LINEVILLE PD

GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT

SUBJECT: GENERAL OPERATIONS

TITLE: FIREARMS

EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 1, 2025

REVISION DATE:

ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)

APPROVAL: CHIEF SCOTT BONNER

FIREARMS

306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This policy provides guidelines for the issuing of firearms, the safe and legal carrying of firearms, firearms maintenance and firearms training.

This policy does not apply to issues related to the use of firearms that are addressed in the Use of Force or Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths policies.

This policy only applies to those members who are authorized to carry firearms.

306.2 POLICY

The Lincoln Police Department will make sure its members are equipped with firearms to address the risks posed to the public and department members by violent and sometimes well-armed persons. The Department will ensure firearms are appropriate and in good working order and that relevant training is provided as resources allow.

No part of this policy will prevent an officer from using any weapon that is taken, found, or issued to him/her in an immediate emergency situation.

306.3 AUTHORIZED FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND OTHER WEAPONS

Members shall only use firearms that are issued or approved by the Department and have been thoroughly inspected by a department firearms armorer. Except in an emergency or as directed by a Firearms Instructor or the Chief Firearms Instructor, no firearm shall be carried by a member who has not qualified with that firearm at an authorized department range.

All other weapons not provided by the Department, including, but not limited to, edged weapons, chemical or electronic weapons, impact weapons or any weapon prohibited or restricted by law or that is not covered elsewhere by department policy, may not be carried by members in the performance of their official duties without the express written authorization of the Chief of Police. This exclusion does not apply to the carrying of a single folding pocketknife that is not otherwise prohibited by law.

306.3.1 HANDGUNS

The following handgun calibers are approved for on-duty use:

(a) 9 mm or

(b) .40 S&W

Members may carry other handgun calibers if first approved by the Chief of Police. If approved, the member must supply their own practice and qualifications ammo. Should the member pass qualifications and the handgun is to be carried on duty, then the Department will provide duty ammo.

306.3.2 SHOTGUNS

The authorized department-issued shotgun is the Remington 870 Express. The following additional shotguns are approved for on-duty use:

Make Model Caliber

Mossberg Pump/Semi-Auto 12/20 GA

When not deployed, the shotgun shall be properly secured consistent with department training in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle.

The shotgun will be loaded with five rounds of 00 buckshot ammunition in the magazine tube. An additional five rounds of slug ammunition will be issued along with the shotgun, which shall be readily accessible in a holder and manner approved by the department's Chief Firearms Instructor.

When preparing the shotgun to be secured in the patrol vehicle, the officer will follow these steps:

(a) Open the action and ensure the weapon does not have ammunition in the chamber or magazine tube.

(b) Close the action.

(d) Pull the trigger.

(e) Put the safety on.

(f) Load ammunition into the magazine tube.

(g) Secure the shotgun in the mounted lock within the patrol vehicle.

When the shotgun is being transported in the patrol vehicle, it will be secured in the weapon- mounted lock, safety on, no ammunition in the chamber, and ammunition loaded in the magazine tube. The shotgun will be loaded with five rounds of 00 buckshot ammunition in the magazine tube. An additional five rounds of slug ammunition will be issued along with the shotgun, which shall be readily accessible in a holder and manner approved by the department's Chief Firearms Instructor.

Officers shall inspect their assigned shotgun and ammunition at least once every three months.

Officers shall unload the shotgun by removing the rounds from the magazine tube with the action open and the feed ramp pushed in. Then inspect the weapon, do function checks and ensure the barrel is clear of any obstructions. If a problem is found, the weapon should be taken to the training coordinator or a supervisor. If the weapon is in good working order, the officer will apply a thin coat of gun oil / CLP to protect the weapon from rust. After inspecting the shotgun, the officer will document the inspection on the vehicle's inspection report in the comment section. Example "shotgun inspected, good working order, oil applied."

The patrol shotgun may be deployed in the following circumstances, which include, but are not limited to:

(a) In a situation where a handgun or rifle would be ineffective in neutralizing the perceived threat.

(b) When there is an ongoing critical incident with an armed suspect.

(d) At the direction of the Chief of Police, Watch Commander, or Shift Commander.

306.3.3 PATROL RIFLES

Each member can choose to have a patrol rifle if he/she has completed a patrol rifle familiarization class and passed the Lincoln Police Department's patrol rifle qualification course.

