The LVMPD has revised its firearms policy. The policy change has a major effect for police recruits. LVMPD will no longer issue handguns to recruits nor will recruits be allowed to begin the Academy with their privately owned handguns. Recruits entering the Academy will be issued inoperable handguns and a holster. These handguns will be carried by recruits for training purposes. Recruits will receive firearms selection training during the first phase of the Academy. This training is designed to assist in making a decision on the selection of an appropriate duty handgun. Once recruits have received this training they will be allowed to carry a handgun authorized by LVMPD Policy. The LVMPD Firearms Policy will be covered in detail during training.

Recruits are advised to not purchase a handgun until they have received all handgun selection training. Recruits who own handguns may carry them after they attend the selection training AND if the handgun meets department policy requirements.

Recruits are only allowed to carry the following manufacturer’s handguns.

Manufacturer:

Beretta
Heckler & Koch
Sig Sauer
Steyr
Colt
Glock
Kimber
Paraordnance
Smith & Wesson
Unertl
Wilson
Ruger
Springfield

Firing Mechanism:

Traditional double to single action
Single action
Safe action
Double action only

Caliber: 9mm, 40cal., 45cal.

Barrel Length: At least 3.5 inches and not to exceed 6 inches

Finish:

Blue/Black
Stainless Steel

Grips: Hi-impact plastic or rubber, black in color, or wood, designed to be used with either hand.

If you have any questions regarding this letter or the LVMPD Firearms Policy, post the question on the Academy message board.

During the Academy you will be given extensive instruction involving firearms training and tactics. You will be instructed on firearms safety, firearms care and cleaning, the fundamentals of marksmanship, tactical shooting, low light shooting, tactical reloads and speed reloads. You will learn the current LVMPD Department Use of Force Policy and how it relates to firearms. You will receive instruction on the deployment of handguns, shotguns, less than lethal shotguns, the Electronic Control Device, and deployment of the shotgun slug rounds. All firearms instructors have taken LVMPD instructor courses, NRA certification courses, and many of our instructors have attended training provided by many of the firearms manufacturers. All recruits must pass the firearms qualification. Firearms qualification is considered one of the 36 Academy test points. Failure to qualify is considered a failure of a unit of instruction.