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This is a work in progress. I wrote this many years ago and have used it to supplement policy and procedure manuals at police agencies. Some police departments have even adopted it as a standard. I have some new students that wanted this info. So… this is to be used (by them) as a refresher-study-guide ONLY. Do not let this teach you, but, let it remind you of what I taught you! Some words and phrases may still be wrong and my goal is to have it done by the end of the summer. Any suggestions, corrections, or advice... I may already be working on it, but let me know anyway. -Edward WSTC, Inc / Advanced Combat Training / The Tradesmen Firearms Training & Qualification Procedures Copyright © 1999
The following is the standard guide for the students, staff, and participants of Advanced Combat Training’s Concealed Handgun Permit and all other Firearms Training classes in the proper administrative handling, training, and use of all firearms. Each person is required to adhere to the guidelines as set forth in the following pages. INTRODUCTION The following vocabulary will be repeatedly used throughout this manual. Some words represent objects, and others are actions. In this instruction, words in bold generally represent an action. This action should be performed in proper form and order as stated in this manual. Each person must understand and be able to explain what each word or phrase means. These words include: Administrative-loading/unloading, jettison-reload, retention-reload, stance, grip, sight-picture, sight-alignment, breathing, trigger control, follow-through, mental discipline, challenge, draw, engage, fire, reset, sweep, registered-position, ready, compress, scan, grip, re-holster, backstop, bullet-sink, target, threat, center of mass, center of target, barrel, muzzle, chamber, magazine, magazine-well, magazine-catch, frame, slide, slide-stop, concealment, cover, mild malfunction, tap, rack, assess, serious malfunction, lock, rip, work, saturation-fire, suppression-fire, strong-hand, support-hand, etc. First and Foremost! Draw -vs- Shoot “The decision to draw and the decision to shoot are two different and separate acts!” The only time you are to ever put your finger on the trigger, is because you are discharging the firearm. Either in training, or defense, this means several things. First, you have recognized, identified, and challenged a threat. Second, you are acting in accordance with state and federal LAW and the “Use of Force Paradigm” thus believing that the threat is posing a risk of serious bodily injury or death to you or another person, AND, that no lesser degree of force would be capable or adequate in stopping that threat. Finally, you have made a conscious decision to use lethal force in an act of defense. Do not think that this means that you must wait too long before defending yourself. This process can be completed properly, ethically, and legally in a matter of milliseconds. GENERAL SAFETY There are many rules regarding firearms safety. They include: Always secure your firearms from irresponsible, unsafe, or unauthorized individuals. Always keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot. Always handle and interact with each firearm as if it were loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your finger off and away from the trigger until you are actually shooting. Always know your target environment including the area behind, around, and beyond. Always engage each target with control, discipline, and exactness. We prefer to deal in “positives” instead of “negatives” like, “Always ensure” instead of “Never point”, and “Firearm” not “weapon” and so forth. But there are many behaviors and actions that will be addressed with words like, “Never” and “Do not!” Always secure your firearms from irresponsible, unsafe, or unauthorized individuals. Keep your firearms locked up and away from children, mentally ill, intoxicated, reckless, criminal, and all other unsafe or unauthorized handlers. Safes are not too expensive. If you can afford a firearm, you can afford a lock-box of some kind. Utilize one! Always keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot. If you carry your handgun concealed, put a round in the chamber. This is not a contradiction or exception to the rule. It applies. Your handgun is ready to shoot when it is on your hip, so load it. They work better that way. And remember, ‘click’ is the loneliest sound in the world! Always handle and interact with each firearm as if it were loaded. First of all, presume that ALL firearms ARE loaded and therefore handle them accordingly. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Tragedy occurs when this rule and the next rule are violated together. If the muzzle is covering something, and the trigger is pressed, something will be destroyed. Always keep your finger off and away from the trigger until you are actually shooting. Some say, “Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.” That is not enough. Startle-reflex and response, or, sympathetic-reflex and response can cause you to jerk or squeeze your grip and the gun will simply fire. Keep your finger off, away from, and outside of the trigger guard. Only move your finger towards the trigger when you are actually firing. Always know your target environment including the area behind, around, and beyond. What happens if you miss? Will you hit anyone or anything? What if your target (paper or bad-guy) does not absorb all the energy and the bullet travels through it and beyond? What will it hit? How far can that bullet travel? Usually, 1.25 miles and more with total lethality! While drawing, handling, holstering, and storing all firearms, you are required to analyze and consider bullet power, penetration capability, trajectory, backstop, and distance. Always engage each target with control, discipline, and exactness. A man with an AK-47 in the parking lot may not be more dangerous than you spraying bullets everywhere around him as you shoot wildly and totally out of control. Preparedness, Quality Equipment, Readiness, Understanding = Effectiveness Preparedness: Firearms are to be properly functioning at all times. Do not disassemble your firearms beyond your knowledge and capability. You should only use a certified and qualified gun smith or armorer to service your firearms. If you disassemble any of your firearms beyond their basic disassembly, it is recommended that you test-fire and function-fire those firearms to ensure correct reassembly and proper function. Readiness: Being prepared in all things is the foremost obligation of every person who carries a firearm. Effectiveness comes when preparation and skill surmount the crisis of an emergency. You should be prepared and in a state of readiness whenever carrying a firearm. You are ultimately responsible for the effectiveness of all of your gear, including firearms, lights, magazines, ammo, holders, and holsters. All of your equipment should be in properly-working condition and accessible at all times. When carrying firearms, you should have that firearm in an appropriate and approved holster with a round in the chamber at all times. Also, you should not ever place any items or objects in such a manner that they might interfere or conflict with the readiness of your equipment, thus endangering yourself or others due to your inability to respond. The equipment you carry should be properly placed as to allow quick and proper access. You should never hang or place anything over or around your firearm. It can interfere with quick grip or draw. Public Image: You are constantly required to evaluate, consider, and address public image and public concerns by avoiding improper actions involving behavior and firearms. Whether in public view or not, you should never draw or use your firearm, pepper-spray, stun-gun or any other thing that could be perceived as a “weapon” in any joking, teasing, or inappropriate way. In some instances, drawing a firearm or pepper-spray defensively may offer a person a defensive or protective advantage. However, in non-defensive or non-dangerous situations, you should not remove, draw, or brandish any