Report: IRS gun procedures could use an update

By Bernie Becker - 10/02/12 02:59 PM ET

Some special agents for the IRS have not passed all requirements for the use of guns, a new federal audit said Tuesday.

The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration found that 4.5 percent out of the almost 600 IRS criminal investigation agents it examined did not pass a training test twice a year, as agency guidelines require.

“It is imperative that Criminal Investigation ensure that all its special agents are well trained,” Russell George, the tax administration inspector general, said in a statement.

“Special agents not properly trained in the use of firearms could endanger the public, as well as their fellow special agents, and expose the IRS to potential litigation over injuries or damages.”

Still, the report also found that IRS firearm requirements for special agents were generally at least as good – if not better – than other federal agencies.

Special agents in the IRS criminal investigation division can be called upon to arrest those accused of violating tax laws, or to deliver search warrants.

Under agency guidelines, special agents have to score at least 75 percent on training tests twice a year, and need to attend training on any special situations they might encounter.

But the report also found that IRS regulations on what to do when an agent fell short of requirements was vague.

It also said that incidents when an agent used their gun weren’t always reported, and that agency procedures on how to get an agent to hand over their gun were also insufficient.

The report suggested that the IRS manual clear up any ambiguities about handgun requirements, including over when a special agent has met their requirements and the consequences if they fall short.

Responding to the audit, Richard Weber, the criminal investigation chief, stressed the findings that IRS protocol was at least on par with other agencies.

“I want to assure you that although CI’s firearms and qualification requirements meet or exceed other federal agencies, the suggestions and recommendations in your report will be used to further improve and clarify our firearms training and qualification policies,” Weber wrote.