FIREARMS MANAGEMENT

Weapon Proficiency Examination

The weapon proficiency examination should be tested to each guard in circumstances as close as possible to a real contact situation, to find out the ability of the guard to properly handle the firearm. The exam format is oral and practical assessment per individual. Duguf Enterprise Security Service does not deploy any guard unless he/she passes the proficiency exam.

Procedures to Ensure Proper Control of Firearms

• All weapons operated by DESS belong to DESS and the firearms are registered by Government of Somalia with a serial number on the firearm.
• The operations manager must ensure that all weapons are functional, certifying that all weapons have been tested and are in good working condition.
• Firearm that is not issued to a guard is kept in a safe (armoury) at the specific site.
• The armoury consists of an outer steel door with two locks, or as constructed on the specific site by the client.
• The keys of the armoury are kept in the possession of the operations manager or the shift supervisor.
• A weapon is issued to the guard by the shift supervisor prior to the commencement of the mobile escort or specific shift.
• The guard issued with the weapon is responsible to safeguard the weapon during his/her shift.
• Shift supervisor performs daily checks on the guards’ weapon and keeps daily signed weapon register.
• Each guard should have 4 fully loaded magazines with 30 Rounds each in the provided ammunition pouch, as well as a one fully loaded magazine on the weapon, thus a total of 150 rounds while on duty.
• The team leaders of the armed mobile escort and the shift supervisor will have handgun (pistol) with 5 fully loaded magazines. 
• Prior to handing the weapon back to the shift supervisor safety precautions should be performed by the guard.
• The shift supervisor must ensure the correct numbers of rounds are handed to the guards. Ammunition usage must be accounted for by the shift supervisor against operational usage and shooting exercise. Ammunition and weapons must be stored separately.

Weapon Safety Rules

• Guards should never handle any weapon unless they have been specifically trained in the use of the specific weapon.
• A guard should never point a weapon to any target unless he/she us sure to fire
• Weapons must be kept in the site armory or on the person to whom it is issued
• When issued a firearm, the weapon may not be given to another guard if it is not officially signed over to the guard
• Unless operational, weapons must be on Stage 0 (chamber empty, no magazine, safety switch on safe)
• Only when operational, change to stage 2  for static  guarding (Loaded magazine on weapon, empty chamber, safety catch on) and stage 3 for mobile armed escort (Loaded magazine on weapon, round in the chamber, safety catch on)
• Regard all weapons as loaded at all times
• Do not place your finger on the trigger unless you want to fire