Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Operations Manual

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Chapter 8 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

Article 46 – Firearms and Safety Equipment Policy

Revised September 3, 2025

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86010.7.1 Pistol Mounted Optics

  • Parole agents have the option to utilize a pistol mounted optic (PMO), also known as a red dot sight (RDS), while on duty. PMOs and their related equipment, such as approved holsters, PMO adapter plates (excluding Glock factory plates), maintenance kits, batteries, suppressor height backup iron sights, etc., shall be purchased at the parole agent’s expense with no reimbursement by DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD). Weapon-mounted lasers are not authorized for use.

  • The following PMOs meet DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved standards and are authorized for on-duty use:

    MakeModel
    TrijiconOpen/Closed Emitter
    HolosunOpen/Closed Emitter
    AimpointOpen/Closed Emitter
    AmeriGloOpen/Closed Emitter

  • A PMO may only be installed on a parole agent’s personal firearm for on-duty use within the parameters of DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 86010.5. 

    • Parole agents who utilize a PMO shall also have suppressor height backup iron sights on their personal firearm.

      • Suppressor height sights are not required if existing iron sights allows for co-witness of the PMO reticle (i.e. red dot).

      • Installation of the suppressor height backup iron sights and PMO may be installed by a DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved Rangemaster certified as an armorer and in PMOs or by an approved armorer certified in the installation of PMOs and iron sights. DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved Rangemasters will inspect the installation of the PMO.  If the PMO and iron sights are not installed correctly, proof of installation (e.g. a receipt from the armorer) may be requested by the Division Training Unit, and usage of the PMO may be denied.

  • The PMO shall be adjusted for accuracy (zeroing) by a PMO-certified DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved Rangemaster. The zeroing distance for all DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD) PAs utilizing a PMO shall be 15 yards.

  • If the PMO must be removed from the firearm for any reason, including the exchange of batteries, it shall be done by a PMO-certified DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved Rangemaster or an approved third-party armorer. 

  • PMOs are considered part of the firearm and shall be carried in a DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved holster, in accordance with DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 86010.8, that allows the operator to carry the firearm with the PMO attached.

  • PMO Approval Process

    • Any addition of a PMO to on-duty firearms requires pre-approval pursuant to DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 86010.6 and in accordance with this section.

    • Before duty use, parole agents shall:

      • Successfully complete the DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD)-approved PMO transition-training course, which includes familiarization and practical application components.

      • Have their firearm, PMO, and holster inspected by a PMO-certified DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD) Rangemaster to ensure compliance with this DOMDepartment Operations Manual section.

      • Obtain a qualifying score on the departmental course of fire and maintain qualification at least quarterly thereafter.

      • Demonstrate the ability to safely manipulate and deploy their firearm with the PMO and holster during each training and subsequent quarterly firearm qualifications.

    • Any parole agent who fails to demonstrate safe manipulation of their firearm with the PMO and achieve a qualifying score during the transition course shall have the option to remove the PMO immediately from their personal firearm or be assigned a state-issued firearm. If the parole agent is provided a state-issued firearm, they must qualify with the firearm before the performance of their duties. 

      • Parole agents shall not be authorized to carry a personal firearm with a PMO until they attend and successfully complete the PMO transition course, demonstrate safe manipulation, and achieve a qualifying score. The parole agent shall be able to carry the personal firearm with the PMO once qualified.

      • Any parole agent who has completed their quarterly qualification requirements with their personal on-duty firearm and wishes to install a PMO shall immediately contact the Division Training Unit to enroll in a PMO transition course and requalify with the PMO prior to the on-duty use of the PMO.

    • The completed training shall be documented on the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 2283, Non-Standard Weapon or Equipment Authorization, notating the make, model, serial number, and caliber of the parole agent’s firearm and the make and model of the PMO. 

      • Forward a copy of the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 2283 to the RTCReturn To Custody for records retention and documentation in the departmental tracking system identified in restricted DOMDepartment Operations Manual section 55050.

      • The parole agent who completed the training shall ensure a copy of the approved CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 2283 is provided to their supervisor for placement into their supervisory and training files.

    • The authorization to use pistol mounted optics is conditional and may be suspended, revoked, or canceled with cause, as determined by the Director of DAPODivision of Adult Parole Operations (formerly P&CSD) or designee.