Harding township police department

OPERATIONS

FIREARMS

VOL. IV, CH. 2

2. 
   While on duty, plain clothes or covert operation police officers are to carry in a concealed manner either the .40 Glock model 23 or model 27 department authorized handgun.
   

3. 
   Special written approval is required from the Chief of Police to carry any weapon other than the department authorized duty weapon while on duty.
   

Authorization to carry must be requested, as follows:
(1) The firearm must be properly registered and a copy of the “permit to purchase handgun” certificate is presented to the police department.
(2) A Firearm Request Form (appendix 1) shall be completed and turned over along with the weapon for inspection by the firearms instructor.
(3) The Firearms Request Form and purchase permit will then be turned over to the Chief of Police for review and final approval.
(4) The firearm will be of a caliber no less than .25 caliber and no more than .45 caliber.
(5) The firearm must be in good working order, officer to qualify per NJ Attorney General Guidelines, and no modifications to the weapon are to be made from its original intention.
(6) Upon successful completion the officer must receive a Letter of Authorization to carry from the Chief of Police.
2. Off-Duty Full Time Police Officers.

1. 
   Officers may carry either department issued handgun (Glock model 23 or 27) while off duty provided that the handgun is carried in a concealed manner.
   

2. 
   Officers may carry a firearm while off-duty other than the department issued firearm provided that:
   

(1) The firearm must be properly registered and a copy of the “permit to purchase handgun” certificate is presented to the police department.

(2) A Firearm Request Form (appendix 1) shall be completed and turned over along with the weapon for inspection by the firearms instructor.
(3) The Firearms Request Form and purchase permit will then be turned over to the Chief of Police for review and final approval.
(4) The firearm will be of a caliber no less than .25 caliber and no more than .45 caliber.

(5) The firearm must be carried in a concealed manner, be in good working order, officer to qualify per NJ Attorney General Guidelines, and no modifications to the weapon are to be made from its original intention.

3. 
   No member of the department shall carry any firearm into an Atlantic City Casino. State law prohibits anyone to carry firearms into a casino.
   

4. 
   No member of the department is authorized to carry a department issued firearm while working for a private security business of any kind. All special requests for police protection or traffic details must be authorized by the respective officer in charge.
   

B. AMMUNITION

1. 
   The authorized ammunition for the Glock model 23 shall be the .40 caliber:
   

1. 
   Speer Gold-Dot 180 grain jacketed hollow point.
   
2. 
   Glaser Safety Slug, 115 grain Ball (for use on small animals only)
   

2. 
   Off duty ammunition to be used with an approved off duty weapon shall be carried with the approval of the Chief of Police upon recommendation of the firearms instructor.
   

. HOLSTERS

1. 
   The duty holster for uniformed officers will be the Safariland Model 070 SS111 basket weave. The holster will be worn in a conventional manner. At no time will the holster be modified from its original intention.
   

2. 
   Plainclothes/Detective personnel will carry their department issued weapon in a holster approved by the supervising firearms instructor and the Chief of Police.
   

D. AUXILIARY WEAPONS
1. Full-Time Officers may carry an auxiliary weapon while on duty provided that:
(a) The firearm must be properly registered and a copy of the “permit to purchase handgun” certificate is presented to the police department.
(b) A Firearm Request Form (appendix 1) shall be completed and turned over along with the weapon for inspection by the firearms instructor.
(c) The Firearms Request Form and purchase permit will then be turned over to the Chief of Police for review and final approval.

(d) The firearm will be no less than .25 caliber and no more than .45 caliber.

(e) The firearm must be carried in a concealed manner, be in good working order, officer to qualify per NJ Attorney General Guidelines, and no modifications to the weapon are to be made from its original intention.

(f) Upon successful completion the officer must receive a Letter of Authorization to carry from the Chief of Police.