firearm, pepper-spray, stun-gun, etc. in public view or in a way that might cause a reasonable person to believe that you are using force, when in actuality, no force is being applied. Unless in actual defense, you should never pretend to spray pepper spray, strike with a baton, or grab, draw, or brandish your firearm. Brandishing any firearm or “weapon” in any way that causes fear is a felony crime. Do not do it. Effectiveness: When you are physically fit, mentally alert, and possess readily accessible quality equipment, you can be successful no matter what the situation or event. “Preparedness, readiness, effectiveness, and good human relations skills” is a state of being that should be explored, developed, and practiced by each person. In survival, the more our preparedness, readiness, and understanding improve, the more effective we are. Conversely, when you are less prepared, with a lower degree of readiness, with poor equipment and no wisdom nor understanding, the risks of failure, disaster, death, and lawsuits climb alarmingly. The following procedures will give you the opportunity to increase your effectiveness. Stance, Drawing, Handling, and Holstering Firearms Stance: This defines the safest and most practical stance. It also denotes how you will most likely be standing when the sudden need to defend yourself arises. The “standard interaction” stance will be used throughout training. In this stance, you should keep equal weight on each foot and keep your firearm-side away from any contact, person, or suspect. In Training: You should not draw from a “hand-on-your-gun” stance as it is unrealistic. We do not walk around town with our hand on our guns. Your firearm should be in a secured and “snapped” holster. In training and in the field, holsters should never be left unsnapped. We prefer to train with a “surrendered, hands-up” or, an “opened-arms, palms up” or a “hands down at your side” stance for several reasons… It is most likely how we will be standing; they appear to be “non-offensive” and make us look weak thus prompting the attacker to relax and underestimate us; they offer the best platform from which to launch our defense; and finally, if you can complete the defensive task from this “difficult” posture, you can complete it faster from easier stances. Registered: This defines where and how the trigger-finger is located in relation to the actual trigger. In this position, the index finger is straight, parallel to the barrel, and pointed along the side of the firearm. It is not, however, positioned across the trigger-guard. With handguns, it generally denotes that the trigger-finger is placed firmly and securely against the highest possible portion of the lower receiver or even the slide. With respect to shotguns and rifles, the trigger-finger should be as high as practically possible, outside, above and away from the trigger housing. Remember, your finger should only be near, around, or touching the trigger when you are actually discharging the firearm. Please Note: A good holster will allow you to have a proper grip and allow you to keep your finger in the registered position while the firearm is still in the holster and while you are drawing and holstering the firearm. Grip: Proper grip consists of equal pressure and position from both hands with the trigger-finger in the registered position. As you grip the firearm, completely fill the tang of the firearm with all of the meat and webbing from between the thumb and index finger. Grip the firearm with both hands applying equal pressure. The fingers of the support hand should be parallel and covering the fingers of the shooting hand. The fingers of the support hand should be gripping strong enough to pull the skin over the knuckles of your strong hand. The strong thumb should be over and mostly parallel with the support-hand thumb. Do not put any finger on the trigger guard. This can cause inaccuracy by pushing or pulling the muzzle to the left or right. Do not cup the bottom of the firearm with the support hand as a brace or balance. This eliminates some of the gravity-pull on the handgun and can cause the firearm to clime unnecessarily. While you do this, again ensure that the trigger-finger is still in the registered position. All of this combined increases safety, stability, and accuracy. Draw: If there is a threat, Move and get to Cover while Drawing! Depending on circumstances of both training and actual threatening situations, if you are drawing your firearm, you may also need to be moving to cover. When drawing the firearm in a normal situation, both hands should move together. Throughout the drawing process, make and maintain an “L” or “toy-gun” shape with your strong hand using your thumb and index finger. This allows the thumb to hit the release of your holster (if you have one) and open your grip for your second hand, all while keeping your trigger-finger in the registered position. Next, your strong hand goes to the holstered firearm while your opposite hand moves flat and towards your navel. While releasing the holster (if needed) and beginning to grip the firearm, the opposite hand lies open and flat, covering the navel. Acquire a proper grip and pull the firearm up and out enough to clear the holster. Drop the elbow while rolling the firearm about five degrees away from chest. (At this point, even with one hand blocking, one hand drawing, you could discharge the firearm in a defensive manner if needed.) Ensure that your trigger-finger is in a strong registered position. While pushing the firearm straight out towards the target, bring your opposite hand up under the frame of the firearm and join both hands in a strong grip. Ready or aim your firearm according to circumstance and need. While you do this, again ensure that your trigger-finger is still in the registered position. All of this combined increases safety, stability, and accuracy. In training, you are not permitted to draw your firearm from a thumb-break holster, unless that holster’s thumb-break is over the firearm, closed and snapped, in its normal retention form. Compress: This position and action allows you to assess potential threats, while keeping the firearm close to the body to avoid treats from grabbing it and removing it from your hands. It is done by standing in a strong stance while holding the firearm with a proper grip and having it drawn. Point the firearm in a downward-angled (about forty-five degrees) while keeping the inner part of your forearms and your hands pressed against your torso. Ready: This position and action allows you to assess and cover most potential threats. It is done by standing in a strong stance while holding the firearm with a proper grip and having it drawn. Point the firearm at about a forty-five degree angle towards (but below) the possible, confirmed, or neutralized threat. In this stance, your trigger-finger is in the registered position. While in this position, scan the area by looking left, forward, right, and behind you. Be aware of new threats or new safety issues. Be prepared to either de-escalate or reinitiate the use of force. Holster: In essence, this procedure is performed oppositely from drawing. First, ensure that the trigger-finger is in the registered position. Next, pull the firearm towards the center of the body. While doing so, separate the hands pulling the support hand to the navel, and the strong hand close to the body. Also, roll the firearm about five degrees away from the chest. (At this point, you could re-discharge the firearm in a defensive manner if needed.) Next, raise the elbow up, thus pointing the firearm towards the holster. (At this point, the strong-hand should clearly be in the “L” shape position.) Though keeping it pointed outward, draw the trigger-finger away from the side of the firearm so that the holster may pass between the finger and the trigger-guard area. With the use of the strong hand only, place the firearm back into the holster and secure the thumb-break and/or any other retention device. You should be able to perform this without looking and with only your strong hand. Challenging, Aiming, and Firing Challenge: Although there may be rare circumstances where you are