What is the policy regarding carrying a firearm while impaired?

• A. Carrying is allowed if the officer believes they can manage risk.
• B. Carrying is permitted in emergencies regardless of impairment.
• C. Officers should not carry or use firearms while impaired; adhere to agency policy and safety standards.
• D. Impairment is treated as a medical issue and not a policy matter.

Answer: (C)

Impairment directly affects the abilities needed to handle a firearm safely—judgment, situational awareness, coordination, and reaction time. Because safety relies on operating with a clear, unimpaired capacity, officers should not carry or use firearms while impaired and must follow agency policy and safety standards. If impairment is present, don’t carry; remove yourself from duty, follow the reporting procedures, and seek the appropriate evaluation. Carrying in emergencies or assuming you can manage the risk ignores the safety rules, and treating impairment as only a medical issue overlooks the policy safeguards that govern duty performance.