Port Hueneme, CA — In an unexpected and alarming incident, a Port Hueneme police sergeant accidentally discharged a handgun in the department’s briefing room, resulting in a fellow officer being hit in the face by a bullet fragment from the ricochet.
This incident took place on the evening of February 8th at 8:34 p.m., according to a confirmation by the Port Hueneme Police Department.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The sergeant, who has been described as a “very tenured employee,” accidentally fired the weapon into the floor. The ricocheted bullet fragment struck another officer in the left cheek. Fortunately, the injury was minor.
The injured officer received treatment at a hospital emergency room and was released the same night, returning to work later that weekend.
Ongoing Investigation
Port Hueneme Police Commander Robert Albertson stated that an external investigator had been hired to conduct a thorough report on the incident.
According to the source, until this investigation is complete, the department will not disclose further details, including the names of the officers involved or the specifics of how the gun was discharged.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) was notified of the workplace injury and has initiated its investigation, which remains ongoing as of April 10th.
Firearm Safety Policies
Firearm safety within the Port Hueneme Police Department is governed by detailed written policies. The department’s standard-issue handgun is a Sig Sauer P-320 .40 caliber, with other approved models including those from Beretta, Glock, Smith & Wesson, and several other manufacturers.
Officers are required to inspect their firearms at the start of each shift to ensure they are loaded and in proper condition.
The policy emphasizes that firearms should remain in holsters unless necessary and prohibits handling, cleaning, or repairing firearms within the department unless in designated areas with clearing barrels.
Safety Measures and Reactions
Clearing barrels, used to safely unload firearms, are located outdoors at the Port Hueneme Police Department, specifically in a parking lot next to the property room roll-up door.
Former Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney commended the Port Hueneme Police Department for its transparency and prudent approach to handling the incident by involving an outside investigation.
He emphasized that the key to preventing such incidents in the future lies in identifying whether the cause was related to training, processes, or equipment.
Broader Context and Safety Protocols
Accidental discharges, while rare, do occur within law enforcement agencies. For instance, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the largest in the county, reports between one to three negligent discharges annually.
These incidents are reviewed by a specialized committee to recommend any necessary changes to policies, equipment, or training.
The basic firearm safety rules are stringent: treat all guns as loaded, never point a gun at anything not intended to be shot, keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always be aware of the target and its surroundings.
Past Incidents and Precautions
The Port Hueneme incident brought to mind a tragic 2016 event when Fresno County Sheriff’s Sergeant Rod Lucas was accidentally shot and killed by a colleague. This underscores the importance of meticulous care when handling firearms, even in non-tactical situations such as cleaning or inspection.
Conclusion
The February 8th incident at the Port Hueneme Police Department is a sobering reminder of the critical importance of strict adherence to firearm safety protocols within law enforcement.
As the investigations by the department and Cal-OSHA proceed, the focus remains on preventing future occurrences through enhanced training, rigorous procedures, and possibly updating equipment.
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