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Primary Weapons

The OSMP Department issues rangers primary handguns consistent with BPD standards.
Department-issued weapons are provided on the condition that rangers carry them as
primary weapons while on duty. The BPD armorer maintains the list of handguns
authorized by the chief of police for those rangers who opt to supply their own handguns
and with the following conditions:
• Rangers may opt to carry personally owned primary handguns, but they may only change their
handguns once a year. Rangers who want to revert back to department-issued handguns are
provided one based on availability;
• Personally owned primary weapons must meet the criteria set forth by the BPD
chief of police and inspected by the BPD armorer. A list of approved weapons is
available from the OSMP Department firearms instructor;
• At the ranger manager’s discretion, rangers may maintain qualification with
personally owned secondary weapons that meet BPD’s criteria in addition to
carrying department-issued or personally owned primary weapons. Due to the
increase in range time, ammunition, and weapons training, permission to carry
secondary weapons will be granted on a limited basis;
• Probationary rangers are not allowed to change their handguns during their
probationary period, except as authorized by the ranger manager; and
• A secure armory is provided to store department-issued weapons as well as
personally owned and approved weapons. Rangers are responsible for the safe
and secure transport and storage of department-issued primary weapons while
off duty.

Back-up Weapons
At the ranger manager’s discretion, rangers may carry concealed back-up weapons in
addition to their primary handguns while on duty. The manager’s permission is contingent
upon rangers requesting and receiving approval, obtaining valid concealed weapons
permits, registering approved weapons with the BPD armorer, and regularly training and
qualifying with back-up weapons at scheduled range qualifications.

Ammunition for back-up weapons is issued to those rangers who have been approved and
is for use only while on duty. Department ammunition may not be carried in concealed
weapons while off duty.

Failure to attend and/or failure to qualify with back-up weapons at scheduled mandatory
qualification shoots will result in rescinding a ranger’s permission to carry a back-up
weapon. However, rangers will not face disciplinary action or other sanctions for failure
to qualify with back-up weapons since carrying them while on duty is voluntary.

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