Weapons

PURPOSE: The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners authorizes a courier to carry a firearm in the performance of his/her duties. There are limitations and responsibilities as indicated. (1) Limitations On Carrying Weapon. A courier licensed by the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners may be permitted to carry on his/her person an authorized firearm while traveling in either direction by the most direct route (without deviation, not to exceed one (1) hour, or both) between his/her residence and place of assignment; provided, s/he is— (A) In uniform; (B) Firearms-qualified; and (C) Wearing a valid badge/identification card issued by this department. (2) Couriers who are authorized to carry their firearms to and from their place of residence have no authority to use their firearms during that travel period. (3) The authorization to carry a firearm may be revoked if a courier discharges or uses his/her firearm and it is determined to be unjustified. Each incident will be decided on a case-by-case basis with the circumstances surrounding the use being the primary factors under consideration. (4) Inspection and Registration. All firearms used by private couriers must be inspected by the department armorer or his/her designee and must be registered and on file in the private security section. Armed couriers may only use a duty weapon which is either personally owned by them or owned by their agency. (A) Only one (1) approved firearm may be carried on duty. (B) Couriers must carry a double action .38 Special caliber revolver or a 9mm Luger (9x19) caliber semi-automatic pistol. The carrying of any other caliber weapon, including derringers, .357 Magnums, and shotguns, is prohibited. Only factory loaded, commercially available ammunition may be carried. EXCEPTION: Couriers employed by an armored car service company, while protecting and transporting property from one (1) designated area to another, may carry a .38 Special caliber revolver or a semi-automatic pistol in either 9mm Luger or .40 caliber Smith & Wesson, double-action only. (C) The firearm shall be exposed and worn on a belt at the waist on the side of the dominant hand. No other methods, such as a shoulder holster, ankle holster, and the like, shall be permitted. (D) Couriers are required to annually requalify with their firearms during the month of license renewal and at six- (6-) month intervals. (5) Discharge of Firearms. A courier may not discharge a firearm in the performance of his/her duties (other than for practice or training at a firing range or similar authorized location) except when reasonably necessary to protect him/herself or another from death or serious physical harm. Note: Couriers are not permitted to discharge their weapons to destroy an injured or dangerous animal unless their safety or the safety of a third party is directly threatened. (6) Shots Fired Report. A courier, upon firing his/her weapon, shall notify the nearest police district and have an official police report prepared. The reporting officer will see that a copy of the police report is forwarded to the commander of the private security section. (7) Safety First Rules for Gun Handling. The licensed courier is responsible at all times for his/her weapon whether in or out of his/her possession. The following rules must be learned and obeyed: (A) All weapons must be treated with caution and respect due a loaded gun. Most accidents occur with a weapon thought to be unloaded; (B) The weapon should be checked for ammunition each time it is handled; (C) The barrel and action must be clear of obstruction before using the weapon; (D) The weapon must be kept in good working condition; (E) The weapon should not be drawn or pointed at any person unless the situation justifies this action; (F) When the weapon is unattended, it must be safe from children and curious people; (G) Ammunition carried on duty must be new factory-service ammunition. No reloads or wad cutter ammunition is permitted; and (H) Under no circumstances is a weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, to be stored in a vehicle. (8) Nonlethal Weapons. Couriers may only carry the following non-lethal defensive weapons or equipment: (A) Pepper mace (o.c. spray), after completion of approved training; (B) Handcuffs, after completion of approved training; (C) Metal baton not more than twenty-six inches (26") long when fully extended and not weighing more than twenty-one (21) ounces, after completion of approved training; and (D) Wooden nightstick not more than twenty-six inches (26") long and not weighing more than twenty-one (21) ounces, after completion of approved training. Note: Private security officers, couriers, and corporate security advisors will only be authorized to carry an impact weapon after they have received training by a board-approved instructor. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide board-approved training in the proper use of this equipment. An agency has the right to determine which of these items may be carried by its licensed security employees. AUTHORITY: section 84.340, RSMo 2000.* Original rule filed April 8, 1988, effective July 11, 1988. Amended: Filed April 28, 2010, effective Oct. 30, 2010. Amended: Filed April 23, 2012, effective Oct. 30, 2012. *Original authority: 84.340, RSMo 1939.