II. MAINTENANCE, STORAGE, LOADING AND UNLOADING OF DEPARTMENT HANDGUNS
A. UN-LOADING OF DEPARTMENT ISSUED HANDGUN
1. Located within the locker room is a pistol loading/unloading barrel, (barrel filled with sand) this is the only location that an officer may load or unload any handguns.
2. Before removing the handgun from the holster, remove the magazine from the weapon.
3. After completing step 2 the officer shall safely draw the weapon while keeping the trigger finger out of the trigger guard and away from trigger, the weapon shall be pointed at the center of the loading/unloading barrel to stop any bullet which may be accidentally discharged.
4. The officer shall then pull back on the slide of the weapon to eject any round which may be in the chamber of the weapon. The officer shall allow the cartridge to fall onto the mat covering the barrel. OFFICERS SHALL NOT ATTEMPT TO BLOCK EJECTION OF THE CARTRIDGE OR CATCH THE CARTRIDGE IN MID AIR.

5. Inspect the ejection port area and the barrel chamber to insure there are no obstructions or a round in the barrel, and then release the slide letting it return to its normal position.

6. 
   The officer shall then re-holster the unloaded weapon and retrieve the ejected cartridge
   

6. 
   If an officer is un-loading a off duty or auxiliary weapon the officer shall do so at the loading/un-loading barrel as described in steps 1 thru 6 or in accordance with safe weapon handling as advised by the weapon manufacturer.
   

B. LOADING OF DEPARTMENT ISSUED HANDGUN
1. Located within the locker room is a pistol loading/unloading barrel, (barrel filled with sand) this is the only location that an officer may load or unload any handguns.
2. Prior to loading any duty weapon the officer shall be properly attired with either a gun belt with holster or off duty holster in which to place the loaded weapon.
3. The officer shall draw the unloaded weapon and point the barrel into the loading/unloading barrel.
4. The officer shall then insert a loaded magazine into the weapon and then firmly pull back the slide of the weapon and then fully release the slide, allowing the slide to load a cartridge into the barrel of the weapon.

5. 
   The officer shall then re-holster the weapon and attach any safety straps attached to the holster.
   

5. 
   Officer shall then eject the magazine from the weapon and replace the cartridge which had been loaded into the barrel.
   

5. 
   The officer shall then perform a PUSH-PULL-SWEEP
   

(a) PUSH on the inserted magazine to be sure that the magazine is fully seated.

(b) PULL on the inserted magazine to be sure that the magazine is properly secured.
(c) SWEEP between the holster and any clothing to be sure that the magazine did not get caught on any loose clothing.

5. 
   If an officer is loading an off duty or auxiliary weapon the officer shall do so at the loading/un-loading barrel as described in steps 1 thru 7 or in accordance with safe weapon handling as advised by the weapon manufacturer.
   

C. CARE AND CLEANING OF DUTY HANDGUN
1. Pistols should be field stripped and cleaned at reasonably frequent intervals to insure proper functioning. It is recommended that this be done at a minimum of once a month.
2. If the weapon has been recently fired at the range or to destroy an injured animal, the weapon will be fully cleaned as soon as practicable.

3. Use any good commercial solvent, and after cleaning, lubricate sparingly with light weight gun oil. Outside surfaces may be protected from corrosion by coating lightly with a rust inhibiting oil found in the cleaning kit.
4. Be careful not to drop magazines, as they may be sufficiently deformed to cause failure to feed properly.
5. Field stripping, Preventive Maintenance and Function (Safeties) Testing of duty weapon.
(a) See Appendix 2
(b) If the officer is field stripping the department issued handgun while at headquarters or on duty he/she shall do so only within the armory after safely unloading the handgun as per this policy. The officer shall use the Pistol Clearing Tube when it is required to depress the trigger as per Glock Inc. field stripping instructions. (See Appendix 3) for instructions on use of Pistol Clearing Tube.
6. To Reassemble Handgun
(a) Reassemble handgun in the reverse order of disassembly. HOWEVER, it is not necessary to pull down on the slide lock while pulling the slide onto the receiver.
(b) After reassembly, work the slide, wipe any excess oil from firearm and inspect firearm to determine that the weapon is functioning properly.

