THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
S SUBJECT: PAGE: 1 OF 8
FIREARMS
NUMBER 1.3.7 EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2001
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS: UT SYSTEM REFERENCE:
1.3.6, 1.3.7,1.3.8, 1.3.10
CHIEF OF POLICE:
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this directive is to establish Departmental policy regarding the types of
weapons that may be used and firearms qualification requirements.
POLICY:
Establishing a firearms policy with high standards not only protects the officer and the
Department from possible civil liability, but is added insurance to officer safety in the
field. The objective of this policy is to achieve the highest standards possible for
firearms use and safety. To achieve this objective, all members of the Department must
conduct themselves in a manner that reflects maximum caution and safety. Anyone
conducting themselves in a manner that serves to negate this objective will be in conflict
with the philosophy of this policy.
Each officer shall be responsible for assuring that the officer's weapon(s) is/are properly
cleaned and maintained in a condition as to insure maximum operating proficiency and
safety.
PROCEDURES
I. Firearms
A. Requirement to Bear Firearms
1. All sworn personnel are required to carry a sidearm whenever they serve
in an ON DUTY capacity. For the purposes of this directive, "ON DUTY"
capacity pertains to:
a. An officer who serves on an assigned tour, authorized overtime or
special assignment;
b. An officer wearing the Departmental uniform; and/or
c. An officer representing or identifying himself/herself as a peace
officer for the purpose of taking enforcement action or discharging
legal duties
EXCEPTIONS: Personnel assigned to the station for administrative
duties are not required to be armed while conducting normal business
within the police building or adjacent university facilities.
NOTE: Any time an officer carries a weapon in public the officer is required to
carry police identification. Any weapon carried out of uniform will be worn
under a coat or otherwise out of view and notice of the public when carried
outside the police building.
B. Carrying of On Duty Firearms:
1. Officer may carry only firearms authorized by this policy and approved by
the Chief of Police.
2. All officers will be issued a Departmental service weapon to be carried on
duty as their primary sidearm.
a. The Chief of Police will indicate and authorize the type of firearm
issued as the Departmental Service weapon.
b. All issued firearms must be .380, .38 special, 9mm parabellum, or
.40SW caliber.. Only an officer who is wearing civilian clothing may
carry the .380 caliber.
C. Carrying Personally-Owned Firearms
Before carrying a personally owned firearm (on or off-duty), an officer must
have the firearm approved by the Chief of Police utilizing the following
procedures:
1. The officer must submit a completed departmental Authorization Form
and the firearm to the department's Range Master or Firearms Instructor.
2. The Firearms Instructor will examine the firearm to determine if it is in
proper working order.
3. The officer must demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of all safety
features of the firearm.
4. The officer must demonstrate proficiency with the firearm by qualifying on
an UT System Police Course of Fire.
5. Following completion of procedure 1-4, the Firearms Instructor will
forward the Authorization Form to the Chief of Police.
6. If approved by the Chief of Police, the Authorization Form will be
maintained in the officer's training file and the record will be entered into
the weapons program.
D. Back-up/Secondary Weapons
1. No back-up/secondary weapons are authorized for use by any officer in
this department.
E. Off-duty Weapons
1. The carrying of an off-duty weapon by commissioned personnel in this
Department is at the discretion of the individual officer. Weapons from
the Authorized Weapons list are approved.
NOTE: This policy does not apply to officers who are off-duty and
engaged in hunting or sporting activities. Officers who carry a firearm off-
duty must, at all times, be cognizant of state laws and statutes, System
Police and Regents' Rules pertaining to the use of firearms, authority, and
jurisdiction.
2. No officer will carry a sidearm while on or off-duty, which is not in
compliance with the specifications of this directive, any General Order,
the UT System Police Policy III-74-1A, or the Chief of Police.
F. Authorized Types of Firearms
1. Sidearms carried at any time by members of this Department will be legal
handguns as defined by State and Federal Laws and authorized by the
Chief of Police.
2. All sidearms will be in their original design as received from the
manufacturer, unless written modification approval has been granted.
Any modifications to the original design must be approved by the Chief of
Police. Request for such approval will be made by the requesting officer
by memorandum, via the Firearms Instructor.
3. Any firearm carried by an officer who is off duty and out of uniform will be
concealed under a coat or otherwise carried out of the view and notice of
the public.
4. Officers who carry firearms on and off duty must abide by all Federal and
State statutes and UT System Police and Regents' Rules and regulations
pertaining to police authority and jurisdiction and possession and use of
firearms.
G. Ammunition
1. All ammunition used or carried by an officer while on or off-duty will be
Department authorized unmodified factory ammunition only. Ammunition
other than that approved by the Chief will be used for practice or
qualifications. The carrying or use of armor or metal piercing ammunition
by personnel of this Department under general conditions is strictly
prohibited.
H. Care of Firearms
1. Any firearm carried on or off duty will be loaded, clean and in proper
working order.
2. Shift supervisors will periodically inspect firearms in order to ensure that
they are clean and functioning properly. This inspection will be a normal
part of standard uniform and hygiene inspections conducted during shift
briefing. Proper steps will be taken to insure firearms are unloaded and in
a safe mode before inspection.