unable to challenge the threat, whether in training, or in actual defensive combat, you should challenge the threat. Challenging the threat means yelling something like, “Stop! Get Back! Drop the Weapon!” and so forth. Challenging the threat is not usually required by law, but accomplishes several things. It is a universal command that covers all weapons from sticks and rocks to guns and knives. This also is an effective warning to bystanders of any potential danger. It causes you to take a deep breath to yell, and another good breath to recover from the shout. It also gives the threat an opportunity to cease their attack. Aim: Aiming a firearm means that a person believes that it is necessary to use deadly defensive force and is thus preparing to do so. First, cover the threat with the sights. It is impossible for the human eye to focus on the rear sights, the front sights, and the threat. Most firearms training and instruction would propose that, for aiming purposes, you keep focused on the front sight. However, the reality is that when experiencing extreme risk or danger, we tend to focus on the threat and instinctual point-and-shoot sighting is fundamental. When using aligned sights, focusing on the front sight is important for highly-aimed shots. Keep focus on the front sight and continue covering the threat. Maintain proper grip, steady control, and good focus. On peep-sights (AR-15 rifles, some shotguns, etc.) you should put the front sight dot in the middle of the circle. On post sights, or three-dot sights, the sights should be level, flat, and equally spaced apart. You should see the same amount of space between them for left and right, and the top should be flush, like this: o o o
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Trigger Pull Move the trigger-finger from the registered position and cover the trigger with the furthermost pad of the finger. Pull back on the trigger evenly, regularly, and consistently even through times of greater friction or resistence. Do not anticipate, flinch, or jerk the firearm before, during, or after discharging. After pulling the trigger far enough back to discharge the firearm, keep the trigger at this location. Next, steadily release the trigger forward until the slight ‘click’ of the trigger’s contact with the disconnector. This is called “catching the link.” When this ‘click’ is felt, STOP! The firearm is now ready to be discharged again by repeating the process from this point. Situation and circumstance will determine how quickly or how slowly this process is performed. Fire After utilizing proper stance, grip, draw, and aim, and after challenging the threat, you may still need to discharge your firearm in defense. This all means that you believe that it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself or another person from serious bodily injury or death by the use of deadly force, and that no lesser degree of force is capable of stopping that threat, and are thus going to do so. With proper technique, cover the threat, aim center of mass, and fire until the threat is stopped. A “threat is stopped” when what was attacking is no longer, or can no longer be, a threat of danger or injury. Be aware that you may need to fire several rounds in order to stop particular threats. How to Shoot Get to cover, be aware of the area, aim center of mass. Shoot until the threat is stopped. If involved in a shooting, the first thing you should probably do is protect yourself. This means that you may need to get to cover. It is more important to get out of the way of oncoming bullets than it is trying to get the first shot off. Next, be aware of the area. Determine if there is a risk of hitting innocent people. Determine what will happen if you shoot at threats and analyze what is behind them, while taking care when doing so. You need to determine if you should change the angle of engagement. Breaking your plane may offer protection. Next, aim and fire at the center of mass of the threat. Normally, this is just above the stomach area of a human being. Finally, shoot until the threat has stopped. It may be negligent to fire twenty rounds. It may also be negligent to only fire one round. Assess and act. If you have fired several rounds, you should take the opportunity to reload. Depending on the need, you should perform a speed or tactical reload. Ultimately, the person, combined with situation and circumstance, will determine whom, what, where, when, why, and how to engage. Defensive Tactics, Reloading, Stoppage Reduction Tap This describes how you are to ensure that you have a properly inserted and seated magazine. After replacing a magazine, or during a Phase-1-Stoppage-Reduction, always tap the magazine before racking the slide. Firmly hit the bottom of the magazine with the meaty palm of the hand. This helps ensure that the magazine is inserted completely and correctly and that it has engaged and locked in the proper position. Firmly striking the bottom of the magazine ensures this even if compression or resistence exists due to magazine swelling or pressure from the magazine spring and ammunition pressing against the slide. Rack This describes how to rack the slide during a reloading process or a Phase-1-Stoppage-Reduction. While keeping the firearm up and covering the threat, actuate the slide completely rearward and then let it spring back closed. Do this fast and evenly and do not push or guide the slide forward. Do this by laying the hand over the top of the slide while keeping the thumb towards the chest. Firmly grip the rearmost part of the slide and pull it back quickly, then letting the slide spring back closed. Perform this procedure whether the slide is the rearward or forward position. Never follow or assist the slide’s closer by holding onto it while moving forward. Assess After a reloading process or stoppage-reduction, assess the situation and determine what action to take, whether escalation or de-escalation of force. Do this by looking to the left, front, right, and rear while holding the firearm in the ready position. Although you may only sweep about 45 degrees with the firearm, you must be sure to scan 360 degrees by turning the head and looking over both shoulders and above yourself. If needed, or if the situation merits it, yell out to citizens to get down, or away from the area. Using loud and direct commands, instruct them as to what to do, how to stay, or where to go. Determine the safest action and guide them through it. Even after this - and it really should be avoided - it may be necessary to sweep the muzzle towards innocent bystanders. Do so with the trigger-finger in the registered position. Do so rapidly and quickly as to minimize the time they are covered by the firearm. Cover This word is used as both an “object” and as an “action.” The first definition of cover generally means any item, thing, object, or area that provides substantial and sufficient protection and blockage from an oncoming threat. The type of cover, is proportional to the type of threat. Examples of this may be: A glass window or door may provide temporary cover for a knife, but not a handgun bullet. A dumpster may provide protection from a .22 caliber bullet, but not a large rifle round. Such differences are wood, drywall, metal, stone, brick, etc. You should determine the level of threat, and then select appropriate cover. If possible, or if there are multiple options for cover, you should avoid cover that may endanger innocent people behind them. If possible, avoid cover that may bring bystanders into the threat’s line of fire. The other definition of cover could be described as an action. In the event that two or more persons are defending one another while in a shooting, one may offer protection to the other by covering, challenging, or engaging the threat. If the two of you are unable to protect yourselves by “getting behind cover,” then you may be able to protect one another by providing assurance that one person is ready to engage a threat, while the other is reloading a firearm. Communication, attention, and skill are crucial because of this vulnerability. If multiple persons are engaged in a shooting, find cover and begin