS 1.Additional on duty firearms carried by uniformed personnel and plainclothes personnel are authorized and must conform to the requirements set out in this Policy. 2.Additional on duty firearms, when carried, shall be in a secure holster and concealed from plain view on the officer's person. E.RIFLES 1.El Portal Police Officers who have completed the required 16-hour training and qualification course are authorized to purchase and carry, with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, AR-15 and Mini 14 Rifles chambered in .223 caliber. 2.The .223 round must be approved by the Chief of Police. 3.The only manufacturers and models authorized are: a.Colt (AR-15, A2 or A3 Carbine; and AR-15, A-2 or A3 Rifle), b.Arm-a-lite (M-15 A2 or A4 Carbine, and M-15 A2 or A4 Rifle), c.Bushmaster (XM-15 A2 or A3 Carbine, and XM-15 A2 or A3 Rifle) and d.Ruger (Mini-14, Mini –14 Ranch Rifle, and Mini- 14 Government). e.H & K UMP .40 Cal 4.When carried on-duty and not in use, these weapons must be securely locked in the vehicle. If no rifle rack is available the rifle will be stored in the trunk of the vehicle in a hard sided case. When not deployed the rifle will have a loaded magazine in the magazine well, hammer down to engage safety, bolt forward with dust cover closed and safety on. The chamber will be kept empty when the rifle is not deployed. 5.When the police rifle is brought into a building except during actual deployment the weapon will have: a.The magazine will be removed from the magazine well. b.The chamber will be empty. c.The bolt open and locked to the rear clearly exposing the chamber. d.The safety on. 6.The deployment of the police rifle on routine calls is strictly prohibited. 114.1 – Page 2 of 4 7.Any modifications or alterations from the manufacturer’s specification must be performed by a certified armor’ with approval of the Chief of Police. F.SHOTGUNS Remington Model 870 Shotguns and/or an approved Shotgun by the Chief of Police are authorized to be carried by sworn members who have been trained and shown proficiency. The shotguns must be cambered for 12 gauge 00 Buckshot and rifle slug and have a minimum of an 18” barrel. Other models may be carried with approval by the Chief of Police or his/her designee. G.FIREARMS CARRIED WHILE OFF DUTY 1.It is the intention of this Policy that off duty sworn personnel may carry any firearm which has been approved for on duty use. 2.Any officer carrying a firearm while off duty must also carry their badge and Department identification. 3.All firearms carried by Departmental Personnel, while off-duty shall conform to the requirements set in this Policy. 4.This Policy shall not apply to Department Personnel, while hunting or involved in other non-law enforcement recreational activities. H.SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT FIREARMS On duty firearms of a type not approved in this Policy may be carried only with the written permission of the Chief of Police. I.DEPARTMENT APPROVED AMMUNITION 1.On duty and off duty personnel will carry ammunition issued or approved by the El Portal Police Department with respect to any