DP 1.05 Firearms Procedures – Key Points

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering the main topics and procedures in DP 1.05 Firearms Procedures, including shotgun procedures, firearms and ammunition requirements, safety, repairs, training, and civilian member firearms procedures.

What is the purpose of San Diego Police Department Procedure DP 1.05 Firearms Procedures?

To establish guidelines for the proper use, continued proficiency, and safe handling of firearms.

Where should a carried shotgun be stored while in a vehicle?

In the vehicle's shotgun mount; it shall not be stored or transported in the trunk.

How should shotguns be stored in unmarked vehicles?

Concealed in a protective case in a locked trunk or equipment storage box, or locked in the shotgun mount if the vehicle is equipped.

Who loads the shotgun at the beginning of the shift?

The officer to whom the shotgun is issued.

What must be done after a shotgun round has been chambered during an incident?

Unload and reload the shotgun in the currently prescribed manner.

What is the procedure at the end of the shift for shotguns?

Unload the shotgun in the currently prescribed manner.

What is a shotgun containment canister and what is it designed to stop?

A steel barrel with plywood baffles designed to stop 12-gauge 00-buck rounds (not for rifled slugs).

What must officers do after an unintentional shotgun discharge?

Notify the Watch Commander; Building Maintenance Supervisor if facility damage occurs.

Who is responsible for routine shotgun maintenance and cleaning?

The officers issued the shotguns.

What security feature do shotgun mounts have?

Electric locking mechanisms activated by the ignition key; remove the key and lock the doors when leaving the area.

What firearm finishes are allowed and which are prohibited?

Allowed: blue steel, stainless steel, or black non-reflective; Prohibited: chrome, nickel-plated, or colored finishes.

How many approved handguns may an officer carry for on- or off-duty use?

Up to five approved handguns.

Who approves personal weapons after inspection and how is authorization documented?

The Department’s Firearms Training Unit; authorization is documented on a PD-899TR form and filed in HR with copies kept by the officer.

Who has authority to issue or replace Department handguns when lost or stolen?

The Operational Support Sergeant.

What documentation is required if a handgun is lost or stolen outside San Diego County?

A police report with the handgun's serial number, an ARJIS-9 report, supervisor approval, and routing to Records; copies to Operational Support.

Can the Rangemaster authorize the exchange of a Department handgun?

Yes; approval must be obtained and the Rangemaster will notify Operational Support.

What training must be completed before carrying a semi-automatic pistol?

A Department-approved semi-automatic pistol course.

What must be completed to convert a double-action-only pistol to a conventional semi-automatic pistol?

The Department’s conversion class; other models require conversion; consult Firearms Training Unit for specifics.

Can other firearms be approved for undercover work, and if so, how?

Yes—approved in writing by the Assistant Chief after consultation with the Rangemaster; placed in the officer’s personnel file and discontinued after completion of the assignment.

What is the ammunition policy for firearms carried in an official capacity?

Ammunition must be a type currently approved and issued by the Department and shall not be altered.

Who must approve accessories or alterations to firearms and what list is maintained?

The Rangemaster must approve accessories/alterations; the Range maintains a list of authorized accessories and equipment.

Where should Department firearms be stored securely when not in use?

In locked department lockers or desk drawers containing firearms.

What should officers do if they possess a loaded firearm and unloading procedures are unknown?

Immediately unload the firearm or seek assistance from someone knowledgeable about safe unloading.

What is required for off-duty firearm storage?

Store off-duty firearms in accordance with applicable laws.

What is the policy for leaving firearms unattended?

Officers shall not leave weapons unattended in a careless manner at any time.

What is the policy for extended absences (120 days or more) and firearm proficiency upon return?

Upon return after extended absence, officers must demonstrate familiarity with their duty firearm and pass a proficiency shoot; if absent beyond thresholds, follow-up remedial steps as outlined in the procedure.

What must officers with medical restrictions do before training or department shoots?

Notify the Firearms Training Unit of their restrictions.

What authority may the Chief of Police grant regarding civilian members carrying firearms, and what prerequisites apply?

The Chief may authorize civilian members to carry firearms; they must have 832 P.C. training and a valid Concealed Weapons Permit, and carry only Department-approved firearms/ammunition.

What are the restrictions on civilian carrying and discharge of firearms?

Carrying requires Chief approval; discharge is limited to training or when there is a reasonable belief of imminent threat; discharges must be documented with a BlueTeam entry.

What is the purpose of San Diego Police Department Procedure DP 1.05 Firearms Procedures?