communicating. However, whether or not cover is available, cover, defend, and protect one another throughout any defensive, reloading, or tactical process that may be needed. Concealment Concealment may hide you, but it may not protect you from oncoming threats. Although they may hide you from an attack or threat, bushes, doors, and normal “drywall” walls in houses may not offer adequate protection from some threats. You should determine all cover and concealment needs and take full advantage of all available options and protection. Cautions While utilizing cover and concealment, be aware of residual dangers. Protect yourself and your vision by being cautious of exploding brick and stone from impacting bullets. Maintain proper distance from cover. Doing so will offer protection from attack, while allowing movement for you and your firearms. Do not extend the firearm beyond the edge of the cover. Stay close enough to it to be protected, but away from it enough to move or sweep in other directions if suddenly needed. Be aware of the “skipping” effect that takes place when bullets hit the ground, the water, or even walls. Bullets bounce off of them at impact and travel within inches parallel to the surface. When holding the sidearm in a manner other than a ready or aim, keep it pointed downward or earthward. Never hold the firearm upward or skyward especially near the face or head. If suddenly frightened or attacked, the startle reflex and response will force the hand to squeeze and even discharge the firearm. If this happens, you will at least lose your hearing and sight if you are not injured or killed in the process. Moving The general rule is that if you move your feet, you also decock your firearm (sidearm) and possibly even engage safeties. If you need to run or get to better cover, before moving, you are to decock your sidearm if possible, and then determine whether or not the firearm’s safeties should be engaged. You should calculate this by factoring in what type of firearm you are using, and what kind of movement, action, and obstacles are involved. With sidearms, decocking and/or holstering should be sufficient. With shotguns and rifles, this may or could entail removing the primary round from the chamber. After the movement, you are to assess the situation and determine if you should re-chamber a round into the shotgun or rifle. Decide and safely take the appropriate action. Protection Protection and preparation are analogous. Survival comes from quality equipment, excellent training, sound judgement, and proper tactics. Increase the level of protection by taking full advantage of every opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding. Rely on proper training and apply such principles as angling the wheels and patrol car during contacts, and taking full advantage of cover and concealment even when not engaged in a defensive situation. Analyze and investigate other police incidents involving defensive needs. Meditate and ponder situations and create your own exercises and scenarios. Actively pursue higher levels of skill and training through thought, practice, event, and application. Switching Circumstances may require you to change the grip on the firearm from one hand to the other. When you do this, maintain your index fingers from registered to registered position. Use the same grip in your support hand as in your strong hand. Determine how fast you are able to do this safely and properly. Dropping If you EVER drop your sidearm, let if fall and DO NOT catch it. These firearms are drop safe and should not fire when they hit the ground. Wait for the firearm to hit the ground and for it to stop bouncing or moving. Then, pick it up safely using proper grip. Trying to catch the firearm may cause you to inadvertently press or pull the trigger thereby discharging the firearm towards you or an innocent bystander. Reloading Depending on the situation, reload prior to running out of ammunition. When you reload, generally, you should always obtain new ammunition/magazines before removing old ammunition/magazines. Utilize cover and concealment when doing so. Determine what each situation merits and then choose from the following: Jettison Perform jettison-reloads (drop the mag) when your firearm is out of ammunition or Reload when ammunition is less important than speed, cover, safety, and then firing again. This is summarized by saying, “New mag first, jettison the old mag, insert the new mag, tap, rack, assess.” Begin by determining whether or not better cover or movement is needed. Then, first obtain a loaded magazine. This ensures that you have one in the first place before you throw away what little you had. With that magazine in your support hand, release the old magazine in your firearm and assist it out by momentarily thrusting your gun-hand downward or swinging the grip end (using your finger in the registered position as an axis) if needed. Next, holding the firearm at about a 45-degree angle to the right (left for left-handed persons) insert the fresh magazine. (Keeping the gun at an angle ensures that the magazine does not fall out of the magazine well and facilitates the “tap” process. Next, firmly tap the bottom of the mag to ensure that it seated properly and completely, then rack the slide and reassess (assess again) any and all threats and re-engage if necessary. Retention Perform retention-reloads (keep and retain the mag) when your firearm is NOT out of Reload ammunition, or when ammunition is scarce, or when there is enough time, cover, and safety to be able to do so without putting yourself or others at risk. This means that you are covered and protected sufficiently, or that you have enough time to save your old magazine because it still has bullets in it. Begin by determining whether or not better cover or movement is needed. Then, first obtain a loaded magazine. This ensures that you have one in the first place before you throw away what little you had. With that magazine in your support hand ready to be inserted into the firearm, release the old magazine into that same support hand. (Assist it out by momentarily thrusting your hand downward if needed.) Next, insert the fresh magazine and firmly tap the bottom of it to ensure that it seated properly and completely. Extra care is required here because of the fact that you still have the old magazine in hand. Next, rack the slide, store the old magazine, reassess threats and re-engage if necessary. Phase 1 SR Phase-1-Stoppage-Reduction = Tap - Rack - Assess. Do this if for whatever reason your firearm does not discharge when you pull the trigger. Tap the magazine, rack the slide, and assess the situation as to determine whether or not you will need to fire. Generally, this will re-ready your firearm after such events as: improperly seated magazine, bad, unchambered, or an unfired bullet. If for some reason, your firearm fails to discharge, do not waste time trying to pull the trigger again. Perform this procedure to purge the chamber and introduce a fresh round. Phase 2 SR Phase-2-Stoppage-Reduction = Lock - Rip - Work - Mag - Tap - Rack - Assess. Do this if a Phase-1-Stoppage Reduction does not ready your firearm or if you see that you have a major misfeed or malfunction. Lock the slide to the rear, rip out the old magazine, work the slide by racking it three times, insert a new magazine, tap the magazine, rack the slide, and assess the situation as to determine whether or not you will need to fire. Generally, this will re-ready your firearm after such events as: jams, misfeeds, and stovepipes. Performing this procedure releases pressure from the slide and loading area, purges the chamber, and introduces a fresh magazine and bullet into the firearm. Consider your cover and protection needs while performing either phases of stoppage-reduction. Defensive Fire The following information regarding defensive fire is to be used as an option, and not necessarily as policy. The need may arise for you to move from one area to another with more or better cover. Doing this may make you vulnerable to attack. Therefore, it may be necessary or prudent to cover, aim, and even fire at the threat with defensive fire while moving for