Department of Natural Resources Policy -
Firearms
Policy Number:     01:01
Effective Date:     September 1, 2002 (REVIEWED: May 2003)
See signed policy - Adobe Acrobat file
I. Purpose
The intent of this policy is to establish uniform procedures within the Department for the security, maintenance and safe operation of Department firearms. Firearms are authorized for use by Department employees in association with law enforcement duties and responsibilities as defined by the Annotated Code of Maryland; to immobilize or subdue wildlife; and, to conduct hunter safety education programs.

II. Scope
This policy applies Department-wide, as applicable to the individual units.

III. Policy
It is the policy of the Department of Natural Resources that firearms shall be issued only to law enforcement officers and employees with responsibility for public safety, wildlife management or hunter safety education programs. The security and safe operation of firearms is of paramount importance. The units of the Department which require the use of firearms shall develop specific policies and procedures as to training; circumstances for discharge of firearms; reporting and investigation of shooting incidents; repairs and maintenance; certification and qualification for use; standardization of firearms and ammunition; and, any other requirements for the security and safety of firearms.

IV. DEFINITION OF A FIREARM
For purposes of this policy, a firearm is defined as an instrument or device designed to fire a missile, bullet and/or shot by use of an explosive charge of propellant. Firearms include handguns (revolvers and pistols), shotguns, rifles and black powder weapons. Additionally, devices utilized to administer drugs/chemicals to wildlife such as dart guns, spear guns, blow guns, syringes and jab sticks are included in this policy.

V. PROCEDURE
The following procedures shall apply to all firearms authorized by the Department including personal or secondary weapons approved for law enforcement duties:

  1. Armorer - Each unit requiring the use of firearms shall designate a person (s) to perform the duties of armorer. The armorer is responsible to ensure the inspection and safety of all firearms; training of officers and employees in the proper use including periodic qualification and certification; accountability and inventory of firearms; maintenance and repair; security; designation and issuance of approved ammunition; and, any other duties necessary for the safety and security of firearms.

  2. Inventory of Firearms

    1. Assignment – Firearms shall be assigned to officers and employees or Department facilities when there is a demonstrated need for public safety, security or management of wildlife. Each assignment shall be approved by the Unit Director and Assistant Secretary. A criminal background check shall be completed prior to the assignment of any firearms.

    2. Accountability - The armorer shall maintain an inventory of all firearms to include description, make and model, caliber or gauge, employee assignment and facility location. The Department’s automated equipment inventory system shall be maintained on a current basis with the above information, and the armorer shall annually certify as to the sensitive inventory of firearms. The Property Officer for the Department and internal auditors will perform periodic examinations of firearms to ensure the accuracy of inventory records.

    3. Inspection – Prior to placing any firearm in service, the armorer will perform an inspection to ensure the safe and effective operation of the firearm. Only Department approved ammunition will be issued or used in any firearms.

    4. Transfer or Loan – No officer or employee will cause the transfer or loan of a firearm to another individual or employee without authorization from the Unit Director and Assistant Secretary.

    5. Report of Theft or Loss – The theft or loss of any Department firearm will be reported immediately to law enforcement authorities and by the end of the next working day to the Unit Director, Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Department. An investigation will be initiated to determine the cause or circumstances of the loss. A report of the loss and investigation will be provided to the Director of Management Analysis and Audit.

    6. Disposal – Any firearms in excess of Department requirements will be disposed of in accordance with State statutes including the Responsible Gun Safety Act of 2000. Surplus firearms shall be permanently disabled or destroyed after a record is prepared of the items including serial numbers; and, the destruction shall be witnessed by the Property Officer, a representative of the Management Analysis and Audit Unit and an armorer from the unit requesting disposal of the firearms.
  3. Safety and Training

    1. Training for Use of Firearms – Prior to the issuance of a firearm, all law enforcement officers and employees shall receive instructions in the safe use and handling of firearms. The training shall identify instances under which firearms can by discharged and procedures to report the discharge.

    2. Qualification – Officers and employees shall be qualified as to firearm proficiency utilizing a course of training approved by firearms instructors.

    3. Maintenance and Repairs – Officers and employees will be provided with proper procedures in the maintenance of firearms. Only a Department approved armorer or qualified gunsmith may make repairs, changes or modifications to Department firearms.

    4. Personal Use – The personal use of any Department issued firearm for recreational purposes is prohibited. The prohibition of personal use does not affect law enforcement officers in the carrying of firearms when in an off-duty capacity or during training.

    5. Standards For Firearms and Ammunition – Whenever feasible, firearms in use by the units of the Department shall be standard as to manufacturer, model and caliber or gauge. Only Department approved and issued ammunition may be utilized in Department firearms.

  4. Security

    1. Department Facilities – The managers of Department facilities and programs are responsible for the security of firearms. Security measures shall be utilized to include gun safes; interior vaults; alarm systems, etc. with access restricted to officers and employees who have been authorized and trained in firearm safety. Security of firearms will be periodically reviewed and approved by the Property Officer for the Department and representatives of the Management Analysis and Audit Unit

    2. Transportation and Storage in Vehicles or Vessels – Firearms not required for immediate law enforcement purposes shall be stored inconspicuously and securely during transportation in a vehicle or vessel. When not required for law enforcement purposes, firearms shall be stored in the trunk of vehicles. Additionally, handcuffs or other locking devices can be used to secure firearms to structural components of vehicles or vessels.

    3. Storage at the Residence of an Officer or Employee – All firearms shall be stored in a safe and secure manner at the residence of an officer or employee. When not required for immediate law enforcement purposes, firearms shall be unloaded and trigger locks used to prevent discharge of the firearm. It shall be the responsibility of the officer or employee to take every precaution to prevent unauthorized use or access to a Department firearm.

    4. Trigger Locks – The Department shall provide trigger locks for the security of firearms. The locks shall be utilized whenever a firearm is not required for immediate law enforcement purposes.

  5. Discharge of Firearms – Each unit requiring firearms shall develop policies and procedures to identify the appropriate use and discharge of firearms. Public safety is of paramount importance, and immediate aid will be rendered to any injured party. All discharge of firearms shall be reported to the Unit Director, and any discharge or incident involving injury shall be reported to the Secretary of the Department. The units shall also develop procedures to investigate all incidents involving injury.

  6. Ammunition and Explosives – Department issued ammunition and explosives shall be provided the same degree of security and safety as afforded firearms. Storage at Department facilities and transportation in vehicles and vessels shall be restricted to officers and employees who have received safety training in proper handling of ammunition and explosives.

  7. Confiscated and Forfeited Weapons

    1. Accountability and Inventory – After cases have been adjudicated by the courts, confiscated and forfeited weapons shall be forwarded by the regions or Department facilities to a secure storage location. The armorer shall be responsible for maintaining inventory records and the security of confiscated and forfeited weapons.

    2. Conversion to Department Use – The Unit Director and Assistant Secretary shall authorize the conversion of any confiscated and forfeited weapon to Department use or transfer to another law enforcement entity. Prior to placing the weapon in use, the armorer shall inspect the firearm to ensure safe operation.

    3. Disposal – Any confiscated and forfeited weapon not required for Department or other law enforcement use shall be disposed of as previously identified in the Inventory of Firearms (2).

Posted February 12, 2004