The following patrol rifles are approved for on-duty use:

MODEL CALIBER

AR-15/M4 .223/5.56

Members may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the member can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the patrol rifle may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Situations where the member reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.

(b) When a member is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long range.

(d) When a member reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or a person with a hostage.

(e) When a member reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.

(f) When authorized or requested by a supervisor.

(g) When needed to euthanize an animal, with supervisor approval.

When not deployed, the patrol rifle shall be properly secured consistent with department training in a locking weapons rack in the patrol vehicle, if so equipped.

When the patrol rifle is transported in a patrol car, it is to stay in the following position:

(a) bolt forward,

(b) round not chambered,

(d) magazine seated in the magazine well

(e) and safety selector on safe.

Members will qualify at least once a year with their rifle and must score 96 or higher to carry the rifle. All members will show good judgment when handling, qualifying, and deploying the rifles. If a member shows poor judgment with the rifle at any time, he/she will have the rifle carry privileges taken away.

When a member needs to deploy his/her rifle while on duty, the rifle may then be loaded, and the safety selector moved from safe to semi-automatic. No member shall move the safety selector on full-automatic (if equipped) unless it is necessary.

306.3.4 PERSONALLY OWNED DUTY FIREARMS

Personally, owned duty firearms must be approved by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. Approved, personally owned duty firearms are subject to the following restrictions:

(a) The firearm shall be in good working order and be an authorized department approved firearm.

(b) The firearm shall be inspected by a Firearms Instructor prior to being carried and thereafter shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary.

(c) Prior to carrying the firearm, members shall qualify under range supervision and thereafter shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members must demonstrate proficiency, safe handling, and that the firearm functions properly.

(d) Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, color, serial number, and caliber of the firearm to the Chief Firearms Instructor, who will maintain a list of the information.

306.3.5 AUTHORIZED SECONDARY HANDGUN

Members desiring to carry department or personally owned secondary handguns are subject to the following restrictions:

(a) The handgun shall be in good working order and be an authorized department approved firearm.

(b) Only one secondary handgun may be carried at a time.

(c) The purchase of the handgun shall be the responsibility of the member unless the handgun is provided by the Department.

(d) The handgun shall be carried concealed at all times and in such a manner as to prevent unintentional cocking, discharge or loss of physical control.

(e) The handgun shall be inspected by the Chief Firearms Instructor prior to being carried and thereafter shall be subject to inspection whenever it is deemed necessary.

(f) Ammunition shall be the same as department issue if the caliber of the handgun is other than department issue.

(g) Prior to carrying the secondary handgun, members shall qualify under range supervision and thereafter shall qualify in accordance with the department qualification schedule. Members must demonstrate proficiency, safe handling, and that the handgun functions properly.

(h) Members shall provide written notice of the make, model, color, serial number, and caliber of a secondary handgun to the Chief Firearms Instructor, who will maintain a list of the information.

306.3.6 AMMUNITION

Members shall carry only department-authorized ammunition. Members shall be issued fresh duty ammunition in the specified quantity for all department-issued firearms during the member's firearms qualification. Replacements for unserviceable or depleted ammunition issued by the Department shall be dispensed by a Firearms Instructor when needed, in accordance with established policy.

306.4 EQUIPMENT

Firearms carried on- or off-duty shall be maintained in a clean, serviceable condition. Maintenance and repair of authorized personally owned firearms are the responsibility of the individual member.

306.4.1 REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS

Each member shall be responsible for promptly reporting any damage or malfunction of an assigned firearm to a supervisor or the Chief Firearms Instructor.

Firearms that are the property of the Department or personally owned firearms that are approved for department use may be repaired or modified only by a person who is department-approved and certified as an armorer or gunsmith in the repair of the specific firearm. Such modification or repair must be authorized in advance by the Chief Firearms Instructor.

Any repairs or modifications to the member's personally owned firearm shall be done at his/her expense and must be approved by the Chief Firearms Instructor if the firearm is to be used on duty.

306.4.2 HOLSTERS

Only department approved holsters shall be used and worn by members. Members shall periodically inspect their holsters to make sure they are serviceable and provide the proper security and retention of the handgun.