cover. This should only be done if a proper and adequate backstop exists behind the threat and only if there is absolutely no risk of harm to innocent people. Also, it should only be done if that movement will not place you or others in any risk. If you feel that you must use defensive fire to protect yourself, cover the threat and fire if needed. You are responsible for your decisions and actions involving defensive fire. Engagement When shooting from behind cover, protect yourself by exposing the minimal amount of your body as possible. Aiming properly will cover your face so as you roll or pop out quickly, there is absolute minimal exposure. Use proper stance and ensure adequate distance when firing from behind cover. Most importantly, do not shoot from the same location or position or any discernable pattern that would allow the attacker to anticipate when, where, and how to fire at you. Change from high, low, left and right locations to minimize that possibility. Switch hands and styles to optimize your defensive capabilities. Remember to continue challenging the threat throughout the situation. Consider and determine such needs as warning surrounding bystanders, remaining ammunition, movement, better cover, and even retreat. Multi-Person Engagements and Encounters Multi-Cover In some situations, or if no cover is available, the two or more persons may converge close together at different planes. (i.e. one kneeling - one standing) This offers a protective stance to the needing person while being able to see, scan, cover, and engage threats from any degree, angle, or location. If possible, the needing person should kneel as to allow the protecting person to sweep and cover over and around them. If possible, the protecting person should stand directly next to and in physical contact with the needing person while doing this. Communicate clearly to avoid confusion in plan or purpose. Multi-Engage When multiple persons are engaged in a defensive situation involving gunfire, it is crucial that there is perfect clarity and understanding in plan and purpose. In the event that two or more persons are defending one another while in a shooting, one may have to offer protection to the other by covering, challenging, or engaging the threat. If the two persons are unable to protect themselves by “getting behind cover,” then they may have to protect one another by providing assurance that one person is ready to engage a threat, while the other is reloading or clearing a malfunction with his firearm. Communication, attention, and skill are crucial because of vulnerability. If multiple persons are engaged in a shooting, find cover and begin communicating. Locate and identify threats by yelling out such things as, “Guns Front!” “Guns Left!” “Guns Right!” “Guns Rear” etc. This helps ensure teamwork and success. Multi-Reload Whatever the circumstances, cover, defend, and protect one another throughout any defensive, reloading, or tactical process that may be needed. The normal procedure for the persons to reload should be as follows. Whoever needs to reload first or most “requests” the opportunity to do so and yells, “RELOAD!” The other person acknowledges the other’s request by first, ensuring that it is safe to move to a position that will facilitate that protection. When the covering person arrives at this location, they will yell, “COVER!” This informs the needing person that they are covered and may therefore now reload or perform whatever action as needed. When finished and ready, that person will yell, “HOT!” This may now give the other person a protected opportunity to also reload or perform similar actions. Please note: An easy way to help you remember the process and wording is to put the word, “I” before the request or command. This turns it into a complete conversation. I reload? I cover! I’m Hot! Administrative Unloading and Loading Procedure Loading Before you load your firearm, you must be aware of your surroundings. Find a safe location, free of obstructions and distractions. Chose a direction and bullet-sink that would provide adequate safety and protection in the event of an accidental discharge. Draw the sidearm, keeping the muzzle in that safe direction. Insert a loaded magazine if needed. Tap the bottom of the magazine to ensure that it is seated properly. Rack the slide completely rearward and let it spring closed. Press Check the firearm and then holster it. Press Check Press-checking safely allows you to know the status of your sidearm. Perform this when you need to ensure that there is a round in the chamber and a full magazine. Do it in the following manner: Find a safe location free of obstructions and distractions. Chose a direction and object (bullet-sink) that provide safety and adequate backstop. Draw the sidearm, keeping the muzzle in that safe direction. While holding it with a proper one-handed grip, cup the trigger guard with your support hand. Next, rotate your strong hand 90 degrees upward cupping the firearm thumb-to-tang and fingers-over-slide. Draw the sidearm to the chest. Squeezing the strong hand will draw the slide slightly rearward. Without passing it in front of the muzzle, use the support hand to grip onto the front portion of the slide thus holding it slightly open. Use the small (pinky) finger of your strong hand to feel the breech area of the firearm and ensure that a bullet is in the chamber. Make sure that your finger is clear and re-grip the firearm with your strong hand. Release the slide with your left hand. Press or tap on the rear of the slide to ensure proper closure. (Decock if necessary.) Remove the magazine and ensure that it is fully loaded. Slide the top-most bullet back to the rear of the magazine if necessary. Reinsert the magazine and tap the bottom of it. Then, pull on the magazine to ensure that it was properly seated. Finally, place your thumb onto the rear portion of the slide to ensure that the slide does not move backwards while you holster, then holster the firearm. This keeps the firearm safely controlled and can be done in low-light, no-light, or awkward conditions. Unload Before unloading your firearm, be aware of the surroundings. Find a safe location free of any obstructions and distractions. Chose a direction and object (bullet-sink) that provide safety and an adequate backstop. Draw your sidearm, keeping the muzzle in that safe direction. Remove the magazine and store it. Properly place your opposite hand over the rear-most part of the slide, thumb pointing towards chest. Roll the firearm ninety degrees so that it is flat to the ground and so that the ejection port and extractor are aiming towards the ground. Push the slide-lock up and rack the slide by pulling rearward. As the bullet leaves the chamber, keep the slide open and locked to the rear and watch where the bullet lands. NEVER cover the ejection port or extraction area with any part of your hand. While keeping the muzzle pointed safely, retrieve the removed bullet and store it. Next, you must visually and physically check the firearm. While doing this, you will always keep and maintain a proper grip on the firearm and keep it pointed in a safe direction. First, look into the chamber or breech and ensure that there are no bullets there. Next, look through the magazine well and ensure that it, too, is free and clear of any bullets. Then, physically sweep the chamber with the small (pinky) finger of your support hand. After you have visually and physically verified that the entire firearm is free of any bullets, rack the slide and let it spring closed. Decock the firearm and/or engage safeties and/or reinsert a magazine as needed and as each situation dictates. You may now store the firearm. Remember: DO NOT holster the firearm. You never holster a firearm unless it is loaded and ready to shoot. Firearms Storage, Maintenance, Transportation, and Carrying Storage Store weapons in safe and secure ways. Be aware of backstop and other safety issues at all times. Consider extreme heat or cold and even possible moisture issues. Keep all firearms clean, lubricated, and in proper working order. Be cautious of how and where you store loaded firearms. It is recommended that loaded firearms are stored out of sight. When storing firearm in edifices, be conscientious of small children and careless individuals. