❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses firearm handling procedures for Glock pistols within the WA Police Service, specifically regarding trigger manipulation after unloading and potential warranty implications. The Minister's response clarifies the Police Service's rationale for deviating from the Glock manual's recommendation, citing safety concerns and expert advice.
AnsweredQoN 1730Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Will the Minister advise if firearms trainers within the Western Australian Police Service have been instructed not to teach Police officers to ‘fire off the spring’ by pulling the trigger to release the firing pin spring after ‘racking the slide’ on the new Glock pistols before storing them?
(2) If so, who gave that instruction and why?
(3) Was the Minister advised about this decision and what reason was given to the Minister at that time?
(4) Will the Minister confirm that the Glock manual recommends the pulling of the trigger to release the springs after ‘racking the slide’ on the Glock pistol before storing it?
(5) If yes, then why are the Western Australian Police not adhering to that instruction?
(6) Will the Minister advise if it is possible that the Glock pistol might misfire after extended periods of time being stored without having the spring released by pulling the trigger?
(7) Could a departure from operating procedures contained in the Glock manual result in a forfeiture of warranty in the event of a problem arising with the Glock pistol?
(2) If so, who gave that instruction and why?
(3) Was the Minister advised about this decision and what reason was given to the Minister at that time?
(4) Will the Minister confirm that the Glock manual recommends the pulling of the trigger to release the springs after ‘racking the slide’ on the Glock pistol before storing it?
(5) If yes, then why are the Western Australian Police not adhering to that instruction?
(6) Will the Minister advise if it is possible that the Glock pistol might misfire after extended periods of time being stored without having the spring released by pulling the trigger?
(7) Could a departure from operating procedures contained in the Glock manual result in a forfeiture of warranty in the event of a problem arising with the Glock pistol?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2003
Responded by
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Response time
98 days
1 Firearm Trainers within the Police Service have been specifically instructed not to teach pistol operators to press the trigger and fire the action after unloading the Glock self-loading pistol prior to storing them. 2 The Officer in Charge of the Operational Safety and Tactics Training Unit (OSTTU) gave this instruction after consultation with national and international firearms instructors, ballistic experts and representatives from Glock (Hong Kong) Ltd. Investigation determined that due to the design of the Glock safe action pistol, it was unnecessary to perform the function of pressing the trigger and firing the action after unloading the pistol. This requirement was needed to store the weapon in its first generation plastic storage box as the pistol fitted over a tubular post that required the trigger to be in its rearmost position. To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
2 The Officer in Charge of the Operational Safety and Tactics Training Unit (OSTTU) gave this instruction after consultation with national and international firearms instructors, ballistic experts and representatives from Glock (Hong Kong) Ltd. Investigation determined that due to the design of the Glock safe action pistol, it was unnecessary to perform the function of pressing the trigger and firing the action after unloading the pistol. This requirement was needed to store the weapon in its first generation plastic storage box as the pistol fitted over a tubular post that required the trigger to be in its rearmost position. To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
Investigation determined that due to the design of the Glock safe action pistol, it was unnecessary to perform the function of pressing the trigger and firing the action after unloading the pistol. This requirement was needed to store the weapon in its first generation plastic storage box as the pistol fitted over a tubular post that required the trigger to be in its rearmost position. To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
“The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
2 The Officer in Charge of the Operational Safety and Tactics Training Unit (OSTTU) gave this instruction after consultation with national and international firearms instructors, ballistic experts and representatives from Glock (Hong Kong) Ltd. Investigation determined that due to the design of the Glock safe action pistol, it was unnecessary to perform the function of pressing the trigger and firing the action after unloading the pistol. This requirement was needed to store the weapon in its first generation plastic storage box as the pistol fitted over a tubular post that required the trigger to be in its rearmost position. To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
Investigation determined that due to the design of the Glock safe action pistol, it was unnecessary to perform the function of pressing the trigger and firing the action after unloading the pistol. This requirement was needed to store the weapon in its first generation plastic storage box as the pistol fitted over a tubular post that required the trigger to be in its rearmost position. To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
To minimise risk of unauthorised discharges, the Police Service requires officers to only pull the trigger during authorised training activities, which include serviceability checks and when justified by law. 3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
3 No, the Minister was not advised of this decision. This is an operational training matter that was determined by the area of the Police Service responsible for the transitional rollout of the Glock self-loading pistol. 4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
4 On page 25 of the Glock ‘instructions for use’, it is recommended that whilst unloading: “ Allow the slide to snap forward and pull the trigger to the rearmost position.” I am advised that it mentions nothing about ‘release of springs’. 5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
5 The instruction in the Glock ‘instructions for use’ relate to the storage of the firearm in a small plastic storage box. Western Australia Police Service pistols are stored in armouries and local risk management policies have been implemented that require bright orange ‘chamber flags’ to be inserted into all Glock self-loading pistols after unloading as a clear indication that no live round remains in the pistol’s chamber. The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
The process of inserting this ‘chamber flag’ ensures that there is minimal pressure placed on the firing pin spring and that safety is not compromised. 6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
6 Expert advice indicates that the firearm will not misfire. There are reported cases in the USA that indicate some law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors have carried Glock self-loading pistols in excess of 10 years without ever ‘easing springs’ and that the weapons are functioning perfectly. 7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
7 Advice received from Glock (HK) Ltd is that: “The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
“The procedure of not having to ‘ease springs’ is in-line with our warranty.”
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.