20.7.1302    AUTHORIZATION FOR PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICERS TO CARRY FIREARMS, FIREARMS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AND DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO FIREARMS

(1) A currently appointed probation and parole officer is authorized to carry and deploy a department-issued firearm in the performance of official duties as provided in the department's written Probation and Parole Bureau Standard Operating Procedures.

(2) Within the initial time parameters required under 44-4-404, MCA, a probation and parole officer shall successfully complete the department's POST-certified Basic Training Course for Probation and Parole Officers including the firearms training component and the firearms proficiency standards established for public safety officers by the Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council (Council) under ARM 23.13.215. The firearms proficiency standards must be met by the probation and parole officer only for the particular firearm issued by the department to the probation and parole officer.

(3) The department's written Probation and Parole Bureau Standard Operating Procedures governing the carrying of firearms and use of force must cover the following topics:

(a) required firearms training courses and certification procedure;

(b) type(s) of department-issued firearms permitted to be carried by probation and parole officers;

(c) circumstances under which a probation and parole officer is permitted to carry a firearm or is prohibited from carrying a firearm;

(d) circumstances under which a probation and parole officer is authorized to use a firearm in the deployment of deadly force;

(e) control and storage of department-issued firearms;

(f) monitoring and documenting the use of a firearm by a probation and parole officer; and

(g) any specific procedures or requirements pertaining to a probation and parole officer carrying a concealed firearm.

History: 46-23-1002, MCA; IMP, 46-23-1002, MCA; NEW, 2016 MAR p. 462, Eff. 3/5/16.