RM-9 indicates that all rifles must be semi-automatic, but allows Special Event and Tactical Teams to carry a modification of the M-16 or AR-15/M-4 type rifles that fires a "three-shot burst," provided the teams have proper authorization and fulfill requirements for training and qualification. The manual also states: "In general, modifications will not be made to agency owned weapons."
RM-9 does not directly address "flash-bang" distraction devices. Relevant policy in Chapter 31, "Intermediate Defensive Equipment," states: "The Service recognizes the benefits of emerging technologies in defensive equipment. Prior to purchase or use, requests must be submitted to the DCOP [Deputy Chief, Operations and Policy] for evaluation, approval, and development of applicable policies prior to any issuance. The DCOP will consult with the Superintendent, NPSLETC [Law Enforcement Training Center], as part of the review process."
DETAILS OF INVESTIGATION
We initiated our investigation on June 25, 2014, into allegations from NPS that fully automatic rifles and flash-bang distraction devices had been obtained by law enforcement rangers at the Mojave National Preserve (MNP) in Southern California, in violation of NPS policy.
We found violations of NPS policy in the purchase of both the fully automatic rifles and the flash-bang distraction devices. Also, throughout our investigation, the supervisory park ranger who made the purchases provided inconsistent statements during his interviews.
Colt M-4 Model R0977 Fully Automatic Rifles
A review of documents provided by Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC, indicated that between 2008 and 2010, MNP made three separate purchases of Colt M-4 Model R0977 fully automatic rifles, for a total of nine rifles.
On June 26 and 27, 2014, we inventoried and inspected the nine rifles. We determined that all of the rifles had been converted to fire only in semi-automatic mode in accordance with NPS policy.
The MNP chief ranger told us that soon after his arrival at MNP in October 2013, he was informed by the MNP superintendent that the park rangers had M-4 rifles that were capable of fully automatic fire. The chief ranger reviewed the firearms inventory records and discovered that nine fully automatic rifles had been purchased between 2008 and 2010. He determined that although some of the rifles had been converted to semi-automatic, there were a "handful" that were still capable of fully automatic fire. He told us that he communicated with FLETC and determined that MNP did not have any waivers or authorizations for use of fully automatic rifles.
The chief ranger said that he told the supervisory park ranger to convert the rifles to semiautomatic, to comply with NPS policy; and that by December 2013, the supervisory park ranger reported to him that all of the rifles had been converted.
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