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety and care of all your firearms no matter where you or they may be. Maintenance Firearms are to be properly functioning at all times. You are not to disassemble your firearms beyond your knowledge and capability. You are not to disassemble any department firearms beyond simple cleaning needs. The ####### ####### Armorer, or the Chief’s designee, should be the only person authorized to completely disassemble, replace, or repair any parts needed in department equipment. Those who disassemble their personal firearms beyond basic disassembly are highly recommended to test-fire and function-fire the firearms to ensure correct reassembly and proper function. Clean, lubricate, and maintain all firearms. Prior to cleaning, perform an administrative unloading procedure and ensure that it is completely free of all ammunition. Basic disassembly entails unloading the firearm, removing the magazine, and separating the receiver, slide, spring, and barrel. Clean the inside of these parts and lubricate worn surfaces. In most areas, it is recommended that you use grease instead of oil when lubricating firearms. Because of the actions involving automatic firearms, oil tends to fly off of the moving surfaces whereas grease stays in place and on moving parts with greater efficiency. Transport Transport rifles and shotguns in cases whenever possible. This protects the firearms and keeps it from drawing too much attention from the general public. Unless being used in a defensive situation or special need, transport shotguns and rifles in closed cases. Do this especially when moving them from vehicles or the ####### building. Be conscientious of public perception regarding all weapons no matter what the situation. Sidearm Persons should not carry a firearm unless it is loaded with at least six (6) and has a bullet in the chamber. Persons should carry at least two spare magazines or speed-loaders, each fully loaded. Persons are required to carry a total of at least eighteen (18) rounds of ammunition. Retention holsters for duty are recommended, but not required. Back-up firearms are recommended but not required. Those holsters and firearms must be high-quality and comply with department policy and standards. Shotgun Shotguns will be carried in the “Cruiser Safe” mode. This means that the shotgun is fully loaded, but DOES NOT have a shell in the chamber. The action is armed with the hammer back and cocked and the safety is engaged. Having it cocked, the action is locked from sliding back and forth unless the release is pressed. The tube magazine is filled with 00 Buck shells. Side-saddles or side holders should have shotgun slug shells in it. When needed in a defensive situation, remove the shotgun safely and hold it using proper grip. Press the release, actuate the slide, and chamber a round. Determine whether or not the safety needs to be engaged or disengaged. If needed, challenge, cover, aim and fire according to need. Be aware that shotgun pellets spread out and cover a greater surface area. Be aware that shotgun slugs penetrate and travel the same as bullets. Evaluate backstop and surroundings. Rifle Rifles will be carried in the “Cruiser Safe” mode. This means that the rifle is fully loaded, but DOES NOT have a bullet in the chamber. The action is worked with the hammer back and cocked and the safety is engaged. The magazine is filled with standard, approved ammunition. When needed in a defensive situation, remove the rifle safely and hold it using proper grip. Charge the rifle and chamber a round. Determine whether or not the safety needs to be engaged or disengaged. If needed, challenge, cover, aim and fire according to need. Be aware that rifle rounds have greater penetration and distance. Evaluate backstop and surroundings. Ammunition should be department approved .233 Remington, 55 grain, full metal jacket. Searches When conducting area or building searches, great care should be taken to ensure proper handling and safety. Determine which stance and style are best for each situation and use them safely. Often, keeping firearms closer to the body and waist level is far superior in safety and effectiveness. Persons are never to hold their sidearms upright near their faces and heads. Regulations Involving Firearms Being Armed Persons may, but are not required to carry their firearms when off duty. If doing so, persons will carry them concealed and out of the view of the general public whenever practical. Persons carrying concealed firearms should also carry and have their badge and identification cards at all times. Off-duty firearms must be high-quality, approved, and in accordance with policy. Off-duty ammunition must be equal to duty ammunition or conform to proper standards. Off-duty holsters must be high quality and proper fit for the specific firearm. The holster must be able to retain the firearm under reasonable conditions. Persons must qualify with their off-duty firearm and off-duty holster or carrying system. Persons should not carry any firearm in their pockets or anything other than an authorized holster. Persons should not carry a firearm unless it is loaded with at least five rounds and has a bullet in the chamber. This should not apply to five-shot revolvers or other special firearms or circumstances. Alcohol The following regulations address public perception, as well as ethics and legality. Persons who foresee or imagine that they may or will be consuming any kind of alcoholic beverage (including non-alcoholic brews) should not possess nor carry any firearm. Persons may not possess or carry any firearm, on duty or off duty, if that person has alcohol on his/her breath. In addition, except while on duty and in the performance of their duties, persons should not possess nor carry their firearms into bars, saloons, or any other establishment who’s primary function is that of serving alcoholic beverages or intoxicating liquors. In accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes, persons should not possess nor carry their firearms while under the influence of alcohol. C.R.S. 18-12-106 (d) Prohibited Use of Weapons - It is unlawful for any person to have in his possession a firearm while he is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a controlled substance. Law Enforcement or Possession of a concealed weapon permit is no defense. Use of Force In accordance with the Use of Force Continuum, persons are required to carry at least one intermediate weapon but are recommended to carry two different forms. An example is the combination of a sidearm, an ASP baton, and pepper-spray. As stated above, the only time you will draw and discharge your firearm is because you have first, recognized, identified, and challenged a threat. Second, you believe that no lesser degree of force will be adequate to stop that threat. Finally, you have made a conscious decision to use lethal force in an act of defense. Whenever any degree of force is used, persons are required to consider the medical needs of the subject. Persons are also to complete the department’s Use of Force Reporting Form. In severe uses of force, or if medical attention for the subject is required, persons should contact the on-duty or on-call supervisor and thoroughly describe the events of the incident. Recklessness Persons are required to evaluate and protect the areas and bystanders of any shooting situation. Under no circumstances should persons discharge their firearms unless they are actually covering the threat. Persons should not engage in careless or reckless “cover-fire” or “saturation-fire.” Persons are required to exercise the highest degree of wisdom, caution, and care towards all people, places, and things, and in all situations or events. Obligations If involved in any shooting, either on-duty, or off-duty, persons should notify the communications center and inform them of the area, the situation, and any specific needs of the event. These include but are not limited to: The medical care and need of any victims or suspects injured in