Columbus Police Directive: Discharged Firearms Procedure

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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for ordering involved personnel to submit to a test and completing the testing procedures outlined in the 'Alcohol and Drug Testing' section of the Supervisor's Manual?

The investigating sergeant from the Major Crimes Investigative Team

The supervisor of a higher rank than the involved personnel (correct)

The Chief of Police

The responding member from the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board (correct)

What is the exception to reporting incidents of discharged firearms?

Incidents that occur while on duty

Incidents that occur during investigations by an independent agency

Incidents that occur in the course of officer self-defense

Incidents that occur during training, testing, or legal recreational purposes (correct)

Who determines if there are extraordinary circumstances that would exempt sworn personnel from submitting to alcohol and drug testing?

The responding member from the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board

The Chief of Police (correct)

The supervisor of the involved personnel

The investigating lieutenant

In what situation may alcohol and drug testing not be ordered, absent reasonable suspicion?

When the discharge occurred in the course of training Signup and view all the answers

Which team is responsible for investigating incidents of discharged firearms when an independent investigative agency has not been requested?

The Major Crimes Investigative Team (MCIT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board?

To investigate incidents of discharged firearms when an independent investigative agency has been requested Signup and view all the answers

What incident involves the unintentional discharge of a firearm by authorized personnel that does not strike anyone?

A situation where the discharge is reasonably construed as directed at a suspect. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents can prompt an investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)?

Any incident involving sworn personnel sustaining serious harm or death by another. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to order additional incidents to be reviewed by the Major Crimes Bureau Commander?

The Criminal Investigations Subdivision Deputy Chief, as well as other senior officials. Signup and view all the answers

What action must a member of the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board take when there is a police action resulting in death?

Respond when an independent investigative agency has been requested or MCIT has been activated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions qualifies as a stopping tactic that can lead to investigation if resulting in serious injury or death?

A vehicular pursuit by a foreign agency where Division personnel are not involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Use of Force Policies related to firearms?

To outline scenarios that justify the discharge of a firearm. Signup and view all the answers

An officer accidentally discharges a firearm on the range, causing no injuries. Who determines the appropriate next steps?

The Ordnance Unit Signup and view all the answers

If a police officer discharges a firearm, resulting in an injury, which of the following actions is NOT a potential outcome?

A mandatory psychological evaluation by a third-party professional Signup and view all the answers

In a case involving a fatal shooting by an officer outside of the City of Columbus, who is responsible for the criminal investigation?

The law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the incident Signup and view all the answers

When an officer is temporarily reassigned due to a firearm discharge, which of these assignments is NOT permitted?

Working overtime as a backup officer for a high-risk situation Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, under what circumstances is the Internal Affairs Bureau mandated to open an administrative investigation?

Incidents involving the discharge of a firearm resulting in injury or death Signup and view all the answers

When a police officer is faced with a dangerous animal, what course of action is emphasized before resorting to using a firearm?

Utilizing trained techniques and/or intermediate weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the sharing of evidence gathered during an administrative investigation?

Evidence can only be used in an administrative investigation, not in a criminal investigation. Signup and view all the answers

If an incident involving serious physical harm occurs outside the City of Columbus, who determines whether a review board will be formed?

The agreement reached between the agencies involved at the time of the incident Signup and view all the answers

According to the directive, sworn personnel shall report all incidents of ______ firearms, whether on or off duty, other than those done in the course of training, testing, or legal recreational purposes.

discharged Signup and view all the answers

Unless there are ______ circumstances as determined by the Chief of Police or his or her designee, sworn personnel who discharge a firearm in the course and scope of their duties shall be ordered to submit to alcohol and drug testing.

extraordinary Signup and view all the answers

The ______ member from the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board shall be responsible for ordering involved personnel to submit to a test when an independent investigative agency has been requested.

responding Signup and view all the answers

The investigating ______ for unintentional discharges and discharges against dangerous animals shall be responsible for ordering involved personnel to submit to a test when the incident is not being investigated by an independent investigative agency or MCIT.

lieutenant Signup and view all the answers

Absent ______ suspicion, alcohol and drug testing shall not be ordered when the discharge occurred in the course of training, testing, legal recreation, or the humane destruction of an animal.

reasonable Signup and view all the answers

TheMajor Crimes Investigative Team (MCIT) is responsible for investigating incidents of ______ firearms when an independent investigative agency has not been requested.

discharged Signup and view all the answers

The unintentional discharge of a firearm by sworn personnel that does not strike any person, but could be reasonably construed as being directed at a ______, requires investigation.

suspect Signup and view all the answers

Any incident where sworn personnel experience serious physical harm or death at the hands of another triggers a ______ investigation.

mandatory Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Commander, Criminal Investigations Subdivision Deputy Chief, an assistant chief, or the Chief of Police can order additional incidents to be reviewed.

Major Crimes Bureau Signup and view all the answers

A member of the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board must respond to any police action resulting in death when an independent investigative agency has been requested or when ______ has been activated.

