The University of Akron Police | Home | Up One Level |
UAPD Firing Range
UAPD Firing Range
Please become familiar with the range policy before requesting to use the range!
PURPOSE
To ensure the safety of all persons who use The University of Akron shooting range and to clearly state the procedure for reserving the shooting range. To state the responsibilities of The University of Akron, authorized range users, and authorized shooting range officers.
POLICY
All persons who use the shooting range located at The University of Akron will assure the safety of all other persons who may be using the shooting range, and/or in the vicinity of the shooting range. This policy establishes the procedure to become listed as an Authorized Range Officer and the responsibilities associated with this title. A list of Authorized Range Officers will be kept at The University of Akron Police Department dispatch center along with the shooting range key set. Scheduling may be conducted by calling The University of Akron Police Department, or by visiting The University of Akron Police Department web site where the current range calendar and on line registration are available.
DISCUSSION
The University of Akron shooting range opened its doors in 1968. The primary purpose of the shooting range was to provide a venue for University classes, and a training cite for the United States Army. In 1990 the shooting range operation was transferred to The University of Akron Police Department. The shooting range has gone through many stages of renovation and is currently in compliance with established safety standards for indoor shooting ranges. The availability of the shooting range has been expanded to allow off campus police agencies, police academies, and non profit groups to use the facility as the schedule permits. It is the goal of The University of Akron and the University Police Department to ensure all users of the shooting range are aware of the inherent risks involved, and that they use the facility is a safe manner. If an emergency would arise, the range users will know what to do and who to call. All users must know that carelessness and/or horseplay must not, can not, and will not be tolerated. Professional conduct is mandated at all times.
DEFINITIONS
Academic Classes. Must be listed in The University of Akron schedule of classes bulletin.
Authorized Range Officer. A person certified by UAPD to operate the shooting range and has had a range operation briefing conducted by the shooting range director.
Firearm. Any device which propels any object in the direction of an intended target or object. Note: This definition is purposefully broad. The intention is to include items such as air rifles or pistols.
Horseplay. Conduct not associated with safe range operation or is morally or ethically improper.
Shooting Range. Includes all space located behind the doors labeled room #7 in Shrank Hall South at The University of Akron.
REFERENCES
Previous Interoffice Correspondence dated June 19,1990, Authorized Range Officers, Shooting Range Standard Operating Procedures.
The Ohio Revised Code § 2923.16. Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
PROCEDURE
I. Shooting Range Operation.
A. Safety.
1. All persons on the shooting range must wear hearing and eye protection while firearms are being discharged.
2. No Smoking, Eating, or Drinking in the shooting range at any time.
3. The shooting range may only be used for authorized training which may require the discharge of a firearm. The shooting range may not be used for any other activities or unauthorized training.
4. To ensure the quality of the range environment is maintained within acceptable standards, the Authorized Range Officer will insure the ventilation is working properly. In the event the ventilation will not keep up with the amount of firing, the Authorized Range Officer will remove the participants from the shooting range for a period long enough to allow the ventilation to change the air (5 to 10 minutes).
5. At no time will an individual be permitted to use the range without the presence of an Authorized Range Officer.
6. Prior to firing, the Authorized Range Officer or designee, will insure that:
a) All firearms are clear and safe.
b) All shooting range doors are closed and secured.
c) Everyone using the facility knows the telephone location, and emergency numbers (911).
d) The telephone is operational. (dial UAPD at 7123 for a communications check)
e) All participants have received instructions on firing and safety procedures and they understand the command CEASE FIRE is to be issued by ANYONE who witnesses an unsafe act or condition.
f) The fire extinguisher (located in the hallway by the range entrance) is present, and charged.
g) The location of the fire alarm is known by all participants. (the southwest exit from the building, by the elevator).
h) All participants know the location of fire exits, (see attached map).
i) All range officers have been briefed on the proper operation of the ventilation system.
7. While firearms are being discharged, the Authorized Range Officer will:
a) Observe all firing.
b) Make sure all firearms are clear and safe, or holstered in a safe holster, before anyone proceeds in front of the firing line.
c) Command a CEASE FIRE if any unsafe act is observed.
d) Ensure all firearms are handled in accordance with established safety procedures.
e) The command "The line is Clear" must be issued before anyone moves past the established firing line.
8. Classroom or training breaks.
a) As soon as practical, range users must wash their hands before partaking in consumption of food or beverages, or smoking. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary exposure to potentially hazardous contaminants.
b) Loaded and exposed firearms may be worn in the hall ways between the shooting range, and the lower level of the parking deck, the vending machines by room #1, or the restrooms on the ground level. Firearms must not be worn in any other part of the building unless worn by a certified Ohio peace officer in uniform.
c) Loaded firearms must be handled in a safe manner while using the rest room facilities. It is highly recommended the firearm be secured in the shooting range if the user intends to take a seat in the restroom.
d) Smokers may smoke in the parking deck in the immediate area of the hallway leading to the shooting range, (exposed firearms may be worn in this area). It is requested the smokers properly dispose of cigarette butts in approved containers in the deck.
e) Loss prevention note: Unattended items in the hallways, restrooms, or parking deck, WILL BE STOLEN!!!
f) All areas outside of the shooting range on the ground floor are under the control of the US Army and Air Force ROTC. Courtesy to the ROTC cadets, and cadre is expected at all times. Care should be made to assure pedestrians can traverse the hallways. Range users must never place their feet on the hallway walls. This damages the paint and the cost of clean up will be assessed to the responsible range user.
