Forensic Firearm Analysis

Firearm Procedures

• Documentation of serial numbers is required for seized weapons.
• Firearm is photographed and documented before being returned to the deputy.

Deputy Sheriff's Responsibilities

• Deputy agrees not to destroy, manipulate, sell, lend, or dispose of the firearm until the investigation is closed.
• Deputy agrees to surrender the firearm to the investigating agency upon request.
• Deputy must understand and comply with Florida State Statutes 925.11 and 925.12 regarding post-sentencing DNA testing.

Return of Firearm

• Deputy must complete and sign the "Deputy Sheriff's Request For The Return of Firearm While Matter Pending" form (BSO RP#24A).
• Form requires approval signatures from:
  • Firearms Examiner
  • Criminal Investigations Captain
  • Assistant State Attorney, 17th Judicial Circuit Court
  • FDLE
• Completed form is delivered to the Evidence Unit to obtain the firearm.

Courthouse Security

• Non-uniformed and/or plain clothes deputies must ensure their firearms are securely encased and concealed from public view when inside the courthouse or its satellites.

Firearms in Internal Affairs

• Civilians are prohibited from bringing firearms into Internal Affairs office spaces.
• Non-BSO employees and BSO employees (complainants, witnesses, or subjects of an investigation) are prohibited from bringing firearms into Internal Affairs office spaces, except for those with assigned duties.
• BSO employees who possess firearms for assigned duties must secure them before entering Internal Affairs office spaces.
• If unable to secure firearms, they will surrender them to an Internal Affairs supervisor.

Internal Affairs Office Spaces

• Includes designated work areas, waiting and reception areas.
• Internal Affairs supervisor will secure surrendered firearms and return them to the employee upon conclusion of the applicable Internal Affairs matter.

Firearm Requirements

• Select firearm from a BSO-approved list available in the Training Division.
• Qualify with the firearm.
• Carry the firearm in a BSO-approved holster.
• Conceal the firearm.
• Carry BSO badge and ID Card.

Trigger Shoes and Accessories

• Prohibited on firearms.

Altering Firearms

• Firearms authorized for carry-on or off-duty will not be altered outside of the manufacturer's specifications.

Firearm Care

• Deputies must keep their firearm clean, secured, and in good working order.
• Deputies should not use or handle firearms in a careless or imprudent way.
• Deputies will only use BSO-approved firearms as originally designed by the manufacturer.

Keeping Firearm at Home

• Deputies must comply with all federal, state, and local laws on the storage of firearms at home.

Loading/Unloading Firearm

• 55-gallon, sand-filled, firearm-clearing barrels, or other BSO-approved clearing barrels are placed at designated locations.
• Firearm-clearing barrels are placed against exterior concrete or cinder-block walls to prevent penetration by projectiles.
• Deputies must use designated firearm-clearing barrels when loading or unloading their firearm for inspection or other purposes.