5/208.02 Authorized Firearms & Associated Equipment

Question 1

Effective November 1, 2007 the LVMPD will no longer provide department owned handguns for permanent use in the performance of duty. All department members whose position within the department requires them to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties must provide their own handgun which complies with the standards in this order for approved handguns.

True or False?

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

If a handgun is discharged and turned over to Internal Affairs or Homicide for investigation, the member will check out a department firearm, magazines, leather and ammunition from that respective unit until their firearm is returned.

The member must qualify with the department firearm prior to returning to duty.

True or False?

Answer 2

True.

Question 3

Shotgun Slug Ammunition:

Officers are authorized to carry shotgun slugs on duty under the following conditions:

Answer 3

1. On the officer’s person, on a removable butt stock shell carrier, or on a side saddle shell carrier.
2. With a shotgun possessing either rifle or ghost ring sights.
3. Only “00 buckshot” will be carried in the magazine tube of a shotgun.
4. Training and qualification standards as set forth below and prescribed by the Training Section must be maintained.

Question 4

Shotgun Slugs:

To carry shotgun slugs, an officer must complete the Shotgun Slug Training Course (no overtime is authorized for attendance), or SWAT Basic Training Course, or successfully completes the Police Academy shotgun slug training and qualification as a police recruit.

What is the mandatory re-qualification for the shotgun slug?

Answer 4

Semiannually.

Question 5

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

Laser aiming devices are not approved for shotguns.

True or False?

Answer 5

True.

Question 6

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

Flashlights/Laser aiming devices activated by the firearm’s trigger are not approved.

True or False?

Answer 6

True.

Flashlights/Lasers must be activated by a separate switch attached to the device itself, or the firearm’s grips.

Question 7

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

Flashlights/Laser aiming devices that require modification to the firearm are not approved.

True or False?

Answer 7

True.

All flashlights/laser aiming devices must be “bolt-on” with no alteration to the frame or slide and must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instruction.

Question 8

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

Firearms with newly installed flashlights/laser aiming devices must be inspected by the FTTU staff prior to being carried by the employee. After the firearm has been approved the employee must qualify with it to ensure that it is properly aligned and show proficiency during each qualification with the operation of the laser aiming device.

True or False?

Answer 8

True.

Question 9

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

The finish of flashlight/laser aiming devices must be consistent with the finish of the firearm and will extend no further than ____ inches beyond the muzzle of the firearm.

Answer 9

2 inches.

Question 10

Flashlights/Laser Aiming Devices for Handguns and Shotguns:

Flashlights mounted to firearms will be used only for the purposes authorized and intended and will not be used routinely in the place of a hand-held flashlight.

True or False?

Answer 10

True.

Question 11

Rifles:

The department issue rifle is the Colt AR-15 and the Smith and Wesson MP-15 variant .223/5.56 caliber.

Officers are allowed to carry the following optional (personally-owned) rifles approved for department use:

Answer 11

1. AR-15 pattern semi-automatic rifle, with sling:
   a. Manufacturer: American Spirit Arms, Armalite/Eagle Arms, Bushmaster, Colt, Daniel Defense, DPMS, Knight Armament, Olympic Arms, LaRue Tactical, Noveske, Rockriver, Smith & Wesson, Stag Arms;
2. Ruger Mini 14 semi-automatic rifle, with sling.
3. Gas piston operation .223/ 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle models, with sling:
   a. Manufacturer: FN SCAR, Bushmaster/Remington ACR, Robinson Arms XCR, Sig Sauer 516, LWRC.

Question 12

Rifle:

Approved rifles must be standard productions. Rifle may not be “home built.” Upper and lower receivers must be from the same manufacturers. No modifications will be made to the trigger group. The trigger group must be factory installed and may not be adjustable. Absolutely no piston conversions will be authorized.

True or False?

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

Rifle:

What is the approved caliber for the rifles?

Answer 13

.223/5.56

Question 14

Rifle:

What is the maximum capacity for the rifle magazines?

Answer 14

30 round capacity maximum.