3. After firing, all firearms will be cleaned thoroughly and excess solvents
and lubricants will be removed. Care should be taken to ensure these
liquids do not come in contact with the ammunition.
4. The exterior of the firearm will be wiped clean with a cloth.
5. Any firearm approved to be carried on or off duty may be repaired only by
a gunsmith or armorer approved by the Chief of Police. Under no
circumstances will alterations be made to an approved firearm without the
specific approval of the Chief of Police. Following any approved repair or
alteration, the approved firearm must be submitted to the Department
Firearms Instructor who will examine the firearm to determine if it is safe
and functioning properly. This inspection must occur before the firearm
can be carried in a loaded condition.
I. On Duty Firearm Security and Safety
1. When an officer's firearm is stored outside his presence or view, it shall
not be placed in an unlocked locker, desk or cabinet.
2. Under no circumstances will a firearm be left unattended in a location
accessible to unauthorized persons.
3. When it is necessary to relinquish control of a firearm in order to comply
with appropriate regulations, the firearm will be handled safely.
4. Officers shall not handle firearms in a careless or imprudent manner.
J. Discharge of a Firearm
1. Officers will not discharge a firearm in the performance of their duties
unless for the purpose of protecting their life or the life of another. No
warning shots will be fired.
2. Officer's responsibilities:
a. Officers who discharge a firearm will immediately notify an on-duty
supervisor of the circumstances. This requirement shall not apply to
shots fired by officers while participating in supervised firearms
training, or when hunting or sport shooting, unless the discharge was
negligent or resulted in personal injury or property damage.
b. If an injury occurs, render medical assistance to the injured person,
including making arrangements for transportation to the nearest
medical emergency facility;
c. Remain at the scene until an on-duty supervisor arrives, unless the
officer is injured and must be transported to a medical facility.
d. Upon request, relinquish control of the discharged firearm to the
supervisor.
e. Complete a written report describing the details of the incident. If on
duty when the discharge occurs, the report shall be completed before
going off duty. If the discharge occurs off duty, the report will be
submitted as directed by the Chief of Police or her/his designee.
f. If other officers are present at the time of the discharge of the firearm,
they shall remain at the scene until relieved by a supervisor. Each
officer shall complete a written report detailing the incident. If on duty,
the report shall be completed before going off duty. If off duty, the
report shall be submitted as directed by the Chief of Police.
3. On Duty Supervisor's responsibilities:
a. Take reasonable steps to notify in-line supervisors up to and including
the Chief of Police;
b. CID Sergeant and Crime Scene Technician;
c. Proceed to the scene of the discharge if necessary for the proper
conclusion of the incident;
d. Determine the need for assistance at the scene;
e. Interview and obtain preliminary statements from the officer involved
and any witnesses;
f. Take custody of the firearm involved if necessary for safety reasons
and/or evidentiary value.
4. CID responsibilities:
a. Interview and obtain statements from the officer involved an any
witnesses;
b. Completely investigate the incident and prepare a written report;
c. Take control of any evidence processed from the scene by the Crime
Scene Technicians.
d. Coordinate the investigation with any outside agencies involved.
5. Chief of Police Responsibilities:
a. Investigate or assign a supervisor to investigate the incident;
b. Notify the University Administration of the incident;
b. Notify the Director of Police of the facts and circumstances
surrounding the incident;
c. Forward completed reports to the Director of Police;
d. Determine the need for and provide psychological debriefing of the
officer(s) involved;
e. Review the completed investigation and take the necessary and
appropriate action.
K. Qualification and Training Requirements
1. Qualifications
a. At least two times a year, all sworn personnel will be required to fire a
qualifying score of 70% (pass/fail) with all firearm(s) authorized to be
carried on or off duty. Approved courses are to be determined in
compliance with the University of Texas System Police. The Firearms
Instructor or Range Master will be responsible for maintaining
approved courses.
b. Biannual firearms training will be scheduled as follows:
1) 1st half.............September - February
2) 2nd half........... March - August.
c. Firearms training will be conducted under safe conditions at an
approved firing range under the direct supervision of the Department
Firearms Instructor.
1) Range Safety Officers will be assigned to duties during
qualification courses of fire in order insure safety on the firing line.
2) One Range Safety Officer will be assigned for every 4 shooters on
the line.
d. All commissioned officers must fire a qualifying score of 70% with all
firearms authorized to be carried on duty.
e. Approved courses of fire are to be determined in compliance with the
University of Texas System Police. The Department Firearms
Instructor is responsible for maintaining approved courses.
2. Reports
a. During each biannual qualification, a record will be made and placed
in each officer's training file of each officer's score, date of
qualification and course of fire.
b. A report of the results of the firearms training shall be certified by the
Range Master or Firearms Instructor and submitted to the Selection
and Training Supervisor. The Selection and Training Supervisor will
then forward a copy of the report to the Director of the UT System
Police. The report should include the following:
1) names and scores of officers participating in the firearms training;
2) names of those who were excused; and reason for excuse;
3) location of the range where the training was conducted; and
4) course of fire used.