any way. The law enforcement agency of that jurisdiction. The need to notify supervisors and the Chief of Police. The need to notify other officials such as the Ambulance, Fire, Hazmat, F.B.I., C.B.I., or the Coroner. Areas that need assistance or avoidance. Any other relevant or important information regarding each situation. Checks Due to the crucial nature of secure defense, persons will check the readiness of their firearms whenever their status may be in doubt. Persons will perform a press-check when coming on duty and before holstering their firearms after having left them unattended. This includes temporary storage at detention facilities and otherwise secure facilities. Reporting Persons should fill out a Use of Force Report any time any amount of force is used in the performance of duty. This should apply whether or not the incident happened while on duty. Including dispatching injured animals, persons should report any incident involving discharging their firearm as soon as practical and possible to the on-duty or on-call supervisor. Persons should complete a report and submit it to their supervisors when ever they use their firearm to dispatch injured animals. That report should include all information including: where and when the incident took place, the surrounding area and circumstances, and how many rounds were discharged. Animals Sometimes it is necessary to dispatch dangerous, threatening, or injured animals. When doing so, take every protective measure to ensure safety and care. Direct bystanders away from the area and be perfectly aware of bullet trajectory and backstop. Evaluate the area around, behind, and to the sides of the target. Consider the possibilities of ricochet off of the animal’s skull or surrounding rocks or debris. Persons should consider wearing eye and ear protection and do so if possible and practical. Consider any movement by the animal while aiming. If possible, injured deer and other animals should be dispatched as humanely as possible by aiming and shooting at the rear base of the skull or head. However overall safety to others supercedes the need to shoot a smaller target or complete the process in a hasty or rushed manner. Generally, the persons standard sidearm should be sufficient for this. After firing, check for pupil dilation and determine if you need to fire again to ensure that the animal does not suffer. Also very important, consider public perception and view. Be considerate of the public’s feelings and avoid having children or other easily upset persons near the area or in view of the process. Accidental An Accidental Discharge is any instance or event when a firearm discharges without full Discharge intent of the person to do so. In the event of any accidental discharge, whether on duty or not, and whether in the performance of duty or not, persons should inform the supervisor as soon as practical and possible. If needed, person should contact dispatch if that accidental discharge may be reported or if it may or does draw notice from the public. Negligent A Negligent Discharge is an accidental discharge, but one that is so clearly and Discharge obviously dangerous that it poses a substantial risk to any person or thing. Any time a firearm is grossly mishandled, dangerously pointed, or carelessly treated, and then discharged, whether or not a person or thing is struck by the bullet, represents a negligent discharge. In the event of any negligent discharge, whether on duty or not, and whether in the performance of duty or not, persons should inform the supervisor as soon as practical and possible. If needed, person should contact dispatch if that accidental discharge may be reported or if it may or does draw notice from the public. Persons involved in a negligent discharge are subject to severe disciplinary, civil, and criminal and action, including, but not limited to, immediate termination. Restrooms Persons needing to remove their firearm and/or duty belt in order to get undressed in, and Dressing or use a public restroom, or changing stall, should consider and use great care and caution. Rooms If possible, use an enclosed stall that can be locked. If possible, keep the firearm in its holster. When no duty belt is involved, or if no other safe manner presents itself, place the firearm gently on the ground between your feet. Otherwise, hang the belt on any available side handle or dispenser near the stool. If there is no close and safe location where the belt can be hung, consider hanging the belt around your neck or knees while seated. If no other option is available, consider securing it between your feet. Either way, be responsible and use good judgement when temporarily removing and setting aside your firearm. Due to security issues, some stores videotape their changing stalls and dressing rooms. If you need to use one of these, and you are going to remove your firearm, consider also exposing your police badge as to not incite panic or cause alarm. Consider public perception and concern. Rules of Training and Instruction Training Persons are required to train and qualify frequently and regularly. This will consist of a full spectrum of requirements involving sidearms, shotguns, and rifles. Handgun qualifications should be every three months. Shotgun and Rifle qualifications should be every six months. These will be held during every other handgun qualification. In regular handgun and rifle qualifying, persons are required to attend and participate in full police uniform including shirt, belt, and vest. Other training will include defensive situations and scenarios that may allow other clothing. Persons are required to train and qualify with any and all duty and off-duty firearms which they may carry. Each firearm qualification course will be explained and demonstrated. Testing Persons are required to study and prove proficiency through exams, demonstrations, and application. The Firearms Instructor will provide comprehensive testing when deemed needed. The Firearms Instructor, and/or the Chief of Police, may address any concerns through remedial training and further instruction. All persons will be notified in advance of any changes or areas of necessary further training with an opportunity to study and practice prior to testing. Firearms All on-duty and off-duty firearms are to be approved by the firearms instructor prior to use. Firearms are to be of high quality and in excellent condition. For both on-duty and off-duty use, only Double Action, Double Action Only, and Self-decocking handguns are acceptable. No person should be permitted to carry any single-action pistol or revolver as an on-duty or off-duty firearm. Handguns used as the Primary Duty Firearm should only be in one of the following calibers: ( .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 Auto ) Off-duty Handguns must also be high-quality, excellent condition, with adequate safety features, and be in one of the following calibers: ( .32 Auto, .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 Auto ) Handguns used as a Secondary or Backup Firearm must possess adequate safety features and be one of the following calibers: ( .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum, .25 Auto, .32 Auto, .