Question 15

Rifle:

Equipment: Sling & magazine carry device (such as a plate carrier or chest rig) which will carry at least _____ additional magazines are required.

Answer 15

Two.

Question 16

Rifle:

What is the barrel length requirements for the rifle?

Answer 16

Barrel length: At least 10 inches and not to exceed 20 inches (All NFA rules apply).

Question 17

Rifle:

Firing Mechanism: Trigger must be manufacturer installed and must not be adjustable. Trigger pull weight shall not be less than _____ lb, and will not be less than manufacturer specifications

Answer 17

4 lb.

Question 18

Rifle:

Laser Aiming Devices are not permitted on either optional or department-issued rifles.

True or False?

Answer 18

True.

Question 19

Rifle:

The only members authorized to remove, alter or perform any work on department-issued weapons are department certified armorers.

True or False?

Answer 19

True.

Question 20

Rifle:

Officers wishing to carry an optional or department issued rifle must meet the following conditions:

Answer 20

1. May be carried only after the completion of FTEP.
2. Rifle must be stored in a protective case or in an approved mount located inside of the trunk of the vehicle. Resident officers (driving SUV’s or sedans) will utilize a locking weapons mount located in the interior of the vehicle.
3. Tritium sites and aiming systems must be inspected by the FTTU after installation and officers will then qualify with the rifle.
4. No laser aiming devices are permitted on optional rifles (does not apply to SWAT).
5. No personally owned laser systems are authorized for use on department-issued rifles.

Question 21

Rifle:

Officers must complete an initial _____-hour LVMPD Rifle Certification Training Course or, if assigned to SWAT, a Basic Training Course instructed by SWAT firearm instructors.

Answer 21

40 hour

Question 22

Rifle:

Rifle certified officers must qualify quarterly and maintain an accurate _____ yard zero.

Officers who miss two consecutive quarterly qualifications or two qualifications in a 12 month period will be decertified until a ten-hour recertification class is attended.

Officers whose certification has lapsed due to military service or FMLA purposes may re-qualify at standard (see below) to resume certification.

Answer 22

50 yard.

Question 23

Rifle:

Officers who have not qualified for a period of ______ years must attend full 40 hour certification.

Answer 23

Three years.

Question 24

Rifle:

The standard for quarterly rifle qualifications is _____%.

Answer 24

90%

Question 25

Rifle:

Officers who fail to participate or fail to successfully complete any ten (10) hour rifle re-certification class will not be permitted to have their rifle with them while on duty.

Officers will immediately notify their supervisors of the fact they are not currently rifle certified.

Officers with a department issued rifle must return the rifle to Supply Section if they fail to participate or successfully complete re-certification as required.

True or False?

Answer 25

True.

Question 26

Rifle:

Officer wanting to carry a rifle must:

Answer 26

1. Must obtain written authorization from their bureau/area commander to attend the 40-hour Rifle Certification Training Course.
2. Enters rifle into the UMLV Firearm Registration Report prior to attending the training course and initial qualification.
3. Successfully completes the 40 hour Rifle Certification Training course instructed by the FTTU staff or by Firearm Instructors approved by the FTTU staff, or if assigned to SWAT, completes the SWAT Basic Training Course instructed by SWAT firearm instructors.
4. Presents the rifle to the FTTU for inspection for suitability and must show proficiency in the use of the rifle by successfully completing the rifle qualification course.

Question 27

Deployment of Rifles:

When considering whether or not to deploy the rifle, the force option must reflect the totality of the circumstances surrounding the immediate situation.

The member will select a force option that is within the range of “objectively reasonable” options. Officers may use reasonable force to protect themselves and others.

Department members will assess each incident to determine, based on policy, training and experience which force option is most appropriate.

True or False?

Answer 27

True.

Question 28

Deployment of Rifles:

If there is a potential for deadly force the department member may deem which approved firearm is most appropriate based on distance, available cover, and tactical situation presented.

It is important for the department member to understand terminal ballistic capabilities and limitations of the firearms to be deployed.

