Page 47 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

agencies for “in progress” calls for service where known threats to the public or other officers are
present, information on known or suspected weapons is shared, or when assisting other agencies on
felony vehicle stops. Shotguns may also be deployed for wildlife management or destruction inside
or outside Boulder city limits.

Commissioned rangers must qualify with department-issued shotguns in order to perform necessary
job functions. Department-issued shotguns are assigned to and stored in marked patrol vehicles,
with chambers empty and in the “transport condition” prescribed below:
• “Transport Condition/Cruiser Ready” is defined as safety “ON,” action closed on an
empty chamber, and a fully loaded magazine and side saddle; rangers will inspect
weapons for function and damage and make sure they are safely and securely stored in
locking racks. At no time will a shotgun be locked in a rack or stored elsewhere with the
action closed on a live round;
• When shotguns are stored outside of the vehicle (i.e., in the armory), they are made
“safe,” unloaded with action open and safety “ON”; and
• The “storage condition” prescribed by the OSMP Department firearms instructor is
defined as safety “ON,” action open with an empty magazine; duty ammunition may
remain in the weapon side saddle while in storage condition.

OSMP rangers must maintain training and demonstrate proficiency at regular shotgun qualifications
in order to ride with and to deploy shotguns. If rangers cannot maintain shotgun qualifications,
remedial training will be offered until such time they can demonstrate proficiency. If rangers fail to
qualify after receiving adequate remedial training and given additional attempts to qualify, they may
be assigned to other duties including non-enforcement duties and/or face possible termination.

Assigned shotguns will be inspected regularly and checked for proper function. Rangers must notify
the OSMP Department firearms instructor when a weapon or a locking rack is deficient and must
not go into service with a weapon or rack that is in need of repair. Weapons and locking racks will
be inspected using BPD’s seven-point safety check each time they are handled:
1. Check the locking rack for loose screws and damage and that the locking arm works
correctly; then take the weapon from the rack;
2. Check and make sure the safety is “ON”;
3. Do a press check to make sure the chamber is empty;
4. Check to make sure the magazine is fully loaded with approved duty ammunition;
5. Check to make sure the side saddle is fully loaded with approved duty ammunition;
6. Check the weapon’s overall condition; look for loose fittings, sights (if equipped), sling
attachments, and side saddles; and
7. Place the weapon back in the secure locking rack.

Rangers must take reasonable care and discretion when presenting shotguns in public. While
loading and unloading weapons in public, before or after “in-progress” calls, care should be taken to

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