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Rangers granted permission to train with and carry a secondary weapon do so in accordance with
the training standards set forth by the BPD’s training unit. Because of the increased training and
qualification requirements, the ranger manager has authority to grant rangers permission to carry a
secondary weapon on a limited basis only.

Back-up weapon: A small compact or sub compact handgun rangers may carry in a concealed
holster in addition to their primary weapon while on duty. Rangers may choose to carry a back-up
weapon to assist them in the event their primary weapon is disarmed, their primary weapon
experiences a catastrophic failure in the course of their duties, or circumstances prevent them from
accessing their primary weapon in the course of their duties. The BPD armorer must approve all
back-up weapons, and rangers must be able to meet training and qualification standards specific to
those weapons. The ranger manager has the authority to grant rangers permission to carry a back-up
weapon on a limited basis only.

Shotgun: A long-barreled, shoulder-mounted firearm that can fire a wide range of ammunition for
specific purposes. Unless fitted otherwise, shotguns fire ammunition through a “non-rifled” barrel
that limits their overall range and accuracy. Shotguns can fire a single slug or multiple projectile
pellets out of a single shell depending on the ammunition selected. OSMP rangers may use shotguns
for wildlife management and destruction, as well as responding to in-progress calls for service that
involve high-risk suspects and/or weapons.

Rifle: A long-barreled, shoulder-mounted weapon that fires specific ammunition through a rifled
barrel that improves a single projectile’s range and accuracy when fired. OSMP rangers will not use
rifles for wildlife destruction within Boulder city limits and will only deploy them while responding
to in-progress calls that involve high-risk suspects and/or weapons.

Authorization to Carry Firearms
The OSMP Department authorizes, issues, and regulates firearm use; trains its members in their use;
and maintains standards with respect to its members’ proficiency in their use. Rangers must adhere
to policies and procedures regarding training, qualifications, general safety and handling, and
firearm inspections as stated in this section and in the BPD’s general orders.

In accordance with the Ranger Peace Officer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), rangers
may carry handguns in approved holsters while on duty after being granted Peace Officer
Authority by the State of Colorado and qualifying with their weapons through the BPD’s
standard handgun qualification course. Rangers’ department-issued handguns may be carried
off duty only while traveling to and from work. The MOU specifically restricts rangers
from carrying concealed weapons in any official capacity while off duty. When
rangers carry personal weapons while off duty, they must be carried in a manner lawful for
a person who is not a peace officer, regardless of their peace officer status.

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