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WEAPONS

Sample Weapon Justification

Currently, law enforcement and corrections agencies may obtain M-14 semiautomatic rifles, .45-caliber pistols, M-16 rifles (5.56mm), .38 caliber revolvers, and 12-gauge shotguns .  M21 Sniper rifles and M-79 grenade launchers are no longer available. Although the law permits transfer of excess ammunition, DoD currently transfers no ammunition under the program.

The U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal ships the weapons to the receiving agencies after receiving the authorization from LESO and a check to cover packing and shipping costs. The arsenal records the weapons in the Small Arms Serialization Program. The receiving agency must register the weapons with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) using the BATF Form 10. If the agency has no further use for a weapon received under this program, notify Ohio LESO for disposal instructions.

 Weapons request procedures begin with a letter signed by the chief LEA official to the Ohio LESO, which contains the following paragraphs: (sample weapon justification)

--LEA name, address, and phone and fax numbers, plus the name of the chief official and any other points-of-contact. The numbers of sworn officers, counter narcotics officers, and counter terrorism officers assigned to a tactical team also are included.

--Assurance that the chief official understands the terms of weapons transfers as stated in the MOA.

--A statement that the agency has the ability to maintain, store, and employ the requested weapons.

--A statement that the chief official is familiar with BATF regulations governing weapons registration.

--The numbers and types of weapons requested, their intended use, and how they will affect law enforcement activity in local and adjacent jurisdictions.

--The size and population of the requesting LEA's jurisdiction.

Once the weapons have been allocated to the agency,  a transfer agreement will be sent to the agency along with a request for a check to cover transportation.  The signed agreement, along with the check made out to the US Treasury, will be forwarded to the Ohio LESO.  After signature by the Ohio LESO, one copy of the agreement with the original check will be forwarded to Rock Island Arsenal, Il. The second copy will be held by the Ohio LESO and the third copy returned to the agency for their files.  Upon receipt of the signed agreement and check, Rock Island Arsenal will process the weapons for shipment to the agency.

Upon receipt of the weapons the LEA is responsible to register all M14 and M16 rifles with the BATF.    A copy of the final BATF Form 10 approved by BATF will be provided to Ohio LESO. The BATF Form 10 is  available on the forms page. The serial numbers for handguns and shotguns must be submitted to Ohio LESO to record which weapons were received.