Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Practice Exam

Clearing a police-issued shotgun correctly is crucial for ensuring safety and proper functionality. The correct method involves pushing in the action release and pulling the action halfway back. This action allows the officer to eject any round that may be in the chamber, ensuring that the firearm is safe to handle.

This technique is essential for officers as it not only discharges a round, if present, but also provides a clear view of the chamber, allowing the officer to visually confirm that the firearm is unloaded. Proper training on firearm safety emphasizes the importance of following standard procedures to prevent accidental discharges and to ensure that the weapon is ready for safe storage or transport.

Options suggesting pulling the trigger to empty the chamber or leaving the shotgun loaded until needed disregard safety protocols. Pulling the trigger without verifying that the firearm is unloaded could lead to an unintentional discharge, posing a significant risk to the officer and others nearby. Similarly, leaving the weapon loaded compromises safety and does not follow recommended practices for handling firearms. Twisting the barrel is not a reliable method for checking if a shotgun is loaded and does not provide the necessary confirmation of the firearm's readiness for safe handling.