7. 
   Magazines should not be oiled, but wiped clean with a clean rag.
   

8. All weapons will be inspected by the Range Officer before any qualification/training session. The inspection results will be recorded on the Firearms Qualifications Form (See Appendix 4).

9 . If the weapon is in need of repairs, the department Firearm Repair Report is to be completed. (See Appendix 5).

4. 
   STORAGE OF DUTY HANDGUN
   

1. If an officer is to store his/her duty weapon at headquarters while not on duty the weapon shall be unloaded and locked in the officers locker.

2. If an officer is to store his/her duty weapon at home the officer shall secure the weapon in a locked box or trunk and/or use the department issued trigger lock. It is recommended that the weapon be fully unloaded when stored at the officer’s home.

3. 
   Loss of the department issued handgun through carelessness or neglect shall be deemed a serious violation of department regulations.
   

III. DEPARTMENT SHOTGUNS
A. The department authorized shotgun is the Remington Model 870, 12 gauge pump action shotgun.

2. 
   SHOTGUN AMMUNITION
   

1. The department authorized shotgun round is:

1. 
   Winchester 00 Buck. (9 or 12 pellet)
   

2. 
   Winchester 1 oz. Rifled Slug
   

3. 
   Defense Technology Fin Stabilized Bean Bag Round
   

1. 
   If an officer uses this bean bag round in an attempt to use less than lethal force he MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO USE DEADLY FORCE.
   

C. STORAGE & OPERATION

1. 
   Only Full Time officers who have qualified as per the NJ Attorney General Guideline are permitted to use the department issued shotgun.
   

2. 
   Only sworn officers are permitted access to the Rifle/Shotgun Locker, which will be locked at all times, except when officers are returning or removing a rifle/shotgun.
   

3. If there are any problems with either the shotgun or ammunition, the department Firearms Repair Report (See Appendix 5) is to be completed and forwarded to the Supervising Firearms Officer, who will determine the problem and obtain authorization from the Chief to have the weapon repaired. A tag shall be affixed to the weapon by the officer that discovers a defect or malfunction. The tag shall explain what the defect or malfunction is and the signature of the officer who discovered the problem. Shotguns that are tagged shall not be removed from the Weapons Locker. It shall be the responsibility of the Supervising Firearms Officer to remove a shotgun from the Weapons Locker for the purpose of having the shotgun repaired.
3. The shotguns will be maintained as needed by the Firearms Staff.
4. The shotgun shall be loaded and un-loaded in the armory at headquarters. At NO TIME shall a shotgun be stored anywhere other than the armory or in a vehicle shotgun locking device/carrying case.
5. Storage of Shotgun in HQ:
(a) Shotguns not in use shall be stored in the rifle/shotgun locker located in the armory.
(b) The shotgun will be stored unloaded, with the safety on, magazine empty and slide open.
6. Storage of Shotgun in Patrol Car:
(a) When shotguns are placed in a police car, the weapon is to be locked in the shotgun locking device/carrying case, the safety on, magazine loaded with 00 Buck and the bandolier fully loaded. At NO TIME is a shotgun to be placed in the locking device/carrying case with a round loaded into the chamber.
(b) All patrol cars equipped with a shotgun locking device/carrying case shall carry a shotgun.
(c) Officers shall not leave the vehicle unattended without locking the exterior doors of the patrol vehicle.
(d) If a patrol vehicle is taken out of service away from HQ the shotgun shall be removed.

(e) If a vehicle is not being used during a shift but must be serviced the shift supervisor shall have the rifle removed from the vehicle if the vehicle will be out of the control of HTPD approved personnel. The rifle shall be unloaded and placed in the weapons locker if it is removed from the vehicle. When the vehicle is returned from service the rifle shall then be loaded and returned to the vehicle.

