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Less Lethal Ammunition

Rangers are also issued less lethal ammunition to manage wildlife only; rangers are not authorized
to use less lethal ammunition on humans. Rangers must immediately report the discharge of a
weapon to their primary radio dispatch channel, notify an operations supervisor, and complete an
incident report by the end of their shift. When utilizing less lethal ammunition, rangers will consider
the following:
• Less lethal ammunition has the potential to be lethal, can pierce skin, break bones, and
damage internal organs and genitalia;
• Less lethal ammunition must only be loaded into weapons after arrival on scene and after
deciding wildlife can be moved safely in an appropriate direction using less lethal
ammunition;
• Rangers will target major muscle groups on the hind end or front shoulder when managing
wildlife with less lethal ammunition and never target the head unless lethal management is
justified;
• Rangers must safely remove less lethal ammunition from their weapons and replace it with
duty ammunition before clearing from each wildlife response call;

• Universal gun safety rules must be strictly followed while transitioning from frangible to
duty ammunition. Rangers must also take reasonable care and discretion to shield the public
from view when handling weapons while on duty;

• Rangers must request less lethal ammunition replacements from supervisors, lead rangers, or
the OSMP Department firearms instructor; and
• See Chapter 13 “Wildlife Response” for additional information regarding the OSMP
Department’s policy for wildlife management and destruction.

Holster
The department issues rangers holsters that are identified and approved by the ranger
manager. Rangers may not modify, alter, or add to department-authorized firearms, holsters,
or ammunition without the BPD armorer’s approval.

Rangers must carry their handguns in the uniform holster attached to their duty belts. When
handguns are worn on duty, rangers must clearly display their police badge, have department-
issued identification on their person, and consider the following:
• Holsters and magazine pouches that meet department standards are provided;
• Duty holsters will be replaced as needed due to breakage and normal wear and tear; and
• At the ranger manager’s discretion, holsters can be replaced once per year, per ranger, to
accommodate weapons changes and accessories.

Shotguns
Rangers may employ department-issued shotguns in concert with other rangers and other police

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