Equipment Maintenance tips

[treeshadow]

I'm a defensive tactics instructor for our department. Our officers meet twice a year to practise and go through some training based scenarios. We start by reviewing our use of force model and one or two topics of interest. I've been asked to talk about equipment care and maintenance. We are issued a .38 revolver, a 26" ASP baton, Sabre Red OC spray and peerless handcuffs. Does anyone have any tips they would like to share?

[Sleuth]

Wow, an agency that still issues revolvers - not that I ever felt undergunned with a BRT (Big Round Thing).

Officers need to UNLOAD and check their revolvers often. Make sure the ejection rod on S&W's has not lossened and backed out, that all the screws are tight (espcially the thumb latch screw), and that it is both clean and dry under the extractor star. Any oil under there will collect unburned bowder and can bind the gun up. They also need to verify that adjustable sights are still present (after banging against door jambs, etc.)

They need to dry fire the gun as well. A local motor officer took a fall leaving qualifications, and did not find out until 4 months later that the hammer spur on his S&W had bent so the gun could not be fired!

Ammo needs to be changed out from time to time - we did that quarterly. Do you at least get to carry JHP ammo?

Pepper Spray - about every other month, the officer should be upwind and let a squit of OC out. He/she should see a orange mist. If not, turn it in.

Cuffs need to be disinfected (there is a thread here about that) and a tiny amount of lube placed into the lock & hinge.

[treeshadow]

Thanks Sleuth,

We are issued 18 rounds per year (lead, semi-wadcutter) and have one day shoot and one night shoot per year for practise. It's a sad fact that some of our officers never look at their revolver between practise shoots. I was thinking more of rust issues but will include what you said on revolvers!

[Sleuth]

You may be in the most peaceful patch on the planet, but your officers need to internalize that the outlaws own cars and travel. They may be betting their lives on a gun that will not work!

Get the department to spring for a silicone cloth for each officer, and have them UNLOAD, check, wipe down, and RELOAD weekly, or whenever the gun could be subject to mosture. The department may need to emphasize that failure to care for equipment could mean they have to pay to have it refinished!

Sounds like you have a major problem in getting the officers and the supervisors to invest time, effort, and money on personal safety equipment. Just because they have not needed it yet, does not mean they will not need it TODAY.

[treeshadow]

Sleuth,
I agree with you 100%, that's why I got into defensive tactics training. Unfortunately, in our department (made up of Conservation Officers/Game Wardens/Forest Rangers) some officers don't take officer safety as seriously as they should. Some districts become complacent because it's been years since anyone was assualted, while in other districts, they regularily deal with violent people.
Our department is strapped for dollars and we meet only twice a year to train. With only so much time availible, equipment maintenance falls behind. That's why I'm going to use my half hour lecture on tips like yours. Thanks again!:)

[Sleuth]

Violent People are not their/your only problem. What about dangerous game? Just last week, two game wardens in Tucson had to shoot a Mountain Lion that was stalking them. Their handguns are safety equipment!