CD 567-5: Use of Firearms

Firearms Policy and Procedures

• Staff Training and Qualification: All staff issued firearms or assigned to armed posts must be trained and qualified according to National Training Standards.

• Firearm Modifications: Modifications to firearms are only permitted with Director General, Security approval and by a certified armourer.

• Firearm Deployment: Firearms are deployed according to the Standards for the Deployment of Firearms and Security Equipment, and use of only approved firearms and ammunition. Deviations require written approval from the Director General, Security.

• Incident Reporting: Reporting procedures must be followed whenever a firearm is discharged (other than accidentally or for training); this includes notifying the police department immediately.

Reporting and Record-Keeping

• Incident Reporting: Incidents involving modified, damaged, lost, or unaccounted-for firearms must be reported to the Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Integrated Services.

• Firearm Discharges: Reporting for firearm discharges (other than training) follows CD 568-1. The Correctional Manager (Duty Desk) must be immediately advised, and firearms surrendered to the correct personnel following CD 568-4.

Standing Orders

• Change-over Procedures: Standing Orders outline procedures for firearm and ammunition transfers.

• Threat Risk Assessments: Threat Risk Assessment is required when an armed escort is necessary for firearms and ammunition.

• Removal from Service: Procedures for removing firearms following use pursuant to CD 568-4 - Preservation of Crime Scenes and Evidence, are outlined.

Firearm Use and Force

• Qualified Staff: Staff required to use firearms in their job will qualify in the use of the specific firearms utilized at their institution, according to the National Training Standards.

• Firearm Transfers: Staff will not transfer firearms unless in life-threatening situations, incapacitated, for training, or as outlined in documentation for changeovers or external assignments approved by the Institutional Head.

• Use of Force Definition: Pointing a firearm, displaying it as force, discharging a warning shot, and discharging an aimed shot are all considered uses of force.

• Engagement and Intervention Model: Staff will respond to incidents according to engagement & Intervention model, CD 567 and CD 600.

• Limitations: No firearm may be fired from a moving vehicle unless risks of not firing are higher than firing; firing at a moving vehicle or aircraft is only permitted under fire if the risks of not responding are higher than responding.

• Additional Discharge Scenarios: Firearms may be discharged to summon assistance, or to destroy a dangerous/cruel-situation animal. Verbal warnings must precede warning shots. Emergency use is considered for situations like preventing death, serious injury and escapes within secured institutions.

• Criminal Code Limitations: Section 25 of the Criminal Code allows for aimed shots to prevent grievous bodily harm or death when lesser means have failed. Staff can reasonably assume inmate behaviour in medium/maximum/multi-level security institutions. This includes escaping when lesser means are not available or are not the safest. Use of force to prevent escape from a helicopter is also allowed.

• Perimeter Security: Staff may use force, including firearms, to prevent breaches of perimeter security, to stop attacks.

Storage and Transportation

• Safe Storage: Firearms must be unloaded and stored in secure containers made for firearms storage (vaults, safes, etc.). 
• Ammunition Storage: Ammunition should not be stored near firearms unless otherwise approved.
• Access Control: Entry to firearms/ammunition storage areas is controlled, with documentation required for all entries noting reason, items, and authorizer.
• Transport Policies: Staff can be authorized, in writing, to transport firearms in CSC vehicles, in predetermined ways and situations (training, maintenance or supplying/exchanging).
• Transportation Security: Transported firearms must be unloaded, secured mechanically, or in a locked, opaque container strong enough to prevent opening during transport. The transportation container can be left in secured vehicle compartments.

Maintenance

• Maintenance: Only trained and assigned staff can perform firearm cleaning and maintenance.  Any other repairs or modifications require Director General, Security approval.