306.4.3 TACTICAL LIGHTS

Tactical lights may only be installed on a firearm carried on- or off-duty after they have been examined and approved by the Firearms Instructor. Once the approved tactical lights have been properly installed on any firearm, the member shall qualify with the firearm to ensure proper functionality and sighting of the firearm prior to carrying it.

306.4.4 OPTICS OR LASER SIGHTS

Optics or laser sights may only be installed on a firearm carried on- or off-duty after they have been examined and approved by the Firearms Instructor. Any approved sight shall only be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer specifications. Once approved sights have been properly installed on any firearm, the member shall qualify with the firearm to ensure proper functionality and sighting of the firearm prior to carrying it.

The approved handgun, red dot optic, and all accessories required will be purchased by the officer.

Except in an approved training situation, a member may only sight in on a target when the member would otherwise be justified in pointing a firearm at the target.

Procedures for carry:

(a) There will be a four-hour block of transition training that will include practice exercises conducted on the range.

(b) There will be back-up sights (i.e., Suppressor Sights or Leupold Rear Sight attachment), which will be mounted to be co-witnessed with the red dot sight in the event the red dot optic fails. This will be a back-up solution to the electronic optic.

(c) Optic batteries shall be changed annually while attending firearms qualifications. A Lincoln Police Department firearms instructor shall inspect and document the applicable officer's battery change on a log.

(d) Witness markings shall be placed on any set screws to ensure that screws do not come loose.

(e) Red dot optics, holsters, or any other equipment, which will have to be bought in order to accommodate an optic, will be obtained/purchased by the officer wishing to carry the optics. The Lincoln Police Department will not incur any expense in this matter. (Reimbursement requests will not be authorized.)

(f) Aftermarket "Milled" slides will be prohibited unless approved by the Chief Firearms Instructor or the Chief of Police.

This Red Dot Optics Brand section is to specify which brand of red dot optics will be approved. As in every sector of the market, some brands/equipment have been determined to be more reliable and dependable than others. This list will serve as a guide for preferred optics, but one may elect to utilize an alternative brand if the optic is deemed reliable and dependable by the head Lincoln Police Department chief firearms instructor. The optic will be reviewed for its reputation and performance.

Red Dot System may be one of the following or one approved by the Chief Firearms Instructor:

(a) Trijicon

(b) Leupold

(d) Burris

(e) Vortex

(f) Shield

(g) Holosun

306.5 SAFE HANDLING, INSPECTION AND STORAGE

Members shall maintain the highest level of safety when handling firearms and shall consider the following:

(a) Members shall not unnecessarily display or handle any firearm.

(b) Members shall be governed by all rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the range and shall obey all orders issued by the Firearms Instructors. Members shall not dry fire or practice quick draws except as instructed by the Firearms Instructors.

(c) Shotguns or rifles removed from vehicles, or the equipment storage room shall be loaded and unloaded in the parking lot and outside of the vehicle, in a safe direction or bullet trap.

(d) Members shall not place or store any firearm or other weapon on department premises except where the place of storage is locked.

(e) No one shall carry firearms into the jail section or any part thereof when securing or processing an arrestee but shall place all firearms in a secured gun wall locker or locked trunk of a patrol vehicle. Members providing access to the jail section to persons from outside agencies are responsible for ensuring firearms are not brought into the jail section.

(f) Members shall not use any automatic firearm, heavy caliber rifle, gas, or other types of chemical weapon or firearm from the armory, except with the approval, from the Chief of Police.

(g) Any firearm authorized by the Department to be carried on- or off-duty that is determined by a member to be malfunctioning or in need of service or repair shall not be carried. It shall be promptly presented to the Department or a Firearms Instructor approved by the Department for inspection and repair. Any firearm deemed in need of repair or service by a Firearms Instructor will be immediately removed from service. If the firearm is the member's primary duty firearm, a replacement firearm may be issued to the member until the duty firearm is serviceable.

(h) If a rifle is secured in the officer's department locker, it will remain in the following position:

1. bolt forward,

2. round not chambered,

3. magazine loaded,

4. magazine removed from the magazine well

5. and safety selector on safe.

