SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Firearms Regulations
Purpose
To provide a policy for the caring and use of firearms.
Objective
To design and maintain a management system that will ensure personnel exercise proficiency with
firearms.
Scope
This policy applies to all Fire Department personnel authorized to carry a firearm.
Responsibility
The Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief are responsible for the enforcement of this policy.
Policy
It will be the policy of the Cleveland Fire Department that anyone authorized to carry a firearm practice the
safe handling, care, and use of firearms. Personnel shall have training in the safety and mechanics of
firearms. Weapons shall be inspected and properly registered. Carrying of a handgun must be approved by
the Fire Chief.
Procedure
A. Authorized Weapons
1. Pistol
a. Personnel shall carry only a Department issued sidearm while on duty. The
weapon will be carried and restrained in the appropriate manner as required by
the duty assignment.
b. Weapons authorized for duty and off-duty use shall be chambered for 380
caliber to 45 caliber. The weapon, either semi-automatic or a revolver, shall be
of double action design with fixed or adjustable sites. Personally owned side
arms for off-duty use will be authorized only after the Fire Chief inspects the
weapon and records for the weapon are completed. All such off-duty
information shall be maintained in the officer’s training file. Ammunition for
both duty and off-duty weapons will be provided by the Department.
c. The sidearm may be worn exposed while in the Cleveland/Bradley County area,
as long as they wear the Department I.D. card and badge in a highly visible
manner. Side arms will be concealed at all times when the member is in civilian
clothes outside of Bradley County.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 305
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley