41C- Firearms 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 8 Lexington Police Department Subject: Firearms Policy Number: 41C Accreditation Standards: Reference: 1.2.2; 1.3.4; 1.3.9; 1.3.10; 1.3.11; 16.3.6 Effective Date: 3/11/13  New  Revised Revision Dates: 5/16/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES Police officers are issued firearms and are trained in their use, for self-protection and for the protection of the public in the community in which they serve. The use of a firearm is the highest degree of force a police officer may apply and the decision to use a firearm is the most critical judgment a police officer is called upon to make. The moment an officer discharges a firearm the action is irreversible. It is too late to ponder whether or not the action is legally and justifiably correct. On the other hand, an officer who hesitates and acts indecisively is potentially risking injury or death to themselves and/or another person. If a life-threatening situation should arise, then officers must be prepared to act decisively and correctly. A thorough and continuing firearms training program will be provided to every officer of the Lexington Police Department. The training programs are designed to develop the necessary skills to effectively use firearms and to teach the safety precautions associated with firearms handling. Included in these training programs shall be instruction on when and how to use a firearm. This Department will follow training and qualification standards set by the Massachusetts Police Training Council (MPTC). As permitted in M.G.L. Ch. 41, sec 98 every Lexington Police Officer shall be issued, or authorized by the chief of police to carry specific firearms. Strict criteria shall be adhered to when determining the types of firearms and ammunition officers will be permitted to use while performing law enforcement activities. [1.2.2] In addition, every officer shall qualify with each firearm he/she is authorized to carry in accordance with procedures outlined in this policy. PROCEDURES A. Definitions Officers shall ensure each and every firearm they are issued and or authorized to carry are properly secured either at the Police Station, or at home when not being carried by the officer pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 140, sec 131L (proper storage / securing of a firearm) [1.3.9(f)] Less lethal weaponry and munitions are not a substitute for or interchangeable with the patrol rifle or Department issued firearm. Less lethal equipment should only be deployed under the special circumstances outlined in Department policy 41B - Use of Force and in training. [1.3.4]