Whether on duty or off duty, whether inside the city limits or outside, or during training activities, the unintentional discharge of any officer’s department issued/authorized firearm will be immediately reported to their immediate supervisor for proper follow-up and documentation.
The placing of the finger or any other object on the trigger prior to deciding to shoot, whether done intentionally or unintentionally, causing the firearm to unintentionally discharge will result in the following procedure:
- Seek immediate first aid if applicable.
- Render the weapon safe and immediately contact an immediate supervisor.
- Document the event in an original police report titled “Investigate,” which details the incident. Then send a copy to both the IA commander and the training unit commander.
The employee’s immediate supervisor or their commander’s designee will be responsible for the following:
- Talk with the involved employee(s) and witnesses to gather the facts and circumstances. This will include training staff being interviewed and writing supplemental reports as to the facts and circumstances of the event if the event occurred on the range or in a training capacity under the training unit’s span of control.
- Ensure that if the incident occurred outside the city limits the involved employee or his/her immediate supervisor will immediately notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the scene.
- Ensure the scene is photographed and any evidence is collected.
- Ensure the weapon is inspected by the range staff prior to being put back in service.
- If warranted, provide immediate re-training. Ensure that with any re-training the employee understands that this does not preclude future discipline.
- If there is an injury as a result from the discharge of the firearm, ensure that an administrative alcohol test is completed on the employee pursuant to G.O. 230.30 for further details.
Once IAU receives the report they will follow the normal operational procedure for all firearms discharges. The internal affairs unit shall focus their investigation on a review of training, procedural and policy matters connected with the incident and ensure that the policies and procedures of the Saint Paul Police Department were followed. This process is an administrative review that will include a review by the Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review commission (PCIARC).
No matter where the incident occurs the employee is required to give a statement as to the facts of the unintentional discharge to the SPPD range staff, their immediate supervisor, and/or the commander’s designee. Such a statement will not be used as part of any criminal investigation into the matter. Failure of the employee to comply with the above directive may result in discipline.
Issued June 9, 2016