7.140 – Firearm Training Aid and Investigative Use

Effective Date:05/07/2019

7.140-POL

This policy applies to officers using firearms to train Department canines.

1. Canine Officers Assigned a Canine May Check out Specific Evidence Firearms for Training

Canine officers assigned a bomb detection or generalist canine may check out a firearm with written approval, through their chain of command, from the Homeland Security and Metro Special Response Section Captain.

The sergeant of the requesting handler will maintain a record of the firearms used as training aids.  The record will include:

  • Associated Report Number
  • Weapon make/model/serial number
  • Date obtained and date returned to the Evidence Unit

Canine Officers may check out a firearm from the Evidence Unit for 90 days.

See 7.140-PRO-1 Checkout of Firearms for Canine Training

2. The Evidence Unit Releases Firearms for Training That Are Scheduled for Destruction

The Evidence Unit will destroy the training firearms when returned by the canine handler.

3. The Range Unit Will Make Canine Training Firearms Incapable of Live Fire

The Range Unit will test fire the canine training firearms and then make the firearm incapable of live fire.  The firearm is returned to the Evidence Unit in the altered condition.

4. Canine Handlers Will Secure Training Firearms

The canine officer is responsible for securely storing training firearms.

5. Canine Officers Complete a Memorandum For any Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Firearm

The handler, through their chain of command, will send a memo to the Homeland Security and Metro Special Response Section Captain and the Compliance Section Captain if a training firearm is lost, stolen or destroyed. 

The memo will contain:

  • Description of the firearm
  • Description of how the firearm was lost, stolen or destroyed
  • Efforts to find the firearm
  • Report Number if a Report completed

7.140-PRO-1 Checkout of Firearms for Canine Training

Canine Handler

1. Obtains written approval through their chain of command from the Homeland Security and Metro Special Response Section Captain to acquire training firearms.

2. Contacts the Evidence Unit and arranges to select firearms.

Senior Evidence Warehouser

3. Assists the canine handler in selecting firearms for conversion to training aids.

4. Emails the Range Unit a list of selected firearms.

Range Unit

5. Selects firearms from the emailed list that can be modified for training.

6. Emails the Canine Handler and the Evidence Unit a list of selected firearms.

Canine Handler

7. Completes a Receipt for Evidence (form 13.2.2) for each firearm checked out of the Evidence Unit.

8. Forwards a copy of the Receipt for Evidence (form 13.2.2) to the Arson/Bomb Lieutenant.

9. Transports the selected firearms to the Range Unit.

Range Unit

10. Inspects and tests fires the firearm.

11. Makes the firearm incapable of live fire.

12. Contacts the Canine handler when the firearm is ready.

Canine Handler

13. Collects the firearm from the Range Unit.

14. Returns the firearm to the Evidence Unit after 90 days.