3. Failure to Qualify
a. During the biannual training sessions any officer who fails to qualify
will be given immediate remedial training by the Department Firearms
Instructor and a second opportunity to qualify the same day if time
permits.
b. An officer failing to qualify during the second attempt will receive
additional remedial training, and following a reasonable time, not to
exceed seven (7) days, the officer will be afforded a third opportunity
to qualify. (Any alternative scheduling must be approved by the Chief
of Police). An officer failing to qualify during the fourth attempt will be
relieved of the issued firearm.
c. In the event an officer fails to qualify the Department Firearms
Instructor will submit a report to the Chief of Police, with a copy to the
Director of Police. This report will include the following:
1) A description of the remedial training;
2) The dates when remedial training was given;
3) The scores fired;
4) The training officer's opinion of the cause of the officer's failure.
d. If, after reviewing the report, the Chief of Police recommends
additional training, the officer will be assigned duties similar to those
of police guard or TCO until enrollment in a firearms training class,
certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer
Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) and approved by the Director
of Police.
e. Any officer who fails to successfully complete a firearms training class
and fire a qualifying score immediately following completion of the
class will have his/her commission revoked upon proper hearing of
the facts, if it is determined such a person can no longer meet officer
licensing standards
f. If, at any time, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, an officer is
incapable of qualifying or safely carrying an issued firearm due to a
physical or mental impairment, the Chief of Police shall require the
officer be examined by a licensed physician or licensed psychologist,
of the Chief's choosing, and if after such an examination an officer is
deemed to be incapable of qualifying with or safely carrying a firearm,
the officer's commission will be revoked by the Director of Police.
4. Transitional Training
a. Officers making the transition from a revolver to a semi-automatic
pistol will attend a firearms training course approved by the Chief of
Police before being authorized to carry a semi-automatic on or off-
duty.
b. The firearms transitional training course shall be a minimum of sixteen
(16) hours in duration with at least twelve (12) hours dedicated for the
firing range.
c. Prior to the officer being authorized to carry a semi-automatic pistol,
the officer must fire a passing qualification score and the Firearms
Instructor or Range Master must be completely satisfied that the
officer has demonstrated proficiency in the use and safe handling of
the weapon.
5. Shotgun Training
a. Officers desiring to carry a shotgun while on duty will attend a
shotgun-training course approved by the Chief of Police before being
authorized to carry a shotgun on duty.
b. The shotgun-training course shall be at least eight (8) hours in
duration with at least four (4) hours dedicated to the firing range.
c. Prior to the officer authorized to carry a shotgun, the officer must fire a
passing qualification score and the Firearms Instructor or Range
Master must be completely satisfied that the officer has demonstrated
proficiency in the use and safe handling of the weapon.
d. Shotgun qualifications will be once a year and officers shall
demonstrate proficiency in the use and safe handling of the weapon at
qualification time.
e. Departmentally owned shotguns are the only shotguns that officers
are authorized to carry and use on duty, unless otherwise approved in
writing by the Chief of Police.
f. Approved carry techniques for the shotgun are:
1) empty chamber;
2) safety on;
3) magazine full; and
4) mounted/carried in approved rack.
All members of the Special Response Team shall be qualified to carry the
shotgun during any official call up or when approved or directed to do so
by the Chief of Police or acting representative. All members must pass
the above stated qualification course and training.
6. Safety
a. Safety rules pertaining to the range and the firearm will be reviewed
prior to any firing.
b. The range safety rules will be posted and read aloud prior to any
range evolution.
c. All range evolutions will begin with a range safety briefing.
d. In the event of a multiple day training program each day will begin
with a safety briefing.
e. Prior to firing, the Department Firearms Instructor or designated
Range Safety Officer will check each officer's weapon to insure it is in
working order, clear of obstructions, an unloaded.
f. Safety rules pertaining to firearms and conduct on the range are to be
strictly enforced during firearms training and qualifications.
WEAPONS
Remington
Smith & Wesson
Glock
Sig Sauer
Beretta
H&K
Colt
Ruger
Walther
AMMUNITION
38 Special Remington 158 Grain Lead Hollow Point (+P)
9mm Federal 147 Grain Jacketed Hydra-Shock
9mm Winchester 147 Grain SXT S9MM (Black Talon or
Ranger)
9mm COR-BON 115gr JHP+P+ (revised 5/30/94)
9mm Federal 115gr JHP+P+ (revised 5/30/94)
380 Auto Winchester 85 Grain Silvertip Hollow Point
380 Remington 88 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point (mfg code
R380A1)
380 Federal 90 Grain Hydra-Shock HP (mfg code
P380HS1)
380 Federal 90 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point (mfg code
380BP)
380 COR-BON 90gr JHP+P
Federal Tactical Load 00 Buckshot
.40 S&W COR-BON 135gr JHP
.40 S&W Remington 165gr Golden Sabre JHP
.40 S&W Federal 155gr Hydra-Shock HP
.40 S&W Federal 165gr Hydra-Shock HP
.40 S&W Winchester 165gr S-SXT HP (Ranger)