(1) Each agency that employs a public safety officer who is authorized to carry firearms during the work assignment must:

(a) require the officer to complete successfully the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule at least once a year, for any manufacture and model of firearm customarily carried by that officer;

(b) designate a firearms instructor as defined in these rules to conduct or oversee and document annual firearms proficiency. The instructor need not be a POST-certified instructor but must have attended a minimum 40-hour POST-approved firearms instructor course or its equivalent, which includes the following topics:

(i) firearms safety;

(ii) role of the instructor;

(iii) civil and criminal liability exposure;

(iv) instructional techniques for firearms instructors;

(v) operation of the firing line;

(vi) range preparation;

(vii) handgun;

(viii) disabled officer techniques; and

(ix) low light shooting techniques.

(c) keep on file in a format readily accessible to the council a copy of all firearms proficiency records, which must include:

(i) date of qualification;

(ii) identification of the officer;

(iii) firearm manufacture and model;

(iv) results of qualifying; and

(v) course of fire used.

(2) The minimum standards for annual firearms proficiency are:

(a) Primary duty handgun – a minimum of 30 rounds, fired at ranges from point-blank to 15 yards with a minimum of 15 rounds at or beyond seven yards;

(b) Shotgun – minimum of five rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to 25 yards;

(c) Precision rifle – a minimum of ten rounds fired at a minimum range of 100 yards;

(d) Patrol rifle – a minimum of 20 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to 50 yards;

(e) Fully automatic weapon – a minimum of 30 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to ten yards, with a minimum of 25 rounds fired in full automatic (short bursts of two or three rounds), and a minimum of five rounds fired semi-automatic; and

(f) Secondary or backup handgun – a minimum of 12 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point blank to at or beyond seven yards, which includes a minimum of six rounds fired at or beyond seven yards.

(3) The minimum passing score for annual firearms proficiency is 80% for each firearm on an IPSC Official Target or dimensional equivalent.

(4) The MLEA sets the passing score for the Montana Law Enforcement Basic Firearms Qualification.

(5) Before carrying a firearm or making an arrest, a misdemeanor probation/pretrial services officer must successfully complete the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule.