POLICY:
The Sheriff’s Office adheres to a firearms policy that ensures proper firearms use and safety by all sworn personnel of the Office.

PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for authorized weapons that may be carried, qualified training and usage of firearms.

METHOD:
Handguns:  It is the responsibility of the individual deputy to provide his own handgun that meets Sheriff’s Office authorized standards.  The Sheriff’s Office will specify the type of ammunition to be used in the handgun.  All handguns will be inspected by the Firearms Instructors prior to being authorized for carry.  Should a Deputy change handguns, he/she must qualify with the new handgun prior to using it.  The basic load of duty ammunition shall be a minimum of two (2) fully loaded magazines.  The handgun shall be carried in a secure holster, fully loaded with a round in the chamber.  Security, serviceability, and cleanliness of the handgun are the responsibility of the Deputy(s).  As a minimum, handguns will be cleaned after firing or after exposure to inclement weather. Deputies must qualify per Sheriff’s Office standards on all handguns carried.

Caliber:  The following handgun calibers are approved for carry by all Deputies whether in uniform, plain clothes or off duty:

.38 caliber, 9 mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, 10 mm, .357 Magnum, .357 Sig.

Secondary/Backup Handgun:  Deputies are authorized to carry one concealed handgun while on duty.  The above listed calibers are authorized.

Off-Duty Handguns:  Patrol Deputies and certain qualified Detention Deputies are authorized to carry a concealed handgun off duty.  The weapon will be completely concealed at all times.  Deputies shall have their badge and identification with them at all times while an off duty handgun is carried.  Only those Detention Deputies that have completed the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office firearms instruction course or a POST certified course, shall be permitted to carry a concealed weapon under the Sheriff’s authority, regardless of the implied consent printed on the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office identification card.

Carbines:  The Sheriff’s Office will issue AR-15 style carbines, .223 Remington caliber, to Patrol Deputies, as authorized.  The Sheriff’s Office will also specify the type of ammunition to be utilized in these weapons.  The purpose of the carbine is to enhance the tactical capabilities of law enforcement personnel by augmenting the service handgun.  Normally, carbines will be employed at a range of 100 yards or less.  That range may be extended, as appropriate, depending upon the tactical situation, the nature of the threat and the terrain involved.  All weapons will be inspected, test fired and zeroed by the Firearms Instructors prior to being issued.  Deputies must complete a twenty-four (24) hour training and qualification course with their assigned weapon prior to carrying it on duty.  Should a deputy change weapons, he/she must qualify with the new carbine prior to using it.  The basic load of duty ammunition shall be three (3) fully loaded Sheriff’s Office issued magazines.  Until actually deployed, carbines will be kept in the cruiser-ready condition, which consists of the following:

• Chamber empty

• Bolt forward

• Safety on

• Loaded magazine inserted into the magazine well

A round may be chambered if required by the tactical situation.  However, once a round has been chambered, the safety shall be placed in the “on” position and kept there until a conscious decision has been made to fire the weapon.  Security, serviceability, and cleanliness of the carbine are the responsibility of the deputy(s) to whom it is issued.  As a minimum, carbines will be cleaned after firing or after exposure to inclement weather.  While in the vehicle, the weapon shall be secured in a gun rack and ammunition and all ancillary equipment will be stored in the trunk or utility compartment.  No vehicle containing weapons will be left unlocked.  Carbines that malfunction or appear to have broken parts will be turned in to the Firearms Instructor for repair/replacement, as required.

Course Development:  The responsibility for developing appropriate courses of fire and supervising all facets of firearms training rests with the Firearms Training Team.  They will be assigned duties that are commensurate with their training and experience.  Courses of fire will be changed periodically in order to keep the training program dynamic and take advantage of new training requirements and techniques.

Demonstrating and Maintaining Proficiency:  Qualification with the duty weapon is mandatory for all Patrol Deputies and certain Detention Deputies (determined by the Sheriff). Deputies who fail to report to the range for qualification will be subject to disciplinary procedures.  At each scheduled qualification session, Deputies will be allowed two (2) attempts to successfully complete the qualification course.  Deputies who fail to qualify on their second attempt will be required to complete mandatory remedial training and qualify prior to returning to regular duty.  Remedial training will be scheduled as soon as possible.  The length of remedial training will be determined based on the needs of each individual Deputy, but in no case shall exceed a total of  eight (8) hours.  Once the Deputy feels ready, a qualification course will be shot.  If the Deputy qualifies, the remedial training will be completed.  If not, remedial training will continue, but will not exceed a total of eight (8) hours per Deputy. If the Deputy fails to qualify after a total of eight (8) hours of remedial training, they may be subject to disciplinary action.  During all training and qualification sessions, Deputies will be evaluated on their gun handling skill as well as their basic shooting ability.  Gun handling techniques must be safe, effective, and tactically sound. Any significant or continuing deficiencies in this respect may result in mandatory remedial training and/or appropriate administrative/disciplinary action.