PURPOSE: The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners authorizes a private security officer to carry a firearm in the performance of his/her duties. There are limitations and responsibilities as indicated.

1. (1) Limitations On Carrying Weapon. A private security officer 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 and/or not to exceed one (1) hour) between his/her residence and place of assignment provided s/he is—

   1. (A) In uniform;
   2. (B) Firearms-qualified; and
   3. (C) Wearing a valid badge/identification card issued by this department.
2. (2) Private security officers 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. (3) The authorization to carry a firearm may be revoked if a private security officer discharges or uses his/her revolver 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. (4) Inspection and Registration. All firearms used by private security officers must be inspected by the department armorer and must be registered and on file in the private security section.

   1. (A) Only one (1) approved firearm may be carried on duty.
   2. (B) Private security officers must carry double action .38 Special caliber revolvers. The carrying of any other caliber weapon, including automatics, derringers, .357 Magnums and shotguns is prohibited.
   3. (C) The firearm shall be exposed and worn on a belt at the waist. No other methods, such as a shoulder holster, ankle holster, shall be permitted in uniform.
   4. (D) The firearm shall be worn on a belt at the waist. No other methods, such as a shoulder holster, ankle holster, shall be permitted for uniform-exempt status.
   5. (E) Private security officers are required to annually requalify with their firearms during the month of license renewal.

5. (5) Discharge of Firearms. A private security officer 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—

   1. (A) Reasonably necessary to protect him/herself or another from death or serious bodily harm; or
   2. (B) A suspect resists to a degree that poses a threat to the life or body safety of the private security officer or others.
6. (6) Shots Fired Report. Upon firing his/her weapon, a private security officer, using force to make an arrest, 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. (7) Safety First Rules for Gun Handling. The licensed private security officer 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:

   1. (A) All weapons must be treated with the caution and respect due a loaded gun. Most accidents occur with a weapon thought to be unloaded;
   2. (B) The weapon should be checked for ammunition each time it is handled;
   3. (C) The barrel and action must be clear of obstruction before using the weapon;
   4. (D) The weapon must be kept in good working condition;
   5. (E) The weapon should not be drawn or pointed at any person unless the situation justifies that action;
   6. (F) When the weapon is unattended, it must be safe from children and curious people; and
   7. (G) Ammunition carried on duty must be new factory-service ammunition. No reloads or wad cutter ammunition is permitted.

8. (8) Nonlethal Weapons. Private security officers may only carry the following nonlethal defensive weapons or equipment:

   1. (A) Leather pocket baton or slapper;
   2. (B) Aerosol tear gas dispenser;
   3. (C) Baton or night stick; and
   4. (D) Handcuffs.

AUTHORITY: section 84.340, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed April 8, 1988, effective July 11, 1988.

*Original authority: 84.340, RSMo 1939.