Step 1 : We created a standardized department-wide weapons maintenance program .
I developed a program several years ago , with other armorers now on-board to assist . We do full " detail strip " cleaning , lubrication and testfiring of each duty weapon at least once every three years ( more often , if necessary ).
We have over 130 sworn members . With two armorers working full time on this program , it takes us approximately two weeks ( 10 working days ) to complete every duty weapon , as well as some off duty or specialized assignment weapons ( IE , SWAT duty handguns , but not rifles or tactical shotguns , this is handled by other dept armorers ).
We have a rotation system where officers turn in their duty weapons on their regular days off . We finish the weapon and have it ready for them to pick up before the start of their first day back on duty . We have department-owned weapons on hand in the event we find a major problem and don ' t have a part on hand to make the repair .
Step 2 : We established proper firearms maintenance procedures by instituting a department-wide training session .
We accomplished this by conducting a onehour training class during one of our two annual in-service sessions .
I gave a PowerPoint presentation that included a hands-on portion where officers " field strip " their duty weapon in class . We could get through this training in under 45 minutes . We ' re also going to implement this short training block with our new-hire officers as well , so they ' re on-board with proper duty weapon maintenance from Day One .
qualification courses are fired . This way , firearms instructors and sometimes armorers are available , if there are questions about how to properly clean and lubricate their duty weapon .
This also ensures officer duty weapons are cleaned at least four times per year , which builds familiarization , pride and good habits . The duty weapons are subject to inspection after each qualification to ensure compliance .
Step 4 : We ' re in the process of developing new visual aids for our department ' s armory .
These will explain the proper cleaning and lubrication points , so officers can refer to simple exploded-view photos to remind them how the weapon should be properly maintained and where to place a small amount of oil .
We also improved our cleaning supplies , including having a compressed air line hardwired into the armory to assist in cleaning . One of the other Glock armorers monitors the stock of cleaning supplies , as well as the stock of spare parts we keep on hand .
Step 5 : We have a few Glock armorers who are dedicated to accomplishing the first four steps .
We keep up on our certifications , we enjoy working on the duty weapons and we ' re willing to help other officers if they need any assistance . Having a few good accessible armorers helps with any weapon maintenance issues .
Department armorers conduct this training , so that any questions , problems or debates can be addressed immediately .
Step 3 : We established mandatory quarterly duty weapon qualifications .
At the same time , duty weapon and body armor inspections are conducted - the results are documented . Officers are strongly advised to clean their duty weapons immediately after
Officer Brian Havican of the West Allis ( Wisc .) PD is a certified Glock armorer and oversees his agency ' s firearms training and maintenance .
E3FIREARMSASSOCIATION . COM