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

To provide direction in the safe handling and storage of firearms.

This policy applies to all peace officers employed by the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department, who are authorized to carry firearms.   

Departmentally owned firearms are issued to officers who have successfully completed the application, screening and training process as outlined in the Authorization to Qualify and Carry a Firearm Policy.  The safe storage of firearms by officers on and off duty is of paramount concern.  This policy details how, where and the manner with which firearms shall be safely stored.

1. Officers authorized to carry firearms are responsible for the safe storage and handling of their department issued firearms, and could be subject to corrective action for failing to store, handle, clean or use the firearm in a safe manner.
2. Firearms shall not be carelessly handled at any time.  Horseplay, practical jokes and other unprofessional uses of the firearms are expressly prohibited and will be treated as serious matters.
3. Officers are required to use a receptacle for loading, unloading, or inspecting a firearm while in a Probation Department building or on the grounds of a Probation Department facility.
4.  Any unholstered firearm that is brought into any Probation Department facility shall be unloaded.    
5.  When the firearm is stored in an unoccupied vehicle, the firearm shall be concealed, and the vehicle securely locked.
6.  Department firearms shall not be stored overnight in any vehicle.
7.  Firearms shall not be kept in a probation facility overnight unless they are stored in a locked safe designed for storing firearms.
8.  When the Departmentally owned firearm is at the officer’s residence, it is the responsibility of the officer to keep the firearm in a safe and secure place with the Department supplied trigger lock installed on the firearm or stored in a California approved locked gun safe/gun locker.  
9. Personally owned firearms shall not be brought into nor stored at Department office sites unless authorized by the Chief Probation Officer.

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.