306.5.1 INSPECTION AND STORAGE

Handguns shall be inspected regularly and upon access or possession by another person. Shotguns and rifles shall be inspected at the beginning of the shift by the member to whom the weapon is issued. The member shall ensure that the firearm is carried in the proper condition and loaded with approved ammunition. Inspection of the shotgun and rifle shall be done while standing outside of the patrol vehicle. All firearms shall be pointed in a safe direction or into a bullet trap.

Department-owned firearms shall be stored in the appropriate equipment storage room. Handguns may remain loaded if they are secured in an appropriate holster. Shotguns and rifles shall be unloaded in a safe manner outside the building and then stored in the appropriate equipment storage room.

306.5.2 STORAGE AT HOME

Members should ensure that all firearms and ammunition are locked and secured while in their homes, vehicles or any other area under their control, and in a manner that will keep them inaccessible to children and others who should not have access. Members shall not permit department-issued firearms to be handled by anyone not authorized by the Department to do so. Members should be aware that negligent storage of a firearm could result in civil and criminal liability (Ala. Code § 13A-11-76).

306.5.3 ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Firearms shall not be carried by any member, either on- or off-duty, who has consumed an amount of an alcoholic beverage, taken any drugs or medication, or taken any combination thereof that would tend to adversely affect the member's senses or judgment.

306.6 FIREARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

All members who carry a firearm while on-duty are required to successfully complete training with their duty firearms. In addition to training, all members will qualify annually with their duty firearms. Training and qualifications will be on an approved range course (Ala. Code § 36-21-45; Ala. Admin. Code r. 650-X-12-.03).

The results of the firearms qualification shall be reported to the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards Training Commission (APOSTC) on approved forms (Ala. Code § 36-21-45; Ala. Admin. Code r. 650-X-12-.03).

At least annually, all members carrying a firearm should receive practical training designed to simulate field situations, including low-light shooting.

306.6.1 NON-CERTIFICATION OR NON-QUALIFICATION

If any member fails to attend any firearms training or qualification for any reason, including injury, illness, duty status, or scheduling conflict, that member shall contact his/her immediate supervisor and the Training Coordinator prior to the end of the required training or qualification period.

Those who fail to meet minimum standards or qualify on their first shooting attempt shall be provided remedial training and will be subject to the following requirements:

(a) Additional range assignments may be scheduled to assist the member in demonstrating consistent firearm proficiency.

(b) Members shall be given credit for a range training or qualification when obtaining a qualifying score or meeting standards after remedial training.

Unauthorized range make-up.

2. Failure to meet minimum standards or qualify after remedial training.

Members who repeatedly fail to meet minimum standards will be removed from field assignments and may be subject to additional remedial training with the approval of the Chief of Police.

306.7 FIREARM DISCHARGE

Except during training or recreational use, any member who discharges a firearm intentionally or unintentionally, on- or off-duty, shall make a verbal report to his/her supervisor as soon as circumstances permit. If the discharge results in injury or death to another person, additional statements and reports shall be made in accordance with the Officer-Involved Shootings and Deaths Policy. If a firearm was discharged as a use of force, the involved member shall adhere to the additional reporting requirements set forth in the Use of Force Policy.

In all other cases, written reports shall be made as follows:

(a) If on duty at the time of the incident, the member shall file a written report with Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police and provide a recorded statement to investigators prior to the end of shift, unless otherwise directed.

(b) If off-duty at the time of the incident, the member shall file a written report or provide a recorded statement no later than the end of the next regularly scheduled shift, unless otherwise directed by a supervisor.

306.7.1 DESTRUCTION OF ANIMALS

Members are authorized to use firearms to stop an animal in circumstances where the animal reasonably appears to pose an imminent threat to human safety and alternative methods are not reasonably available or would likely be ineffective.

In circumstances where there is sufficient advance notice that a potentially dangerous animal may be encountered, department members should develop reasonable contingency plans for dealing with the animal (e.g., fire extinguisher, conducted energy device, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, animal control officer). Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any member from shooting a dangerous animal if circumstances reasonably dictate that a contingency plan has failed, becomes impractical, or if the animal reasonably appears to pose an imminent threat to human safety.

306.7.2 INJURED ANIMALS

With the approval of a supervisor, and after making a reasonable attempt to contact the owner, a member may euthanize an animal that is so badly injured that human compassion requires its removal from further suffering and where other dispositions are impractical (Ala. Code § 34-29-132).

