firearms

[tkl1322]

Does your department allow you to carry a firearm when doing investigations? Are you considered a peace officer? We do and yes we are.

[Icerader]

Yes. The California Penal Code allows firefighters who conduct Fire Investigations full time to carry firearms, if allowed by the employing agency. You must have a letter on file, signed by the current Fire Chief granting that authority. Try Penal Code 830.37. Other states should check their State Penal Codes for authority.

Investigators with GGFD are Peace Officers and carry .40 cal Glock, train with PD and are required to "quailfy" quarterly with PD, including night shoots. All Investigators are required to go thru CSTI "Officer Safety" course. FD adopted PD "Use of Deadly Force Policy" as FD SOP. Insurance is carried under the PD.

If you don't have Insurance, a Qualifying, Shooting and Use of Deadly Force Policy, lock your gun up and never carry it or use it. A defense attorney will have you legally and a civil attorney will own your home.

Also, contact DMV and get the license plates on ALL of your personal vehicles registered as "confidential." Check with your PD Records, they can provide the forms. This is very important for your families sake.

Make sure you go over emergency "scatter" procedures with your family. Have a code word that automatically scatters your family...NO QUESTIONS ASKED. For example, you are in a store shopping with them and you see a felon you have arrested or considered a suspect. Activate your code word....NO QUESTIONS ASKED...your family goes a different way immediately. You regroup when you are certain all is clear.

A firefighter that carries a gun and handcuffs is a very rare bird indeed. Just be sure ALL of your legal requirements are met, otherwise don't even take it out of the original box it came in. Even if you meet all these, rather than shoot, BE A GOOD WITNESS, unless you must use deadly force to protect yourself or others.

I say this because I spent 10 years as a Fire/Arson Investigator.

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Stay Low!
Captain B

[This message has been edited by Icerader (edited 04-26-2001).]