MCIT Signup and view all the answers

Use of force policies related to firearms primarily focus on officer ______ and the proper use of deadly force.

safety Signup and view all the answers

If a firearm discharge occurs within the city limits by an officer from a foreign agency, the incident must be reported, unless it is being investigated by the ______.

BCI Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Bureau may be directed to open a concurrent administrative investigation of incidents involving the discharge of a firearm resulting in the injury or death of a human.

Internal Affairs Signup and view all the answers

When a firearm is unintentionally discharged on a Division of Police firing range and there are no resulting injuries, ______ Unit personnel shall determine the appropriate course of action.

Ordnance Signup and view all the answers

Sworn personnel being threatened or attacked by a dangerous animal should attempt to use trained techniques and/or ______ weapons before using a firearm to protect themselves or another person.

intermediate Signup and view all the answers

Any statements or evidence obtained as a result of an order to comply with questioning during an administrative investigation shall not be shared with or used in any ______ investigation or proceeding involving the personnel ordered to answer questions.

criminal Signup and view all the answers

The ______ of Police may temporarily reassign personnel involved in the discharge of a firearm or in-custody death outlined in Section II, D.

Chief Signup and view all the answers

For incidents involving serious physical harm or death outside the City of Columbus, the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred shall conduct the ______ investigation.

criminal Signup and view all the answers

The primary focus of Use of Force Policies related to firearms is to ensure ______ and responsible use of firearms.

safe Signup and view all the answers

Temporarily reassigned sworn personnel shall not work an overtime assignment that involves responding to calls for service or a reasonable likelihood of taking ______ action.

enforcement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Directive Overview

Establishes procedures for sworn personnel involved in firearm discharge incidents, both on and off duty.
Revised on December 30, 2023, second version published August 1, 1987.

Reporting and Testing Procedures

All incidents of discharged firearms must be reported unless related to training, testing, or legal recreation.
Personnel discharging firearms on duty must undergo alcohol and drug testing unless exempted for training or legal purposes.
The Chief of Police or a designated supervisor is responsible for ordering tests.
Higher-ranked supervisors must oversee the testing procedures.

Categories of Discharge Incidents

Intentional discharges targeting a person or actions that could be perceived as such must be reported.
Unintentional discharges during suspect confrontations are included if they could be construed as directed at the suspect.
Incidents causing serious harm or death to personnel must be investigated, potentially by independent agencies.
Use of a firearm by foreign law enforcement officers in city limits or during dangerous encounters involving a foreign agency is also covered.

Review Board and Investigative Procedures

The Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board must respond to police actions resulting in death when external investigations are requested.
If an incident occurs outside Columbus, the local agency is responsible for investigations per their policies.
Simultaneous internal investigations may be conducted for firearm discharges leading to injuries or deaths.

Reassignment and Work Restrictions

Personnel involved in firearm discharge incidents may be temporarily reassigned.
Reassigned personnel cannot work special or overtime assignments involving potential law enforcement actions while investigations are ongoing.

Firearm Discharge on Firing Range

Unintentional discharges occurring on police firing ranges without injuries require assessment by Ordnance Unit personnel.

Guidelines for Dangerous Animal Encounters

Sworn personnel must attempt non-lethal techniques before using firearms against dangerous animals if threatened or attacked.

Introduction

Directive establishes procedures for sworn personnel involved in discharged firearms incidents, on or off duty.

Policy Statements

Mandatory reporting of all firearm discharge incidents, excluding training, testing, or legal recreational purposes.
Alcohol and drug testing required unless extraordinary circumstances exist or discharge occurred during training or recreation.

Responsibilities

Supervisors higher in rank than involved personnel are responsible for ordering tests and completing testing procedures.
Specific roles outlined for various supervisors and units based on incident type (e.g., Major Crimes Investigative Team, Firearms Review Board).

Incident Criteria

Firearm discharge instances involving intent to harm or could be misconstrued as such warrant investigation.
Unintentional discharges during suspect confrontations require assessment of legitimacy.
Serious physical harm or death inflicted by others on sworn personnel necessitates investigation.

External Investigations

Law enforcement from other jurisdictions handles incidents resulting in serious harm or death occurring outside Columbus, unless otherwise agreed with independent agencies.
Police actions resulting in death will invoke a response from the Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board if external investigation is requested.

Internal Affairs

Concurrent administrative investigations by Internal Affairs Bureau can be initiated for incidents involving firearm discharges leading to injuries or fatalities.
Statements from administrative investigations are protected from use in criminal proceedings.

Chief of Police Authority

Chief may temporarily reassign involved personnel, restricting their work in special or overtime duty assignments related to enforcement actions.

Discharge on Range

Unintentional firearm discharges on police firing ranges without injuries are assessed by Ordnance Unit personnel for follow-up actions.

Use of Firearm Against Dangerous Animals

Personnel threatened by dangerous animals should utilize trained techniques or intermediate weapons before resorting to firearms for protection.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures established by the Columbus Police Division for sworn personnel involved in incidents involving discharged firearms. It outlines rules of conduct and cross-references relevant directives.