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 Auto ) Vocabulary AD or Accidental Discharge: Any time a firearm discharged without full purpose and consent. Administrative Unloading Procedure: The process in which persons are required to properly unload their firearms in an administrative environment. For the purposes of this section, an administrative environment denotes a non-defensive, non-combat, or non-exigent situation or circumstance. Administrative Loading Procedure: The process in which persons are required to properly load their firearms in an administrative environment. For the purposes of this section, an administrative environment denotes a non-defensive, non-combat, or non-exigent situation or circumstance. Aim: To direct a firearm or attack towards an intended threat or target while utilizing proper form. Assess: To observe and evaluate the surroundings in a specific situation or environment in order to determine a proper course of action and involvement. Backstop: An area or location likely to be struck by bullets in the event of a shooting. Typically, this area is secured as such for its ability to prevent bullets from passing beyond or through it and to ensure safety. Breech: The area of the firearm behind the barrel where a bullet is loaded, discharged, and extracted. Bullet Sink: An object or item capable of dissipating, containing, and capturing the force, energy, and threat of a discharged bullet by providing a secure and consistent substance from which the bullet is not likely to escape. Center of Mass: The point in a human body providing an equal distance to all opposing sides and edges thus providing the largest surface area towards which you aim and shoot. Generally the stomach area. Challenge: The process in which persons are required to properly confront and warn an attacker. An act and statement of loudly confronting a threat and ordering that threat to stop whatever attack, danger, or intimidation may be taking place. An example of challenging a threat is yelling, “Drop the weapon! Police! Stop!” Vocabulary Continued Compress: The process in which persons are required to properly bring their firearms from a ready position, into a compressed position closer to their chest, by maintaining their proper grip, and bending their arms and pulling the firearm close to their body to prevent presenting the firearm to a threat, thus having it removed from their hands. Like the Ready Position, there is High, Middle, and Low Compressed positions. Concealment: Any area, situation, or object that keeps an person from being seen, found, observed or discovered but which may not necessarily protect that person from attack or harm. Cover: Any area, situation, or object that keeps an person protected from attack or harm but which may not necessarily keep that person from being seen, found, observed or discovered. Cover Fire: Similar to saturation fire in that it is shooting at an area, rather than the actual threat, with the intention to keep that threat subdued and non-offensive while persons procure different or better cover. Defensive Fire: A protective way of firing at a threat when actual aiming is either impossible, or implausible but in such a safe area, environment, or manner that it poses no risk to anyone other than the attacker. Draw: The process in which persons are required to properly remove, grip, and extend their sidearm from its holster and, in preparation to fire, possible ready, cover, and aim the firearm. Fire: The way in which persons are required to properly discharge firearms by exercising and utilizing correct judgement, challenge, stance, draw, grip, position, trigger pull and pattern. Grip: The process in which persons are required to properly hold their firearms. Holster: The process in which persons are required to properly return their sidearms to their holsters. Load: The process in which persons are required to properly load and charge their firearms. Lock: The first step in performing a Phase 2 Stoppage Reduction when an person locks and secures the slide to the rear by pressing up on the slide-stop lever. Magazine: The container or cartridge used to hold ammunition and load it into a firearm. Muzzle Direction: The area of, and the direction towards which, a bullet would travel if discharged. Muzzle: The forward, discharging end of the barrel of a firearm. Negligent Discharge: Any accidental discharge, but one that is so clearly and obviously dangerous that it poses a substantial risk to any person or thing. Phase 1 Stoppage Reduction: (Tap - Rack - Assess) The process in which persons are required to properly ready a firearm after experiencing trigger pull, without discharge. Phase 2 Stoppage Reduction: (Lock - Rip - Work - Mag - Tap - Rack - Assess) The process in which persons are required to properly ready a firearm after experiencing problems or constant irregularities with the loading or feeding of ammunition into the firearm. Press Check: The process in which persons are required to properly check the readiness of their sidearms. Rack: The process in which persons are required to properly actuate the slide of a firearm. Vocabulary Continued Ready: The proper stance and position taken while assessing a specific situation. Registered: The proper position and location of the trigger-finger. This is totally away from the trigger and high enough to ensure protection from accidental discharge due to involuntary or startled reflex or reaction. Reset: The process in which persons are required to properly absorb recoil, reset or adjust as needed the stance, grip, sight-alignment, etc. and reengage a threat or target as needed. Rip: The process in which persons are required to properly remove the loaded magazine from a firearm by physically grabbing and stripping it out of the magazine well when it fails to fall freely or when performing a Phase 2 Stoppage Reduction. The second step in a Phase 2 Stoppage Reduction. Saturation Fire: Similar to cover fire in that it is shooting at an area, rather than the actual threat, with the intention to keep that threat subdued and non-offensive by overwhelming the area with so much gunfire that the attacker is unlikely or unable to offer any kind of an assault. Scan: The process in which persons are required to properly. Slide: The portion of a firearm which moves back and forth performing the tasks of opening, loading, closing, holding, and extracting bullets during discharge. Slide-stop: The lever used to lock a slide in the rearward position when pushed up either by hand or magazine. Speed-load: The process in which persons are required to properly reload and ready a firearm as quickly as possible due to threat, situation, or environment, and, doing so whether or not the old magazine is empty, leaving it where it falls, and not attempting to save or retrieve it in any way. Stance: The process in which persons are required to properly and safely support themselves by utilizing good judgement, balance, and consideration of the situation and environment. Strong-hand: Generally the hand which first grips and draws a firearm and can actuate its mechanisms. Support-hand: Generally the hand which offers added strength and support to the firing hand. Sweep: The process in which persons are required to properly cover and assess different areas, targets, or threats by pointing a firearm towards those positions. Tactical-reload: The process in which persons are required to properly reload and ready a firearm as quickly as possible due to threat, situation, or environment, but, because of available time or conservation of ammunition, retains the removed (but not empty) magazine for later use or need. Tap: The process in which persons are required to properly strike the bottom of a magazine, either current or newly added, thus ensuring that it is properly seated in the magazine well and will load correctly. Target: An item or object which is intended to be hit or punctured by bullets fired at it. Threat: Any person who, by word or deed, threatens, illustrates, or demonstrates that they are using, or will use, any force capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to another person. Trigger: The lever pulled rearward to discharge a firearm. Vocabulary Continued Trigger-pull: The process in which persons are required to properly discharge a firearm by utilizing correct technique and procedure when pulling rearward on the trigger of a firearm. Unload: The process in which persons are required to unload a firearm according to situation. Use of Force Continuum: The standard law enforcement process of exercising and applying force in proper measure and degree in relation to specific situations. This is done by beginning with the least amount of force, “Person Presence” and ending with “Lethal Force.” This process defines how and when force should be applied and included the de-escalation of force along with other forms of application. Work: The third step in a Phase 2 Stoppage Reduction. The process in which persons are required to properly move and actuate the slide of a firearm back in an attempt to clear the firearm of any and all malfunctions. |
Firearms Training 
