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MOU signed for DPS to use the Army's indoor shooting range

[l-r] Brig. Gen. Douglas F. Anderson, Commander of the US Army 9th Mission Support Command; Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale, who is the acting governor; and Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Memorandum of Understanding was signed yesterday between the Army Reserve and DPS, for the Dept. of Public Safety’s use of the Army’s Modular Small Arms Range (MSAR), the indoor shooting range that was dedicated last Friday.

The MOU outlines responsibilities of both parties. For example, the 9th MSC - which is headquartered in Hawai’i and has jurisdiction over the local Army Reserve - will permit DPS to use the facility on Saturdays and Sundays, unless the MSAR is needed for military use on those days in a particular week.

Additionally, they will work with DPS every two months to create a use schedule. DPS is allowed access to the MSR and any assigned Range Safety Officers for the purposes of training, certification and re-certification of officers deputized to carry firearms.

The MOU states that at the 9th MSC’s discretion, DPS is allowed to have designated officers participate in the 9th MSC training. And DPS will be provided with all safety, operation and use procedures and policies relating to the use of the MSAR.

Except as otherwise provided by written agreement, “no fee or charge shall be assessed against DPS” for its use of the MSAR, according to the MOU.

DPS will - among other things - comply with all federal government, US Department of Defense, US Army and 9th MSC rules, regulations and policies related to the use of MSAR.

DPS will also limit the “ordinary use” of the MSAR to ASG employed personnel, deputized by DPS to carry firearms pursuant to their official duties and certified by Federal Law Enforcement Training Center standards or being trained in use of firearms by an individual certified by and in accordance with those standards.

DPS will indemnify and hold harmless the 9th MSC, US Army and all federal government entities for any and all acts conducted by DPS in use of the MSAR. Any and all liability of any kind whatsoever incurred by DPS’ use of the MSAR, including but not limited to negligence or misconduct of any kind by DPS, its staff or guests, shall be borne exclusively by DPS with no right of recourse against the 9th MSC, Army and any federal entity.

The MOU - which became effective yesterday and expires Dec. 31, 2023 - does not document nor provide for the exchange of funds or manpower between the parties.