Firearms
1. Purpose
This SOP outlines the issuance, training, and operational use of Class 1 firearms for Cadets, along with use-of-force principles and range procedures.
All Cadets are issued a Class 1 firearm by the Armory to ensure it is properly logged on their profile.
2. Training Location
All Basic Firearms Training will be conducted at:
VPD –1 Shooting Range
During training:
Evidence gathering of gun casings will be demonstrated and conducted.
Cadets will be instructed on both practical firearm handling and legal use-of-force principles.
3. Use of Force & De-escalation Principles
3.1 Matching Class & Escalation
Officers are authorised to remain one class above the suspect when appropriate.
Example scenarios:
If a suspect flees from a vehicle with a firearm drawn, officers will draw their firearm (matching class).
If the suspect holsters their firearm, the primary officer may transition to a Taser if backup is present.
The secondary officer in a foot pursuit should remain with their firearm drawn.
If alone in a foot pursuit, remain with your firearm drawn, as the suspect may rearm at any time.
If a suspect is seen with a Class 2 firearm but switches to a Class 1, officers may remain with their Class 2 drawn, as the higher-class weapon has already been observed and could be redeployed.
3.2 Taser Deployment
The Taser (Non-Lethal – Level 4 on the Force Continuum) is the preferred option when:
The suspect is unarmed during a foot pursuit.
Multiple warnings to stop have been issued.
The objective is safe apprehension with minimal force where appropriate.
3.3 Melee Weapon Threat
If a suspect advances with a melee weapon (e.g., knife, stick):
Officers will transition to their Class 1 firearm.
Officers are authorised to remain one class above the suspect.
Tennessee v. Garner case law applies where there is a direct threat to life.
Officers are not expected to engage in equal-force melee combat where doing so creates unnecessary risk.
3.4 Immediate Lethal Threat
Example:
If attending a store robbery and a suspect is aiming a firearm at a shopkeeper:
An officer may enter and attempt negotiation with a Class 1 drawn.
If the suspect turns and aims the weapon at the officer, the threat has shifted.
Officers are authorised to use lethal force immediately.
This falls under Tennessee v. Garner regarding direct threat to life.
4. Range Procedures – Basic Firearms Training
4.1 Equipment Issue
The Instructor will ensure the cadet has:
Firearm
Magazines
Ammunition
Taser
Handcuffs
Torch
Camera
Evidence bags
Cadets must:
Keep their safety on.
Load the firearm.
Not fire until instructed.
4.2 Radio Notification
Before firing begins:
A
/311must be sent to ignore shots fired at VPD range.One Cadet should complete this to demonstrate understanding.
4.3 Live Fire – Class 1 Training
Cadets will:
Take position in individual booths.
Alternate body and head shots on targets.
Practice reloading.
Practice rate of fire control.
Instructors will:
Call body/head shot rotations.
Advise on crouching, rolling, and use of cover.
Reinforce tactical positioning to reduce officer exposure.
4.4 Evidence Collection Demonstration
Cadets will:
Holster firearms.
Step onto the range floor.
Use torches/cameras to inspect targets.
Observe bullet impacts and casing placement.
Photograph evidence.
Collect casings.
Clear the scene using
/clearevidence.
5. Taser Training
5.1 Practical Deployment
Confirm taser is loaded.
One volunteer will act as the suspect and run within the target area.
Cadet must deploy taser successfully.
Cadet must approach and call out intention to cuff.
Cuff Types:
Soft Cuff (/sc): Suspect may still flee due to no leg restraints. This should only be used inside of VPD to allow suspects to walk inside a controlled environment.
Hard Cuff (/cuff): Leg restraints applied, suspect cannot move. This is the default cuff type when using cuffs.
5.2 Decision-Making Scenario
To test awareness:
Instructor initiates a mock foot pursuit.
Tasers are treated as live firearms for this drill.
Cadet is instructed not to tackle.
During the pursuit, the instructor turns and reaches for their taser.
Cadet should:
Take the shot before the instructor fires.
Afterwards:
Discuss decision-making.
Assess whether correct force option was chosen.
Accuracy is secondary to correct judgement.
6. Completion of Basic Firearms Training
Training concludes with:
Open Q&A session.
Additional demonstrations if required.
Instructor evaluation of competence and confidence.
If satisfied, the Instructor may:
Sign off Basic Firearms Certification.
Authorise the Cadet to carry their Class 1 firearm operationally.
7. Advanced Firearms Training
Upon promotion from Cadet to Officer:
Advanced training becomes available.
Class 2 and Class 3 firearms certification may be undertaken.
Advanced scenarios will include:
Mock operational locations.
Dispatch calls and 10-code usage.
Multi-officer coordination.
SWAT involvement where applicable.
EMS on standby.
Rubber bullet simulations.
These exercises will focus on full-scene situational awareness from initiation to conclusion.
Final Principle
Firearms training is designed to ensure:
Officer confidence
Legal compliance
Tactical discipline
Public and officer safety
Officers must demonstrate control, judgement, and adherence to use-of-force policy at all times.
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