4.29.1 PURPOSE
A. The purpose of this General Order is to provide a single source of reference for all Department members as to training, safe carrying and authorization for use of Department shotguns.
1. Shotguns are a Department approved shotgun that is capable of delivering standard 12 gauge shotgun rounds. Shotguns will be of 12 gauge, slide action type, manufactured by one of the following:
a) Remington
b) Winchester
1. Less-Lethal shotguns are a Department approved shotgun that is capable of delivering standard “lethal” 12 gauge shotgun rounds, but is intended to fire only “less-lethal sub-munitions”. Less-lethal shotguns will be of 12 gauge, slide action type, manufactured by one of the following:
a) Remington
b) Winchester
c) Mossberg
2. Less-lethal Shotguns will be marked with yellow tape around the tactical light, pistol grip, and butt stock; to differentiate them form standard shotguns.
- SHOTGUN LOADING AND HANDLING
A. The shotgun safety will be on at all times when the weapon is not being used.
B. When in a police vehicle, the shotgun will not have a round loaded in the chamber, and will be locked in its holder when not in use.
C. A round will only be loaded into the chamber of the weapon outside the police vehicle in anticipation of the weapon’s imminent use.
D. The round will be removed from the chamber immediately after the situation which necessitated the shotgun being loaded is resolved.
E. Except when anticipating the imminent use of the shotgun, employees will inspect the weapon to ensure that the safety is on and there is no round loaded in the chamber when:
1. Checking out a shotgun from the gun locker
2. Taking the shotgun out of its locked holder
3. Receiving a shotgun from another person
F. If the shotgun is found to have a round in the chamber, the employee will move to a safe location and unload the weapon.
1. At the Gresham Police Department a firearms unloading barrel is present, and the shotgun will be unloaded in the barrel.
G. All rounds will be removed from the shotgun and the weapon’s action left open when it is turned in.
H. Shotguns/less-lethal shotguns returned to the police facility will be unloaded, action open, pointed in an upward direction with the muzzle held above the head of the tallest person present. Or if the shotgun/less-lethal shotgun is slung, then it will be unloaded, action open, pointed towards the ground.
I. Shotguns/less-lethal shotguns will be stored in the weapons locker with the action open, weapon on safe.
4.29.4 SHOTGUN USE
A. Whenever use of the shotgun is anticipated, officers will ensure that they have a clear field of fire. Officers must be especially mindful of the potential danger to innocent bystanders, occupants of nearby buildings, and traffic if the weapon is employed in congested areas.
B. In addition to the above directives, employees who are issued shotguns will carry them in the trunk of their vehicle if the vehicle is not equipped with a locking shotgun holder, unless imminent use of the shotgun is anticipated.
4.29.5 SHOTGUN SECURITY
A. Shotguns will be removed from any vehicle that is taken out of service, i.e., preventative maintenance, repair, etc.
D. Shotguns will be stored separately from less lethal shotguns.
A. Only officers who have qualified with a shotgun during the last calendar year or the last qualification period will be allowed to take a shotgun on patrol.
B. Only officers who have been selected, trained, and have qualified, during the last qualification period, will be allowed to take a less-lethal shotgun on patrol.
C. Officers issued a shotgun will qualify annually.
A. When requested by a supervisor, Armorer, or firearms instructor, officers will present a shotgun as follows for an inspection.
Carla C. Piluso
Chief of Police
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