In wake of gunplay, DPS revisits gun safety rules

DPS shift supervisor Sgt. David Hosono is officer-in-charge of armory and training of new cadets in weapons training at DPS Police Academy. (Contributed photo)

The Department of Public Safety is tightening its gun safety campaign in the wake of a recent accident that resulted in civilian injuries.

According to DPS public information officer Jackie Rae, the campaign to inform the public to know and practice gun safety comes at an opportune time.

“Recently, an officer left her firearm unattended that resulted in civilian injuries. Human injuries can always be prevented. DPS made an informative video to give the public an inside look at how DPS conducts intense training and provide guidelines on how firearms should be handled,” she said.

“Aside from practical skills test, police cadets also have to pass a written examination before they receive hands-on weapons training that includes weapon safety,” she added.

DPS shift supervisor Sgt. David Hosono, who is the officer-in-charge of the DPS armory and handles weapons training for new cadets, is featured in a video that is posted on the DPS social media page.

“The training covers the rules and regulations based on General Order 85-01 as this is the procedure. The training also includes the fundamentals of marksmanship that covers four fundamental rules on gun safety and weapon manipulation on how to handle a weapon safely,” he said.

“Following the rules and regulations in the general order, we inform cadets and officers that if they are under the influence of alcohol or any prescribed medication that might impair their physical and mental ability, they should not be in possession of a firearm,” he added.

The term “clear your firearm” means a gun that is free of ammunition. Hosono gives a detailed instruction on how to execute this.

“When an individual is going to clear a firearm, that person must make sure that the gun is not pointed at anybody or at anything so have the gun facing a safe direction. If the magazine is still there, safely remove the magazine, visually and physically check the chamber and look for the magazine or any rounds. Conduct a first and second check until clear,” he said.

It is standard procedure that when a DPS officer receives a firearm, it includes a gunlock box. This lock box provides secure storage of handguns.

Hosono emphasized that the use of a gunlock box is very important as it prevents the gun from being seen in plain view. A trigger lock or cable is also highly suggested.

“It is good to invest in your own safety as well as in the safety of your loved ones at home. Repetition is the key and, during briefings, we keep emphasizing to supervisors and officers to secure their firearm because, as public safety officers, we should be on top of this high standard,” Hosono added.

Last month, then police officer Jaimie Omengkar left her gun in the car that was eventually used by her younger brothers. One of the brothers, Kody Omengkar, found the gun in the car, played with it and in the process shot himself and his brother Kory Omengkar

Rae encourages the public to call 664-9001 for more information on firearm safety and visit the DPS official page on Facebook.