Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) Each agency that appoints a public safety
officer who is authorized to carry firearms during the work assignment must:
(a) require the officer to complete
successfully the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule at
least once a year, for any manufacture and model of firearm customarily carried
by that officer while the officer is on duty;
(b) designate a firearms instructor to
conduct or oversee and document annual firearms proficiency. The instructor
need not be a POST-certified instructor but must have attended a minimum
40-hour POST-approved firearms instructor course or its equivalent, which
includes the following topics:
(i) firearms
safety;
(ii) role of the
instructor;
(iii) civil and
criminal liability exposure;
(iv)
instructional techniques for firearms instructors;
(v) operation of the firing line;
(vi) range preparation;
(vii) handgun;
(viii) disabled officer techniques;
and
(ix) low light shooting
techniques.
(c) keep on
file in a format readily accessible to the council a copy of all firearms
proficiency records, which must include:
(i)
date of qualification;
(ii)
identification of the officer;
(iii) firearm manufacture and
model;
(iv) results of qualifying;
and
(v) course of fire
used.
(2) The
minimum standards for annual firearms proficiency are:
(a) Primary duty handgun - a minimum of 30
rounds, fired at ranges from point-blank to 15 yards with a minimum of 15
rounds at or beyond seven yards;
(b) Shotgun - minimum of five rounds fired at
a distance ranging from point-blank to 25 yards;
(c) Precision rifle - a minimum of ten rounds
fired at a minimum range of 100 yards;
(d) Patrol rifle - a minimum of 20 rounds
fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to 50 yards;
(e) Fully automatic weapon - a minimum of 30
rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to ten yards, with a
minimum of 25 rounds fired in full automatic (short bursts of two or three
rounds), and a minimum of five rounds fired semi-automatic; and
(f) Secondary or backup handgun - a minimum
of 12 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point blank to at or beyond seven
yards, which includes a minimum of six rounds fired at or beyond seven
yards.
(3) The minimum
passing score for annual firearms proficiency is 80% for each firearm on an
IPSC Official Target or dimensional equivalent.
(4) The MLEA sets the passing score for the
Montana Law Enforcement Basic Firearms Qualification.
(5) Before carrying a firearm or making an
arrest, a misdemeanor probation/pretrial services officer must successfully
complete the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule.
AUTH: 2-15-2029, MCA; IMP: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303, 44-4-403,
MCA
