DRAFT REPORT OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE USE ... - Samuel Walker

Mr. Earl F. Martin
RE: REPORT TO USE OF FORCE COMMISSION
December 3, 2012
Page 22
The most recent and apparently operative set of policies adopted by SPD were received on
October 2, 2012 with an adoption date of September 17, 2012. The language with regard to firearms
qualifications has been modified to read as follows:
"All sworn personnel are required to qualify bi-annually with their duty firearm on
an approved range course. The Rangemaster shall keep accurate records of
qualifications, repairs, maintenance, and training. In addition to regular qualification
schedules, the Rangemaster shall be responsible for providing all sworn personnel
with annual practical training designed to simulate field situations. At least annually,
all personnel carrying a firearm will receive training on the department Use of Force
policy."
Thus, it appears that firearms qualifications requirements have been reduced from 4 times
a year to 2 times a year. This is likely a result of budget concerns; however, it is recommended that
firearms qualifications be conducted at a minimum of 3 times a year. Qualifications should include
not only marksmanship, but also decision-making and review of policy and law relating to the use
of non-deadly and deadly force options. There are so many elements of concern in firearms
training that twice a year training provides a severely compressed amount of time to achieve desired
results. At a minimum, it is recommended that the Rangemaster for SPD survey agencies statewide
to provide a comparative perspective.
With regard to patrol rifle and patrol shotgun training and qualification, a redlined policy
provided set forth requirements for both in SPD Policy 432. According to that draft policy, officers
are required to complete 24-hours of training with the patrol rifle and to annually re-qualify or lose
the right to carry the patrol rifle. There appears to be some redundancy in the provisions of the
redlined version of the draft policy that was provided in sections 432.5, 432.6 (same numerical
designation used twice) and presumably this would be cleaned up if the redlined version was
adopted. Likewise, the patrol shotgun policy listed numerically as 432 et.seq. is redundant and
presumably this would be cleaned up if the policy was adopted. The redlined version of the patrol
shotgun policy required completion of an 8-hour course of instruction and qualification and
subsequent re-qualification annually. However, the policy as adopted on September 17, 2012 does
not include a patrol shotgun policy at all that I could find. My understanding from firearms training
personnel is that the recommendation was for a separate policy, and thus, it appears this issue needs
to be addressed.
All SPD officers are required to complete a block of training on long gun familiarization
which deals with safety and disarming issues. Carrying either a patrol shotgun or patrol rifle is
optional. This policy apparently is a result of a history of issues relating to failures to qualify, and
the maintenance and neglect of shotguns in particular. With regard to the provision and issuance