NARCOTICS BUREAU
DETECTIVE DIVISION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Bureau Order Number: 2-6
Subject: COLT AR-15 (M4) RIFLE
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Effective Date: |
07/01/2008 |
Last Date Revised: |
10/15/2019 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
04/01/2021 |
Next Review Date: |
04/01/2022 |
The purpose of this order is to establish policy and training for the use and deployment of the Colt AR-15 (M4) rifle during Narcotics Bureau tactical operations. Compliance with this order will enhance the safety of all personnel and comply with Departmental training policies related to AR-15 (M4) qualification.
Due to the sophisticated firepower that Narcotics Bureau personnel are confronted with when dealing with today’s drug traffickers, the Colt, Model #LE6921, AR-15 (M4) Law Enforcement Carbine Rifle, has been approved for use by members of the Narcotics Bureau. This rifle is commonly referred to as the “M4".
C. Scope of Policy
This policy will clearly establish the guidelines and procedures concerning the M4 rifle and shall be adhered to by all members of the Narcotics Bureau.
D. Accountability
Only those Narcotics Bureau Personnel who have successfully completed the required training will be issued and allowed to deploy the M4 rifle. The Narcotics Bureau Training Staff shall coordinate the required training for those Bureau personnel who are qualified to deploy the M4. The Bureau Training Staff shall also maintain M4 qualification records and ensure that these records are current.
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II. POLICY
A. Guidelines
The Colt Model #LE6921, AR-15(M4) Law Enforcement Carbine Rifle may be deployed in planned tactical operations, i.e., the serving of search and arrest warrants, parole and probation searches, dope/money flash, “rips,” and high risk vehicle stops. The deployment of the Benelli and Remington shotgun shall also continue to be an option for use during any and all tactical operations.
The M4 is a semiautomatic, gas operated, locking bolt rifle with a magazine capacity of 20-30 rounds. The approved ammunition is that which is issued by the Weapons Training Unit.
This weapon is intended for use by Narcotics Bureau teams whenever they are involved in any tactical operation. The M4 rifle will be deployed only by trained and qualified personnel and shall be specifically noted in the operations plan. Trained personnel/operator current in certification can deploy the M4 rifle if it is determined to be an appropriate weapon for the mission. Permission to deploy the M4 is not required, however notification to the team sergeant shall be made for all pre-planned operations. If an emergency arises, a trained deputy can deploy the M4 but as soon as the situation allows, the deputy shall notify a supervisor.
It will be the responsibility of each Crew/Team Sergeant, in conjunction with the Bureau Training Staff, to oversee the rifle’s condition, care, and annual test firing. Those personnel qualified to deploy the M4 will be directly responsible for its overall cleanliness and serviceability.
B. Weapon Security
1. When not in use, each detective, who has been issued an M4, shall keep it secured, stored and maintained in the trunk of their locked Departmental vehicle. For personnel driving a vehicle without a trunk compartment (SUV, Van, etc.), the weapon shall be secured in their vehicle. In both cases, the weapon shall be secured to the vehicle with a chain/cable and an approved locking device and or in a bureau “lockbox” which is affixed to the vehicle.
2. During off-duty hours, deputies shall have their unloaded M4 secured with an approved locking device inside their assigned Departmental vehicle and shall have the vehicle secured in their respective garage. However, when not possible to secure the
vehicle inside an enclosed garage, the M4 shall be secured unloaded and in a safe location inside the residence where children will not have access to it.
3. The trained operator assigned the M4 shall have the primary responsibility for security of the weapon.
C. Training
Training for those Narcotics Bureau Personnel assigned to deploy the M4 will consist of the following three phases:
Initial M4 Training
Initially, each detective assigned to deploy the M4 must complete a 16 hour firearms training program which emphasizes tactical use, marksmanship techniques, assault firing, and full maintenance of the weapon. This two day course is administered by the Training Bureau Range Staff or a qualified M4 instructor.
Additional M4 Training
Qualified personnel will attend tactical entry training consisting of perimeter containment, deployment within a team configuration, and moving with the M4 as part of an entry team. This training will be administered by one of the following training teams; the Narcotics Bureau Training staff, Training Bureau’s Laser Village Staff or Special Weapons Training Team.
Annual Re-qualification / Certification
All qualified personnel shall maintain their proficiency with the M4 by successfully completing an annual department mandated re-qualification course, administered by the Training Bureau Range Staff or qualified M4 instructor. After the re-qualification course, qualified personnel shall also attend at least one, four hour, live fire training session during the same calendar year and/or one, four hour, basic team movement training, utilizing simunitions. These courses are designed to keep personnel proficient with the M4 and are administered by the Narcotics Bureau Training staff, Training Bureau’s Laser Village Staff or Special Weapons Training Team. Only those personnel whose training status is current will be issued and allowed to deploy the M4.
D. Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET)
Due to the unique circumstances in which MET personnel must operate, (i.e., forest or densely covered wilderness) and the fact that suspects involved in illegal marijuana grows are typically armed with high power weapons, any M4 certified/qualified operator participating in a MET operation are authorized to deploy the M4. However, prior to deployment, a notification to the MET Command Post Lieutenant or Sergeant shall be made.
Note: A team supervisor (minimum rank of sergeant) shall be present to oversee the operation whenever an M4 is deployed during a MET operation.
ORIGINAL SIGNED
LOY L. MCBRIDE, CAPTAIN
NARCOTICS BUREAU