9. At the completion of firing, the Authorized Range Officer will:
a) Make certain all firearms are empty. (Law enforcement officers may load firearms with duty or off duty ammunition so long as they can immediately place the firearm in an authorized holster or storage container.)
b) Advise participants the transportation of firearms must be in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.16.
c) Pick up all expended shell casings using the cleaning utensils provided in the range.
d) Place paper in the recycle bins located outside the shooting range entrance. Ensure only paper is put in the recycle bins. Cardboard, boxes and any other items not made of paper, must be placed in the appropriate trash containers. Trash containers must be set outside the range entrance at the end of the firing period.
e) Range users may be assessed a clean up fee, not to exceed $50, should the shooting range be found littered.
f) Turn off the ventilation system and room lights.
g) Arm the alarm system (press "away" twice), and secure the shooting range entrance door.
10. What to do in the event of accident or injury.
a) For any emergency dial 911 on the shooting range telephone and state the nature of the emergency.
b) Should the shooting range telephone malfunction, dial 911 on the pay telephone located in the hall just outside the entrance to the shooting range.
c) For non-emergency assistance dial 7123 (University Police) on the shooting range telephone.
d) Any injuries must be reported to The University Police Department immediately.
B. Responsibilities
1. The Chief of The University of Akron Police Department or his designee, has the authority to designate Authorized Range Officers, or Temporary Range Officers
2. All persons granted the status of Authorized Range Officer, or Temporary Range Officer will be responsible for compliance with the procedural and safety directives contained in the UAPD shooting range operation procedure.
3. Authorized Range Officers will be assigned a permanent or temporary range alarm code which must be used to disarm the shooting range security system. (directions are posted near the alarm keypad in the shooting range)
4. Authorized Range Officers may sign out a shooting range entrance key set at The University of Akron Police Department located at 146 Hill Street in Akron, 24 hours a day. This key set must be returned immediately after firing is completed for the day.
5. Only authorized firearms and ammunition may be used on the shooting range. Authorized firearms and ammunition:
a) All .22 caliber rim fire firearms and ammunition.
b) All center fire handguns with a bullet weight less than 250 grains and a velocity less than 1,800 feet per second.
c) .223 center fire rifles with a bullet weight less than 70 grains and velocity less than 3,200 feet per second.
d) All use of shotguns must be used a limit of #4 or #00 buck shot shells. (slugs and bird shot is strictly prohibited)
e) All rifle and handgun ammunition must be of a round nose configuration composed of lead and/or copper jacket. (Use of hollow point, semi-wad cutter, or wad cutter ammunition is strictly prohibited)
f) Any shooting range user who wishes to use a firearm or ammunition not specifically listed above, must get clearance from The University of Akron Chief of Police, or his designee.
6. All shooting range users must supply firearms, ammunition, and targets.
7. Damage or malfunction of any range equipment will be reported to the University Police Department as soon as discovered. Damage other than normal wear and tear will be the responsibility of the shooting range user. Cost for damage, other than normal wear and tear, will be assessed to the responsible shooting range user.
C. Fire.
1. In the event of fire, immediately evacuate the shooting range and leave the room, stopping the ventilation and closing the range entrance door.
2. Activate the fire alarm system by pulling the fire alarm located by the south west exit from the building, (by the elevator).
3. If possible, either use the shooting range telephone, the pay telephone outside of the range entrance, or ask an ROTC member to call The University of Akron Police Department to verify the alarm and confirm the fire.
4. An attempt to extinguish a small fire may be made by trained personnel who choose to use the fire extinguisher, or fire hose located by the pay telephone outside the range entrance. (Special Note: If the fire is large enough to create a cloud of smoke, do not stay in the shooting range, or re-enter the shooting range to fight the fire. Small amounts of smoke may lead to unconsciousness in one or two breaths. Let the professional fire fighters fight the fire. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem!!)
5. The Authorized Range Officer will be in command of the situation till the arrival of emergency personnel.
D. Fire alarm originated elsewhere in the building.
1. In the event of a fire alarm, immediately evacuate the shooting range and leave the room, stopping the ventilation and closing the range entrance door.
2. Proceed to the closest accessible fire exit (see attached map), and leave the building immediately.
II. Use of the Shooting Range.
A. Priority of use.
1. First priority: Regularly scheduled academic programs.
2. Second priority: The University of Akron Police Department.
3. Third priority: Non-academic University of Akron programs.
4. Fourth priority: Off campus shooting range users who have leased time on the shooting range. (subject to approval by The University of Akron Police Chief, or his designee)
B. Procedure for scheduling the shooting range.
1. The scheduling of the shooting range will be coordinated by the University of Akron Police Department located at 146 Hill Street, Akron, Ohio 44325-0402. Phone: 330-972-7123.
2. Scheduling may be conducted by calling the above telephone number, or by visiting The University of Akron web site where the current range calendar and on line registration is available.
3. As approved by The University of Akron Board of Trustees, the following fee structure has been approved for the use of the shooting range.
a) No Charge for priority one, two, and three users.
b) For priority four users: 1 hour $ 20.00 4 hours $ 60.00 8 hours $120.00
c) Junior and non-profit clubs: per use $ 20.00
4. Persons wishing to be designated as an Authorized Range Officer, or a Temporary Range Officer, may apply at The University of Akron Police Department
a) The agency or group requesting the use of the shooting range must submit documentation which will indicate the applicant’s qualifications to act in the capacity of range officer.
b) The University of Akron Chief of Police, or his designee, will review the application and issue an approval or denial.
c) All approved range officers will be furnished a copy of this procedure and will be charged with the responsibility of enforcing all the rules and regulations of this policy, and the rules and regulations of The University of Akron.
d) All approved range officers will be given a tour of the shooting facility which will cover the items listed in this procedure.
5. Shooting range reservations will be accepted in the order they are submitted.
6. High priority use may replace a scheduled low priority use only if the intended use is requested no later than 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled use.