To establish guidelines for the proper use, continued proficiency, and safe handling of firearms.

Who does DP 1.05 Firearms Procedures apply to?

All members of the San Diego Police Department.

Where should a carried shotgun be stored while in a vehicle?

In the vehicle's shotgun mount; it shall not be stored or transported in the trunk.

How should shotguns be stored in unmarked vehicles?

Concealed in a protective case in a locked trunk or equipment storage box, or locked in the shotgun mount if the vehicle is equipped.

Who loads the shotgun at the beginning of the shift?

The officer to whom the shotgun is issued.

What must be done after a shotgun round has been chambered during an incident?

Unload and reload the shotgun in the currently prescribed manner.

What is the procedure at the end of the shift for shotguns?

Unload the shotgun in the currently prescribed manner.

What is a shotgun containment canister and what is it designed to stop?

A steel barrel with plywood baffles designed to stop 12-gauge 00-buck rounds (not for rifled slugs).

What must officers do after an unintentional shotgun discharge?

Notify the Watch Commander; Building Maintenance Supervisor if facility damage occurs.

Who is responsible for routine shotgun maintenance and cleaning?

The officers issued the shotguns.

What security feature do shotgun mounts have?

Electric locking mechanisms activated by the ignition key; remove the key and lock the doors when leaving the area.

What firearm finishes are allowed and which are prohibited?

Allowed: blue steel, stainless steel, or black non-reflective; Prohibited: chrome, nickel-plated, or colored finishes.

How many approved handguns may an officer carry for on- or off-duty use?

Up to five approved handguns.

Who approves personal weapons after inspection and how is authorization documented?

The Department’s Firearms Training Unit; authorization is documented on a PD-899TR form and filed in HR with copies kept by the officer.

Who has authority to issue or replace Department handguns when lost or stolen?

The Operational Support Sergeant.

What documentation is required if a handgun is lost or stolen outside San Diego County?

A police report with the handgun's serial number, an ARJIS-9 report, supervisor approval, and routing to Records; copies to Operational Support.

Can the Rangemaster authorize the exchange of a Department handgun?

Yes; approval must be obtained and the Rangemaster will notify Operational Support.

What training must be completed before carrying a semi-automatic pistol?

A Department-approved semi-automatic pistol course.

What must be completed to convert a double-action-only pistol to a conventional semi-automatic pistol?

The Department’s conversion class; other models require conversion; consult Firearms Training Unit for specifics.

Can other firearms be approved for undercover work, and if so, how?

Yes—approved in writing by the Assistant Chief after consultation with the Rangemaster; placed in the officer’s personnel file and discontinued after completion of the assignment.

What is the ammunition policy for firearms carried in an official capacity?

Ammunition must be a type currently approved and issued by the Department and shall not be altered.

Who must approve accessories or alterations to firearms and what list is maintained?

The Rangemaster must approve accessories/alterations; the Range maintains a list of authorized accessories and equipment.

Where should Department firearms be stored securely when not in use?

In locked department lockers or desk drawers containing firearms.

What should officers do if they possess a loaded firearm and unloading procedures are unknown?

Immediately unload the firearm or seek assistance from someone knowledgeable about safe unloading.

What is required for off-duty firearm storage?

Store off-duty firearms in accordance with applicable laws.

What is the policy for leaving firearms unattended?

Officers shall not leave weapons unattended in a careless manner at any time.

What is the policy for extended absences (120 days or more) and firearm proficiency upon return?

Upon return after extended absence, officers must demonstrate familiarity with their duty firearm and pass a proficiency shoot; if absent beyond thresholds, follow-up remedial steps as outlined in the procedure.

What must officers with medical restrictions do before training or department shoots?

Notify the Firearms Training Unit of their restrictions.

What authority may the Chief of Police grant regarding civilian members carrying firearms, and what prerequisites apply?

The Chief may authorize civilian members to carry firearms; they must have 832 P.C. training and a valid Concealed Weapons Permit, and carry only Department-approved firearms/ammunition.

What are the restrictions on civilian carrying and discharge of firearms?

Carrying requires Chief approval; discharge is limited to training or when there is a reasonable belief of imminent threat; discharges must be documented with a BlueTeam entry.

What form documents the authorization of personal weapons?

The PD-899TR form.

Who should be notified if an unintentional shotgun discharge causes facility damage?

The Building Maintenance Supervisor.

What type of firearm round is the shotgun containment canister not designed to stop?

Rifled slugs.