7. Loading Instructions and Placement into the Police Vehicle:
(a) Put the safety in the ON position.

(b) Check that the shotgun is unloaded and the bolt closed.
(c) Load the magazine and any attached bandoliers.
(d) Lock the shotgun into the shotgun locking device/carrying case.
8. Removal of the Shotgun from the Police Vehicle and Unloading Instructions:
(a) Check to make sure that the safety is in the ON position.
(b) Release the shotgun locking device/carrying case latches and remove the shotgun from the vehicle. When removing the shotgun, keep your finger away from the trigger and outside trigger guard. The weapon is to be pointed in a safe direction.
(c) The officer may enter headquarters and proceed immediately to the armory where the shotgun shall be unloaded. Unloading of the magazine shall be completed by using the magazine release button. The shotgun shells shall be placed within the rifle/shotgun locker in the shell tray.
(d) After the magazine is empty, release the slide, check the port to ensure the chamber is open and the weapon is unloaded. Visually inspect the port and the magazine.
9. Cleaning Instructions:

1. 
   Before the shotgun is cleaned, inspect the shotgun to determine that is unloaded. DO NOT assume that the shotgun is unloaded until you physically check it yourself.
   

2. 
   Only officers who have been approved by the supervising firearms instructor are permitted to clean the shotgun.
   
3. 
   If, an officer finds that a shotgun is in need of cleaning he/she shall remove the shotgun from service and advise the supervising firearms instructor.
   

10. Use of Shotgun:

a. The shotgun is only to be used when it poses no threat to innocent bystanders.
b. At no time is a shotgun to be discharged into a bank, store, business, school, residence or other building without proper target acquisition and back stop.

3. 
   The shotgun shall not be used in low light conditions unless the officer can properly acquire his target and determine the threat with ambient light. NO HAND HELD FLASHLIGHT shall be utilized along with the shotgun by the officer. A second officer may illuminate the target/threat with a flashlight for the officer utilizing the shotgun.
   

e. No civilian is to handle or use the shotgun.

IV. DEPARTMENT SEMI-AUTOMATIC ASSAULT RIFLE
A. The department authorized semi-automatic assault rifle is the Bushmaster M-4, caliber .223/5.56 mm rifle

2. 
   ASSAULT RIFLE AMMUNITION
   

1. The department authorized ammunition for the rifle shall be .223 caliber/5.56mm Winchester or Remington Ball ammunition, 55 grain.

C. STORAGE & OPERATION
1. Only Full Time officers who have qualified as per the NJ Attorney General Guideline are permitted to use the department issued assault rifle
2. Only sworn officers are permitted access to the Rifle/Shotgun Locker, which will be locked at all times, except when officers are returning or removing a rifle/shotgun.

3. If there are any problems with either the rifle or ammunition, the department Firearms Repair Report (See Appendix 5) is to be completed and forwarded to the Supervising Firearms Officer, who will determine the problem and obtain authorization from the Chief to have the weapon repaired. A tag shall be affixed to the rifle by the officer that discovers a defect or malfunction. The tag shall explain what the defect or malfunction is and the signature of the officer who discovered the problem. Rifles that are tagged shall not be removed from the Rifle/Shotgun Locker. It shall be the responsibility of the Supervising Firearms Officer to remove a rifle from the Rifle/Shotgun Locker for the purpose of having the rifle repaired.

