Rule 23.13.805 - FIREARMS PROFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED SERVICE(1) Each agency that appoints 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 while the officer is on duty;(b) designate a firearms instructor 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:(ii) role of the instructor;(iii) civil and criminal liability exposure;(iv) instructional techniques for firearms instructors;(v) operation of the firing line;(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(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.Mont. Admin. r. 23.13.805
NEW, 2014 MAR p. 2951, Eff. 12/12/14; AMD, 2017 MAR p. 1953, Eff. 10/28/2017; AMD,2018 MAR p. 2518, Eff.12/22/2018; AMD,2020 MAR p. 580, Eff.3/28/2020; AMD, 2021 MAR p. 616, Eff.5/29/2021; AMD, 2023 MAR p. 479, Eff. 5/27/2023; TRANS, from 23.13.215, 2023 MAR p. 1610, Eff. 11/18/2023; AMD, 2024 MAR p. 607, Eff. 3/23/2024AUTH: 2-15-2029, MCA; IMP: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303, 44-4-403, MCA