5-410 - Rifles

To establish policy and procedure for the use of Department authorized rifles.

1. Officers certified to carry Department authorized rifles are authorized to do so as part of their regular duty assignment. When deploying a rifle officers shall adhere to the Constitutions of the United States and Minnesota, and to all state and federal laws and MPD policies pertaining to the use of deadly force.
2. Only magazines issued by the Range or brands of magazines approved by the Range shall be used (in accordance with P&P 5-408). A list of approved magazines will be maintained at the Range. Officers will be issued one 30-round magazine, and may elect to carry more magazines.

Certified Rifle Operators

1. Certified Rifle Operators shall attend annual training and pass a qualification course to retain their certification. The certification course will be determined by the Range Master.
2. A Certified Rifle Operator who has used the rifle in violation of this policy or in an unsafe manner may have their certification suspended or revoked.
3. Failure to attend a scheduled rifle training session may result in the suspension or revocation of rifle certification.

Rifle assignment and condition

Certified Rifle Operators will be assigned a department issued rifle to carry on patrol.

Checking the rifle in and out

1. Certified Rifle Operators will check out a rifle from the precinct or unit armory at the beginning of their shift. Only currently certified officers may check out a rifle.
2. When checking out a rifle, officers must conduct the following checks and inspections:

1. Inspection for damages.
2. Inspection for proper lubrication.
3. Co-witness check of the electronic optic with the back-up iron sights.
4. Manual function test using the loading/clearing barrel, verifying the rifle is in proper working order.

3. At the end of the officer’s shift, the officer shall verify the rifle is unloaded and returned to the precinct or unit armory. Officers shall not leave rifles in the squads at the end of their shift.

Rifle condition

1. Officers who carry a department issued rifle will maintain the rifle in the same condition as it was issued to the precinct or unit.
2. Officers are responsible for general maintenance and cleaning of the department issued rifle.
3. Officers shall report any damage, problems, or concerns with the rifles to authorized Range personnel. It is the responsibility of that Officer to notify their supervisor and to ensure that the rifle is marked “out of service.”

Accessories

Accessories may only be added or removed by authorized Range personnel, and only authorized accessories may be used.

1. The Range maintains a list of the authorized accessories that may be added to a Rifle (by authorized personnel).

2. Officers may not remove the assigned suppressor from any Department rifle.

Rifle Program Duty Declaration form

Certified Rifle Operators who are assigned a Department issued rifle shall sign a Rifle Program Duty Declaration Form (MP-9068) which outlines the rules associated with carrying the rifle. The Rifle Program Duty Declaration Form will be maintained by the Range in the officer’s file.

Rifle storage and transportation in vehicles

1. Rifles shall be “squad ready” when in a vehicle:

• The rifle’s bolt is forward on an empty chamber with the safety on.
• The rifle shall have the authorized magazine loaded with issued duty ammunition inserted into the magazine well.

2. Rifles shall be transported in one of two ways as follows:

1. In a squad mounted lock in the front passenger compartment of the vehicle, or

2. Cased in the trunk of the vehicle. If the rifle is cased in the vehicle’s trunk it may be brought into the cabin of the vehicle prior to arriving on a call that will require use of the rifle.

Deployment of rifles

1. Rifles may be deployed when the unique features of the rifle provide a tactical advantage.

2. It may be necessary to use a rifle in a building if the call involves an active shooter, a suspect wearing protective body armor or other serious situations. Officers should be aware that serious damage may occur to their hearing or the hearing of others in close proximity to the area if a rifle is fired in a building.
3. Officers should be aware of the area behind their intended target if they need to fire their rifles in an urban area.
4. When officers respond to a call where MPD policy requires that a report be completed, officers shall document the deployment or use of the rifle in their statement.

• Deadly Force: "Force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing, or which the actor should reasonably know creates a substantial risk of causing death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm other than a firearm loaded with less-lethal munitions and used by a peace officer within the scope of official duties, in the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force." (MN Statute section 609.066)
• Firearms/Ammunition/Firearm Accessories: A device that projects either single or multiple projectiles at high velocity. Ammunition is a term meaning the assembly of a projectile and its propellant. Accessories include but are not limited to holsters, gun cases, firearm optics, suppression devices, cleaning supplies, etc.