NCJ Number
79054
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 50 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1981) Pages: 19-23
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The inservice firearms training program of the Erie County Sheriff's Department (New York) is described.
Abstract
Factors crucial to the successful development of an inservice firearms training program are (1) the agency head's support of the program, (2) funds for ammunition, (3) training personnel, (4) suitable range facilities (indoor and outdoor), and (5) the support of the officers to be trained. The first four factors were present in the development of the Erie County firearms training program. The challenge was in the area of the fifth factor. This involved developing a course of fire which would be practical, interesting, and stimulating to those who had recently completed the training academy, while not being so difficult that officers with minimal or no training would be unable to qualify. Separate indoor and outdoor courses were designed. The indoor course involved a distance of 50 feet, a B21 target reduced, and 25 rounds fired from the point shoulder position in a series of 5 rounds at varying speeds. Scoring is with K values, with the qualifying score being 75 out of a possible 125. Two range instructors were used for groups of about 6 and not more than 10 deputies. Time was spent with each group on basic safety procedures and firing positions. The less proficient officers were afforded remedial training. The outdoor course, considered by the trainees to be the more challenging of the two courses, involved the firing of 40 rounds in a variety of positions, with the practical use of each position in 'street' situations being explained. The entire department qualified in about 6 weeks. This training does not treat discretionary decisions regarding the use of deadly force, which is covered in other parts of training.