4. Rifles will be maintained as needed by the Firearms Staff.

5. Rifles shall be loaded and un-loaded in the armory at headquarters. At NO TIME shall a rifle be stored anywhere other than the armory or in a vehicle rifle locking device/carrying case.
6. Storage of Rifle in HQ:
(a) Rifle’s not in use shall be stored in the rifle/shotgun locker located in the armory.
(b) Rifles shall be stored unloaded, with the safety on, magazine removed and bolt closed.
7. Storage of Rifle in Patrol Car:
(a) When a rifle is placed in a police car, the weapon is to be locked in the rifle locking device/carrying case, the safety on and the magazines loaded.
(b) If the rifle locking device or carrying case can operate properly with a magazine inserted into the weapon then a magazine shall be inserted. If the rifle locking device or carrying case can not be operated properly with a magazine inserted into the weapon then a magazine shall not be inserted in the weapon. At NO TIME is a rifle to be placed in the locking device/carrying case with a round loaded into the chamber.
(c) All patrol cars equipped with a rifle locking device/carrying case shall carry a rifle.
(d) Officers shall not leave the vehicle unattended without locking the exterior doors of the patrol vehicle.
(e) If a patrol vehicle is taken out of service the rifle shall be removed.
(f) If a vehicle is not being used during a shift but must be serviced the shift supervisor shall have the rifle removed from the vehicle if the vehicle will be out of the control of HTPD approved personnel. The rifle shall be unloaded and placed in the weapons locker if it is removed from the vehicle. When the vehicle is returned from service the rifle shall then be loaded and returned to the vehicle.
8. Loading Instructions and Placement into the Police Vehicle:
(a) Put the safety in the ON position.

(b) Check that the rifle is unloaded and the bolt closed.

(c) Check that there are 3 fully loaded magazines for the M4.
(d) Insert the magazine into the weapon if the M4 can be secured in a rifle locking device or carrying case with the magazine inserted. If not, do not insert the magazine.
(d) Lock the rifle into the rifle locking device/carrying case.
9. Removal of the rifle from the Police Vehicle and Unloading Instructions:
(a) Check to make sure that the safety is in the ON position.
(b) Release the rifle locking device/carrying case latches and remove the rifle from the vehicle. When removing the rifle, keep your finger away from the trigger and outside trigger guard. The weapon is to be pointed in a safe direction.
(c) The officer may enter headquarters and proceed immediately to the armory where the magazine shall be removed from the rifle if needed
(e) After the magazine is removed (if needed) visually and physically check the chamber for any round that may have been chambered.
(f) Lock the rifle and magazines in the rifle/shotgun locker with the bolt closed.
10. Cleaning Instructions:

1. 
   Before the rifle is cleaned, inspect the rifle to determine that is unloaded. DO NOT assume that the rifle is unloaded until you physically check it yourself.
   

2. 
   Only officers who have been approved by the supervising firearms instructor are permitted to clean the rifle.
   

1. 
   If, an officer finds that a rifle is in need of cleaning he/she shall remove the rifle from service and advise the supervising firearms instructor.
   

11. Use of Assault Rifle:

a. The rifle is only to be utilized when it poses no threat to innocent bystanders.

2. 
   The M-4 rifle may be used as needed for perimeter security or as an entry weapon.
   

c. At no time is a rifle to be discharged into a bank, store, business, school, residence or other building with out proper target acquisition and back stop.
d. No civilian is to handle or use the rifle

5. 
   The rifle shall not be used in low light conditions unless the officer can properly acquire his target and determine the threat with ambient light. NO HAND HELD FLASHLIGHT shall be utilized along with the rifle by the officer. A second officer may illuminate the target/threat with a flashlight for the officer utilizing the rifle.
   

V. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AND USE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

1. 
   Members of the Harding Township Police Department will not drink alcohol while on duty and carrying the department issued handgun.
   

2. 
   When officers are off duty they should be mindful of the great responsibility and liability of carrying a firearm into establishments where alcohol is served. Officers should not carry a sidearm if they know they will be drinking alcoholic beverage for an extended period of time.
   

3. 
   Officers who are taking medication that may affect the officer’s judgment or awareness should notify the Chief of Police or their immediate supervisor prior to reporting for duty. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what if any side effects the drug can result in.
   

VI. FINGERPRINTING AND YOUR FIREARM

1. 
   The officer who is fingerprinting a person who has been arrested, is the subject of a criminal investigation or at the officers or the supervising officer’s discretion shall secure his/her duty handgun in the pistol lock box.
   

