RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

3.10.1 Policy

The Randolph County Detention Center shall maintain a secure armory for all authorized weapons and security equipment, including but not limited to firearms, batons, shields, chemical agents, electronic restraints, and other protective devices.

It is the penological interest of this facility to ensure reasonable and necessary safety and security standards for the control, supervision, and oversight of detainees. This interest is achieved through strict control, accountability, and supervision of all weapons and restraint equipment.

3.10.2 Definitions

None

3.10.3 Procedures

3.10.3.1 General Requirements

Security equipment—including communications devices, firearms, ammunition, chemical agents, batons, riot control equipment, and protective clothing—shall be maintained to ensure preparedness for emergency response.

The type and quantity of such equipment shall be determined based on:

• Detention Center design

• Detainee population profile

• Risk assessment

All equipment procurement and retention shall be approved by the Chief Jail Administrator, taking into consideration operational needs and budgetary constraints.

The Chief Jail Administrator shall appoint an Armory Officer responsible for the supervision and administration of the armory, including inventory control, distribution during emergencies, and recordkeeping.

3.10.3.2 Armory Correctional Officer Responsibilities

The appointed Armory Correctional Officer shall:

1. Ensure firearms are cleaned in accordance with established procedures

2. Test fire each firearm at least annually

3. Maintain and certify a complete written inventory, including serial numbers

4. Submit inventory documentation to the Chief Jail Administrator

5. Reorder and maintain armory supplies with proper authorization

3.10.3.3 Storage of Security Equipment

• All firearms, ammunition, chemical agents, riot gear, and restraint equipment shall be stored in a secure armory located outside detainee housing and activity areas

• Limited emergency equipment (e.g., handcuffs, batons, tear gas) may be stored in designated secure locations

• The armory shall maintain climate-controlled conditions to preserve the effectiveness and lifespan of equipment

• Only department-issued weapons shall be used; personal weapons are strictly prohibited within the facility or armory

3.10.3.4 Weapons Sign-Out Procedures

A weapons log shall be maintained and include:

• Date and time of issuance

• Issuing authority

• Receiving officer

• Reason for issuance

• Type of equipment

• Serial number (if applicable)

Upon return:

• Date and time

• Receiving officer

• Condition of equipment

Additional requirements:

• Only certified and authorized personnel may receive weapons

• Authorization must be verified prior to issuance

• Training equipment shall follow the same check-out procedures

• Off-site training requires approval from the Armory Supervisor or designee

• Instructors are responsible for accountability, safety, and cleaning of all issued equipment

3.10.3.5 Armory Access and Operations

• Detainee shall never have access to the armory or related storage areas

Access is restricted to:

• • Armory Correctional Officer

• • Shift Supervisors

• • Emergency access may be granted as necessary

Armory keys shall be:

• • Stored in central control

• • Logged in and out

• • Issued only with supervisory authorization

All other personnel must be escorted at all times while inside the armory.

3.10.3.6 Ready Room

The facility shall maintain a designated ready room equipped with riot gear, including:

• Protective suits

• Helmets

• Shields

• Batons

This area shall allow for rapid deployment and adequate space for staff to safely don equipment.

3.10.3.7 Rotation of Expendable Equipment

• Ammunition and chemical agents shall be regularly inspected and rotated

Expired items shall:

• Be used for training purposes, or

• Transferred to other law enforcement agencies for training

• Expired equipment shall not be issued for operational use, except in life-threatening emergencies

3.10.3.8 Visitor and Law Enforcement Weapons

• No visitors, including law enforcement personnel, may carry weapons inside the facility

A designated area shall be provided outside the secure perimeter for:

• Loading/unloading

• Temporary storage

Additional provisions:

• Long-term visitors must store weapons in the armory

• Visitors may secure weapons in their vehicles

• Receipts shall be issued for all weapons stored in the armory

3.10.3.9 Procurement of Equipment

The Chief Jail Administrator, with appropriate purchasing approval, is responsible for acquiring:

• Sidearms

• Rifles

• Shotguns

• Gas munitions

• Batons

• Handcuffs

• Leg irons

• Plastic restraints

Justification for additional equipment may be submitted during:

• Annual budget planning

• Emergency operational needs

3.10.3.10 Weapon Malfunctions and Maintenance

Any malfunctioning or tampered weapon shall be:

• • Immediately removed from service

• • Tagged and documented

The Chief Jail Administrator shall be notified in writing

Repairs:

• • Must be conducted by a licensed gunsmith

• • Must be documented in the weapon’s maintenance record

Prior to reissuance:

• • Firearms shall be test-fired

• • Equipment shall be inspected for proper operation