This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

The purpose of this policy is to establish the position of Rangemaster/Armorer,  
Senior Rangemaster/Armorer and to delineate the duties of these positions. Rangemaster/Armorer(s) and Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.

This policy applies to the Rangemaster/Armorer(s), and the Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.

California law allows sworn officers of the Probation Department to carry firearms with the authorization of the Chief Probation Officer.  Armed Officers of the Probation Department must be trained in the use of firearms, qualify on a regular basis and show proficiency with the firearm.  The Rangemaster/Armorers of the Probation Department are responsible to provide ongoing training, conduct qualifications and evaluate the Armed Officers and are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of Department firearms.   

1.  The Chief Probation Officer or his/her designee may appoint Rangemaster/Armorers and may limit the number of Rangemaster/Armorers.  The Chief Probation Officer shall designate in writing one Rangemaster/Armorer as the Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.
2. The position of Rangemaster/Armorer, and Senior Rangemaster/Armorer is a voluntary assignment.  
3. Each Rangemaster/Armorer is also assigned to a full-time position within the Department and as such, is expected to be able to effectively fulfill the requirements of both assignments within a standard 40-hour workweek.
4.    Rangemaster/ Armorers are expected to make a minimum of a five-year commitment to the assignment.  While Range Master/Armorers are responsible for directing armed officers during training classes and qualifications, this is not a supervisory position.  
5.  The Senior Rangemaster/Armorer is a supervisory position.
6. Rangemaster/Armorer Minimum Qualifications
   1.  Has been authorized by the Chief Probation Officer and has carried a firearm for a minimum of two years as a peace officer in good standing.
   2.   The ability to understand and interpret the Use of Force and Arming Policies, as well as understand the Department's philosophy as it pertains to the role of an armed Probation Peace Officer’s.
   3.  The ability to teach and coach in a patient and supportive style.
   4.  The ability and willingness to lift heavy objects (ammunition, target stands, etc.) weighing up to 50 pounds.
   5.  Must be willing to travel out-of-the-area for a Rangemaster/Armorer training courses and conferences.
   6. Pass all range qualification courses administered as required.  
7.  Appointment of Rangemaster/Armorers
   1.  The Department Training Coordinator shall send an email to the armed Deputy Probation Officers announcing the recruitment of the position of Rangemaster/Armorer and soliciting a return email if interested.  The recruitment email shall contain the minimum qualifications for Rangemaster/Armorer and a due date to submit an interest notice via email to the Training Coordinator.
   2. The Training Coordinator shall verify with the Department Personnel Technician that each interested candidate has met the minimum arming time. 
   3. The Training Coordinator will provide the names of the interested officers to the Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.
   4. The Senior Rangemaster/Armorer will forward the names of the interested officers to the Assistant Chief Probation Officer with an evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications.
   5. The Training Coordinator will then schedule the Rangemaster/Armorer candidates for a POST/STC approved Rangemaster School.  The Rangemaster/Armorer candidates will not act as a Rangemaster/Armorer until they have attended, passed and provided a completion certificate of a POST/STC approved Rangemaster School. The Rangemaster/Armorers must attend the prescribed number of trainings required to maintain their Armorer certification(s).
8.  Appointment of Senior Rangemaster
   1.  The Chief Probation Officer shall appoint a Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.
9.  Duties of Rangemaster/Armorers
   1.  Plan, schedule and conduct firearms training activities including qualifications and weapons maintenance.  All qualifications shall be coordinated and approved through the Senior Rangemaster/Armorer. 
   2. Enforce firing range safety rules and regulations and maintain total control over range activities.
   3.  Demonstrate and instruct in the use of a variety of firearms including their operation, safety and tactics.
   4. Develop lessons plans and training sessions for all phases of firearms training.
   5. Implement new training techniques and conduct training courses for shooters to improve proficiency.
   6. Plans, conducts and documents remedial training.
   7.  Maintain proficiency and qualification in Department firearms
   8. Inspect Department Firearms to ensure that they are being properly maintained by the officer that the firearm is assigned to. 
   9.  Inspect Department Firearms for defects or mechanical issues.
   10.  Advise the Senior Rangemaster on any requested modifications or alterations.
   11. Make any approved modifications, alterations or repairs to the Department firearms.  If unable to make the approved modifications, alterations or repairs make the determination to send the firearm back to the factory for the approved work.
   12. Train armed officers on the proper maintenance of firearms.
   13. Other related duties as assigned
10.  Duties of Senior Rangemaster/Armorer
    1.  Plan, schedule and conduct firearms training activities including qualifications and weapons maintenance.
    2. Enforce firing range safety rules and regulations and maintain total control over range activities.
    3. Demonstrates and instructs in the use of a variety of firearms including their operation, safety and tactics.
    4. Develop lessons plans and training sessions for all phases of firearms training.
    5.  Implement new training techniques and conduct training courses for shooters to improve proficiency.
    6. Plans, conducts and documents remedial training.
    7. Oversee the operations of the Probation Department range program and range personnel.
    8. Custodian of the Department’s firearm inventory and ammunition.  
    9. Maintain records of firearm inventory and firearm assignments.  
    10.  Approve holsters for Department use.
    11.  Approve any modifications or alterations to Department firearms.
    12.  Maintain proficiency and qualification in Department firearms.
    13. Inspect Department Firearms to ensure that they are being properly maintained by the officer that the firearm is assigned to. 
    14.  Inspect Department Firearms for defects or mechanical issues.
    15.  Make any approved modifications, alterations or repairs to the Department firearms.  If unable to make the approved modifications, alterations or repairs make the determination to send the firearm back to the factory for the approved work.
    16.  Train armed officers on the proper maintenance of firearms.
    17. Propose and recommend changes in firearms equipment and training. 
    18.  Other related duties as assigned.
    19.  The Senior Rangemaster may delegate any of these duties to a Rangemaster/Armorer.
11.  A Rangemaster/Armorer may inspect any Department firearm at any time.
    1.  Officers shall relinquish his or her firearms to the Rangemaster/Armorer immediately in response to such a request.   
    2. If a Rangemaster/Armorer finds the firearm is not in proper working order, has been improperly modified, abused or is in any other way not in good and approved condition, the Rangemaster/Armorer shall take the firearm into his/her possession and notify the Senior Range Master. 
    3. The Senior Range Master will immediately notify the officer’s SDPO and Chief Deputy.
    4. The Chief Deputy shall notify the Assistant Chief Probation Officer. 
    5. The Chief Deputy shall determine and recommend, in consultation with the Senior Range Master, a course of action in response to an officer’s firearm removal to the Assistant Chief Probation Officer.
    6.  The Assistant Chief shall notify the Chief Probation Officer.
    7. A certified Armorer will inspect all Department firearms for function and safety every two years.  
    8.  Malfunctions or problems with a firearm shall be brought to the attention of a Rangemaster/Armorer before the firearm is used.  In the event that a Rangemaster is not an Armorer for that particular firearm he/she shall notify the Senior Rangemaster/Armorer.   

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.