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Custody Operations Directives / 2024 Directives

24-001 Firearm and Ammunition Storage for Non-Citizen Sworn Personnel


24-002 Documentation of Grievances Against Staff in the Custody Inmate Grievance Application (CIGA)

CUSTODY DIRECTIVE: 24-001                                                                                                                                        DATE: 02/27/24

ISSUED FOR: CUSTODY OPERATIONS

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Custody Operations Directive is to familiarize personnel with California State Senate Bill 960 and establish procedures for the security/storage of Department-issued firearms and ammunition for sworn personnel who have not obtained United States citizenship.

BACKGROUND

In September 2022, California State Senate Bill 960 amended Government Code section 1031 to eliminate the United States citizenship or legal residency requirements for peace officers. Government Code section 1031 now provides that peace officers must “be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.” Pursuant to 18 USC 922(g)(5)(A), it is unlawful for a person who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States to possess any firearm or ammunition. However, pursuant to 18 USC 925(a)(1), this prohibition does not apply to the possession of firearms or ammunition issued for the use of the County through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and used exclusively for its purposes.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

In order to comply with federal law, the following policy and procedures shall apply to sworn personnel who have not obtained United States citizenship.

The possession and use of Department-issued firearms (i.e., handgun, patrol shotgun, and patrol rifle [when trained and within policy limitations]) and ammunition is restricted to while on-duty and performing official duties as a Deputy Sheriff. While off-duty and not in the performance of official duties, personnel shall not be authorized to possess, transport, and/or purchase any firearm or ammunition.

Personnel shall be responsible for storing and securing their Department-issued firearms and ammunition at their unit of assignment at the end of their shift. Unit commanders shall ensure facilities develop unit orders addressing the storage and security of such weapons and ammunition (e.g., individually issued gun lockers, personal locker, unit safe, etc.).

Questions regarding this directive should be directed to Custody Support Services Bureau at [REDACTED TEXT].