1. If an officer carry’s a concealed auxiliary weapon the officer is not required to secure the auxiliary weapon in the pistol lock box while fingerprinting a suspect/subject.

2. 
   Securing Handgun Prior to Fingerprinting
   

1. 
   Prior to removing the officer’s duty handgun from the officer’s holster any suspect/s or subject/s shall be secured in a cell or be under the supervision of another officer in the processing or interview room.
   

2. 
   The officer shall remove the magazine from the duty weapon and place it in his/her pocket.
   

3. 
   The officer shall then safely draw the weapon from the holster while keeping finger away from trigger and outside of the trigger guard and then store the handgun in the pistol lock box. After locking the box the officer shall place the key in his pocket.
   

4. 
   OFFICER’s SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THE HANDGUN STILL HAS A ROUND IN THE BARREL AND MAY NOT HAVE A MAGAZINE DISCONNECT SAFETY. THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED HANDGUN DOES NOT HAVE ANY SUCH SAFETY DEVICE.
   

5. 
   If the officer is carrying a revolver the cylinder shall be opened when placed in the pistol lock box.
   

3. 
   Securing Handgun Upon Completion of Fingerprinting.
   

1. 
   Prior to removing the officer’s duty handgun from the pistol lock box any suspect/s or subject/s shall be secured in a cell, or be under the supervision of another officer in the processing or interview room.
   

2. 
   The officer shall then retrieve the handgun from the pistol lock box and place the handgun in a holster and secure any safety straps. OFFICER SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THE WEAPON STILL HAS A ROUND IN THE BARREL AND MAY NOT HAVE A MAGAZINE DISCONNECT SAFETY. THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED HANDGUN DOES NOT HAVE ANY SUCH SAFETY DEVICE.
   

3. 
   The officer shall then insert the magazine back into the sidearm.
   

4. 
   The officer shall then perform a PUSH-PULL-SWEEP
   

(a) PUSH on the inserted magazine to be sure that the magazine is fully seated.

(b) PULL on the inserted magazine to be sure that the magazine is properly secured.
(c) SWEEP between the holster and any clothing to be sure that the magazine did not get caught on any loose clothing.

5. 
   The key to the pistol lock box shall then be returned to its proper storage location.
   

VII. DISCHARGE OF FIREARM

1. 
   When in the performance of sworn duty a firearm is discharged the officer will:
   

1. 
   Submit a General Complaint entry reporting the firearm use.
   
2. 
   Document the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the exact number of rounds fired.
   

3. 
   Complete any other reports directed by the Chief of Police or other department policy, i.e., Use of Force Report, Investigation Report, etc.
   

2. 
   This subsection will not pertain to the discharge of firearms during qualifications or target practice.
   

8. 
   SURRENDERING OF FIREARM
   

1. 
   When an officer must surrender his firearm due to retirement, suspension, illness or other reason at the discretion of the Chief of Police the following procedure shall be followed.
   

1. 
   The officer shall surrender all department issued firearms, magazines and ammunition to the Chief of Police or his designee.
   

2. 
   The firearm, magazines and ammunition shall be forwarded to the Supervising Firearms Instructor who shall then secure the items in the armory.
   

IX. RETIRED POLICE OFFICER/PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPON

1. 
   A retired police officer is not considered an employee of the police department and would not be covered by the townships insurance policy, therefore the following guidelines must be followed:
   

1. 
   A weapon (or ammunition) shall never be supplied to a retired police officer by the Harding Township Police Department.
   

2. 
   Retired officers are not permitted to participate in any firearms training; qualifications or open ranges held by the Harding Township Police Department. Any training and/or qualification requirements to permit a retired police officer to carry a firearm shall be conducted at a separate authorized facility and at the expense of the retired officer..
   

3. 
   Circulation of a letter to each retired police officer emphasizing that if they choose to carry a weapon they are doing so in a civilian capacity even if the weapon is being utilized to prevent a crime
   

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