General Order from Hubbard Re: Firearms Review Board

    MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMEMT
I

n a a  A O A M a  A v a iM u a * M a n «^ P H ia ,T 8 N N E s s E E  a a i o a

f

n u m b e r : □ ATE: 1 February 1974

subject: firearms review BOARD

1. PURPOSE.

To establish a standing board to review all cases involving the 
discharge of firearms by members of this department.

2. ACTION.

Accordingly, the Firearms Review Board is established, effective 
1 February 1974. The Board will convene as soon as practicable after 
any incident involving discharge of firearms by a member of this 
department on duty. In each case, the Board will determine whether:

a. Departmental policies and written regulations governing the 
use of firearms were followed; and whether

b. Criminal and civil law requirements were met.

The Board will forward -- within ten (10) days -- findings, con­
clusions and whatever recommendations for corrective action are 
warranted, to the Director via the Chief of Police.

PROCEDURES.

a. Board composition. The Board will be constituted of one (1)
advisory and seven (T) principal members as follows; •

(1) Deputy Chief for Administrative Services, Senior Member.
(2) Officer-in-charge of firearms training. Member.
(3) One member from the Uniform Patrol Branch, rank of 

Li eutenant.
(4) One member from the Criminal Investigation Branch, rank 

of Lieutenant.
(5) Three members from the Tactics and Equipment Board, one in 

the rank of Sergeant and two Patrol Officers.
(6) Department Legal Counsel will participate in an advisory 

capacity and will render appropriate legal opinions.

b. Jurisdiction. The Board is an investigatory and advisory body. 
Its function is to monitor and improve the understanding, the 
development and the application of proper departmental policies 
and professional procedures in the use jo4s deadly force. The



- 1 -

Board cannot compel testimony; (lowever, cooperation on the part 
of all command units and each* member of this department is 
mandatory.

c . Hearing.

(1) The commanding officer of the member(s) involved will 
notify the Senior Member of the Board within 24 hours of any 
case that requires review under the terms of this order.
The Board will schedule a hearing as soon as practicable 
thereafter.

(2) The Board will take statements from all parties involved 
and will endeavor to physically view the site of the incident 
and relevant material evidence.

(3) The Board will present its findings and conclusions, 
along with whatever recommendations derive therefrom.
These shall be expeditiously forwarded to the Director via 
the Chief of Police.

4. SELF-CANCELLATION.

This order will be cancelled when its provisions have been incor­
porated into the department manual of Policies, Procedures, Rules and 
Regulations.

:c 4 C
W. Hubbard