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General Order <br /> SVBJECT: Firearms Guidelines y PP 98� <br /> POLICY: <br /> This General Order establishes the policy for use of firearms by sworn <br /> members of the Mashpee Police Department. It is the policy of the Mashpee <br /> Police Department to establish guidelines for the use of firearms by its <br /> personnel to insure their self protection and that of the general public <br /> which are consistent with Massachusetts General Laws. <br /> PROCEDURE: <br /> 1. A police officer .is authorized to use a firearm in the following circumstances <br /> when there is no other reasonable alternative available: <br /> a. To defend himself/herself or another person from an unlawful attack <br /> when he has reasonable cause to believe there is imminent danger or death or <br /> serious bodily injury. <br /> b. To apprehend a person who is committing or who he has reasonable cause to <br /> believe has committed a felony in which deadly force has been used or threatened <br /> and/or unless immediately apprehended, the individual being pursued will cause <br /> death or serious bodily injury to himself or another. <br /> 1. Flight in and of itself is not necessarily evidence of the <br /> commission of a crime and is not sufficient reason for the use of deadly force. <br /> c. To kill a dangerous or so badly injured animal that humanity requires <br /> that it be removed from further suffering. <br /> 1. In the case of an injured animal the officer should: <br /> a. Obtain the permission of the owner, whenever possible. <br /> b. Protect the public from a ricocheting bullet. <br /> c. Avoid killing an animal in the presence of children. <br /> d. For authorized firearms training or competition with Department authorized <br /> weapons. <br /> 2. A police officer is not authorized to use a firearm in the following <br /> circumstances: <br /> a. To fire a warning shot. <br /> b. To effect an arrest for a misdemeanor. <br /> c. From a moving vehicle except when being fired upon. <br /> IN ALL CASES, EVERY PRECAUTION WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE <br /> GENERAL PUBLIC. <br /> Page 1 of 2 Pages <br />