306.7.3 WARNING AND OTHER SHOTS

Both Warning shots and shots fired for the purpose of summoning aid are strictly prohibited.

306.8 FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR DUTIES

The range will be under the exclusive control of the Firearms Instructors. All members attending will follow the directions of the Firearms Instructors. Firearms Instructors will maintain a roster of all members attending the range and will submit the roster to the Training Coordinator after each range date. Failure of any member to sign in and out with the Firearms Instructor may result in non-participation or non-qualification.

The range shall remain operational and accessible to department members during hours established by the Department.

Firearms Instructors have the responsibility of making periodic inspections, at least once a year, of all duty firearms carried by members of this department to verify proper operation. Firearms Instructors have the authority to deem any department-issued or personally owned firearm unfit for service. The member will be responsible for all repairs to his/her personally owned firearm; it will not be returned to service until it has been inspected and approved by the Chief Firearms Instructor.

Firearms Instructors have the responsibility for ensuring each member meets the minimum requirements during training shoots and, on at least a yearly basis, can demonstrate proficiency in the care, cleaning, and safety of all firearms the member is authorized to carry.

The Chief Firearms Instructor shall complete and submit to the Training Coordinator documentation of the training courses provided. Documentation shall include the qualifications of each instructor who provides the training, a description of the training provided, and, on a form that has been approved by the Department, a list of each member who completes the training. The Chief Firearms Instructor should keep accurate records of all training shoots, qualifications, repairs, maintenance, or other records as directed by the Training Coordinator.

306.9 FLYING WHILE ARMED

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has imposed rules governing law enforcement officers flying armed on commercial aircraft. The following requirements apply to officers who intend to be armed while flying on a commercial air carrier or flights where screening is conducted (49 CFR 1544.219):

(a) Officers wishing to fly while armed must be flying in an official capacity, not for vacation or pleasure, and must have a need to have the firearm accessible, as determined by the Department based on the law and published TSA rules.

(b) Officers must carry their Lincoln Police Department identification card, bearing the officer’s name, a full-face photograph, identification number, the officer’s signature and the signature of the Chief of Police or the official seal of the Department and must present this identification to airline officials when requested. The officer should also carry the standard photo identification needed for passenger screening by airline and TSA officials (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

(c) The Lincoln Police Department must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message prior to the officer’s travel. If approved, TSA will send the Lincoln Police Department an NLETS message containing a unique alphanumeric identifier. The officer must present the message on the day of travel to airport personnel as authorization to travel while armed.

(d) An official letter signed by the Chief of Police authorizing armed travel may also accompany the officer. The letter should outline the officer’s need to fly armed, detail his/her itinerary, and include that the officer has completed the mandatory TSA training for a law enforcement officer flying while armed.

(e) Officers must have completed the mandated TSA security training covering officers flying while armed. The training shall be given by the department-appointed instructor.

(f) It is the officer’s responsibility to notify the air carrier in advance of the intended armed travel. This notification should be accomplished by early check-in at the carrier’s check-in counter.

(g) Any officer flying while armed should discreetly contact the flight crew prior to take-off and notify them of his/her assigned seat.

(h) Discretion must be used to avoid alarming passengers or crew by displaying a firearm. The officer must keep the firearm concealed on his/her person at all times. Firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage and may not be stored in an overhead compartment.

(i) Officers should try to resolve any problems associated with flying armed through the flight captain, ground security manager, TSA representative or other management representative of the air carrier.

(j) Officers shall not consume alcoholic beverages while aboard an aircraft, or within eight hours prior to boarding an aircraft.

306.10 CARRYING FIREARMS OUT OF STATE

Qualified, active, full-time officers of this department are authorized to carry a concealed firearm in all other states subject to the following conditions (18 USC § 926B):

(a) The officer shall carry his/her Lincoln Police Department identification card whenever carrying such firearm.

(b) The officer is not the subject of any disciplinary action which could result in suspension or loss of police powers.

(d) The officer will remain subject to this and all other department policies (including qualifying and training).

Officers are cautioned that individual states may enact local regulations that permit private persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property, or that prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any state or local government property, installation, building, base or park. Federal authority may not shield an officer from arrest and prosecution in such locally restricted areas.

Active law enforcement officers from other states are subject to all requirements set forth in 18 USC § 926B.

These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.

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