03-01 POSSESSION & DEPLOYMENT OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONS BY PARTICIPATINGAGENCY PERSONNEL
Unit Order: 03-01
Subject: POSSESSION & DEPLOYMENT OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONS BY PARTICIPATING AGENCY PERSONNEL
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Effective Date: |
02/21/2003 |
Last Date Revised: |
08/07/2014 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
04/09/2020 |
Next Review Date: |
04/09/2021 |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Unit Order is to establish a uniform policy on the authorization, possession, and use of a full/semi-automatic weapon(s) (i.e. M P-5, AR-15 or any other such weapon) of personnel assigned to TRAP. This policy is being implemented to ensure that investigators assigned to TRAP, adheres to the guidelines established by this unit and the Policy and Procedures of their respective agencies. These guidelines shall include training, the proper use and handling of such weapons, and the written authorization to carry these weapons while on duty by the investigator’s home agency.
PROCEDURES
During any investigation or search warrant where there is the potential for armed confrontation or the presence of any high risk factors as indicated on the Search Warrant Check List, TRAP personnel shall contact either the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) or from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). The utilization of specialized tactical entry units will increase officer safety and minimize the potential of a violent confrontation.
AUTHORIZATION
In an effort to reduce the potential for liability to either TRAP or its personnel, it is required that each investigator who is certified to possess a full, semi-automatic rifle and/or tactical entry munitions, provide documentation from their agency. This documentation shall be signed by the Chief of Police or a command officer of their respective agency, giving the authorization to the investigator to carry any of the above described weapons while in the field. The signed authorization document shall be submitted to the TRAP Project Director for review and approval. Upon approval, the document will be placed in the concerned investigator’s personnel file and a copy forwarded to the appropriate area lieutenant.
DEPLOYMENT
TRAP investigators who have provided the proper certification and authorization to carry full/semi-automatic rifles and ammunition who choose to carry such a weapon at the request of their agency, shall take full responsibility for the proper care and handling of the weapon(s).
The weapon(s) and ammunition shall remain out of public view unless circumstances arise and the deployment of such weapon is fully justified and in compliance with their respective Department’s written policy. All full/semi-automatic rifles shall be stored and secured in an area inaccessible to the general public. When storing a full/semi-automatic rifle in a vehicle, it shall be secured in a locked device out of view of the public. Furthermore, reasonable and prudent precautions shall be taken to prevent loss of a weapon. A parked vehicle left unattended on the street or in a driveway is particularly vulnerable to theft or burglary. Therefore, personnel shall assure that any vehicle which contains a full/semi-automatic rifle is parked in a safe location and all weapons are secured in the vehicle’s trunk, in a rack or a locked container (when available). All weapons shall be removed from any vehicle parked overnight outside of a secure garage.
Should there be a loss or theft of such a weapon(s), immediate notification shall be made to the Project Director, through the area lieutenant. Notification of the loss/theft will be made by the concerned investigator to his/her respective agency without delay. Team Supervisors, when notified of such a loss or theft, shall ensure that at all necessary law enforcement agencies in the jurisdiction of occurrence are notified. A copy of all reports will be submitted to the Project Director and area lieutenant for administrative purposes.
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MARTIN L. RODRIGUEZ, CAPTAIN
PROJECT DIRECTOR