HIGHTSTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY #: 1.4.8 DISTRIBUTION: ALL
SUBJECT: BACK-UP FIREARMS EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/1/03
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ______
Chief James M. Eufemia
REVISION DATE
/PAGE #
/ APPROVED BY:April 13, 2004 / 1
PURPOSE: To set guidelines for sworn members of this agency to carry a second
handgun as a back-up weapon.
PROCEDURE: A back-up handgun is intended to be carried by a law enforcement officer in addition to the department issued firearm. The sole purpose for using a back-up firearm is in circumstances where the department issued weapon becomes inoperative by way of a mechanical malfunction, the officer runs out of ammunition, the duty weapon is lost or taken by a suspect during an incident, or a circumstance arises where an officer cannot use his duty weapon, but deadly force is justified.
INSPECTIONS: Firearms intended to be carried as a back-up weapon must be submitted to the Chief of Police or his designee for approval. Back-up firearms must be no less than .380 caliber nor greater than .45 caliber. The department will maintain a record of the descriptions of all back-up firearms by an officer including the make, model, caliber and serial numbers.
AMMUNITION FOR BACK-UP FIREARMS: the Chief of Police or his designee must first approve all ammunition intended to be used in a back-up firearm. No ammunition that is prefragmented or utilizes multiple projectiles upon firing or on impact will be approved. Ammunition that has a post at the base of the hollow point, such as a Hydrashock is also prohibited.
MODE OF CARRY: The back-up firearm shall be carried concealed at all times. The weapon shall be carried in a holster on the officer’s person where he/she is comfortable. There are several holster designs intended for use with a back-up firearm. Some of these designs include ankle holsters, vest holsters, bellybands and pocket holsters. (Holsters shall be approved by the Chief of Police or his designee.)
FIREARMS QUALIFICATIONS: Prior to an officer carrying any back-up firearm, he/she must first qualify with that weapon unless it does not differ substantially in either design, function or caliber from the official department issued forearm.