Regardless of firearm selected, accurate shot placement is imperative; as missing an intended target provides the most risk to citizens and officers and does not stop a deadly threat.

True or False?

Answer 28

True.

Question 29

Deployment of Rifles:

It is strongly recommended that rifle officers have another officer with them while deploying the rifle.

True or False?

Answer 29

True.

Question 30

Deployment of Rifles:

It is incumbent on the officer to use discretion when deploying and displaying the rifle, and to only deploy the rifle when the situation dictates.

True or False?

Answer 30

True.

Question 31

Deployment of Rifles:

It is ultimately the _________ responsibility to ensure proper deployment of rifles and being aware of misuse or over-deployment of the rifle.

Answer 31

Supervisor’s

Question 32

Deployment of Rifles:

Officers deploying the rifle WILL:

Answer 32

1. Announce intent to deploy the rifle via the radio and receive an acknowledgment from dispatch;
2. Deploy rifle using a two-officer team consisting of a single rifle carrier supported by an observer, whenever possible;
3. Advise dispatch, via the radio, of deployment location and update dispatch and others assigned to the event whenever deployment location changes, thus providing situational awareness to all personnel on-scene of location of deployed rifle(s) (similar to SWAT procedure during deployment of snipers);
4. Advise dispatch, via the radio, of whether or not deploying officer is accompanied by an observer;

Question 33

Deployment of Rifles:

Communications will re-Broadcast that a rifle has been deployed and notify the _____ _________ of the deployment

Answer 33

Area Supervisor

Question 34

Deployment of Rifles:

The Area Supervisor WILL:

Answer 34

1. Proceed immediately to the incident involving the rifle deployment and assume tactical control;
2. Ensure that rifle deployment is appropriate for the incident;
   a. If rifle deployment is inappropriate for the incident, modify or countermand deployment;

Question 35

Deployment of Rifles:

Upon completion of a rifle deployment incident the following will occur:

Answer 35

The senior supervisor on-scene will:

1. Ensure that officer(s) who deployed a rifle complete a rifle deployment report via Blue Team. The report will detail the following:
   a. Details of the incident;
   b. Justification per policy as to the rifle deployment.
   c. Nature of the threat resulting in decision to deploy rifle;
   d. Number and locations of all rifles deployed officers in the incident.

Supervisor of the deploying officer will:

2. Conduct a review of the deployment and make appropriate comments in the deployment report, to include any supervisory decisions countermanding or modifying original deployment;
3. Forward the report to the supervising Lieutenant for review;

Question 36

Deployment of Rifles:

Deployment of rifles in violation of policy may result in revocation of certification and authorization to carry the rifle. Members whose authorization to carry the rifle has been revoked will be required to attend a new 40-hour course of instruction to be re-certified in the use of the rifle if reinstatement of authorization to carry a rifle is desired.

True or False?

Answer 36

True.

Question 37

Deployment of Rifles:

Rifle deployment reports are not required when a rifle(s) is deployed as part of training or a tactical drill exercise (i.e., MACTAC tests).

If a MACTAC response is implemented the ________ ________ ordering such a response will complete one rifle deployment report that will serve as the report for all rifles deployed.

Additionally, SWAT is exempt from the steps above listed.

Answer 37

Incident Commander

Question 38

Rifle Standards:

LVMPD maintains a high standard for rifle certified officers. These standards must be met to prove the officer has shown the commitment to the great responsibility of being an LVMPD rifle operator.

To maintain certification as a rifle operator the below criteria must be maintained:

Answer 38

1. Pass the initial qualification with a 90% (only 2 attempts to pass);
2. Pass all qualifications with a 90%;
3. Attend 4 hours of rifle training within the 18 months of certification;
4. Attend an annual rifle re-evaluation and inspection (only 2 attempts to pass).

Question 39

Extended Capacity Magazines:

Officers may carry and use extended capacity ammunition magazines for their handgun.

Such magazines must be approved by the ________ ________ upon recommendation of the Firearms Training and Tactics Unit (FTTU) staff.

Answer 39

Firearms Committee