Firearms Flashcards
Safe direction
A true safe direction may be found on a shooting range, ie the backstop. However, in other places an ideal safe direction may be harder to find.
A ‘safe direction’ in other places is defined as one in which, if an unintentional discharge occurs, only minor property damage and no human injury will result.
Remember - treat all weapons as loaded.
Cardinal rule 1
Treat all guns as loaded.
Cardinal rule 2
Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Cardinal rule 3
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are on target and have decided to fire.
Cardinal rule 4
Be sure of your target and what is around it and behind it.
Laser rule
Treat any weapon like you handle like a laser gun with a beam that is always on. Whatever the beam touches it cuts through.
Pre-operational check
Each time employees take possession of a firearm operationally at the commencement of a shift or period of duty they must:
- Carry out safety precautions
- Carry out a pre operational check
- Ensure the firearm is in the correct weapon state for the shift or period of duty.
Failure of pre-operational check
If a firearm fails any aspect of the pre-operational check:
- Immediately withdraw the firearm from service
- Create a task in the ‘Operation asset’ section of RIOD
- Forward to the Police Armoury for repair.
Bullet traps
Approved bullet traps, where available at Police stations, must be used for loading and unloading firearms. If bullet traps are not available, a ‘safe direction’ in line with firearms training must be employed.
When must you carry out safety precautions?
The person handling the firearm is responsible for carrying out safety precautions. You must always carry them out:
- Whenever a firearm has not been in your direct control
- Before handing a firearm to another person
- Whenever you are unsure of the firearm’s state of readiness.
