NCJ Number
53043
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 47 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE CONCEPT OF A PISTOL AND RIFLE RANGE FOR CITIZEN AND POLICE USE WAS CONCEIVED AS THE RESULT OF THE POPULARITY OF TARGET SHOOTING AND THE NEED TO IMPROVE FIREARMS SKILLS.
Abstract
WITH LIABILITY FACTORS IN MIND, AND UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT CONSTRUCTION COSTS WOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE, THE DECISION WAS MADE TO CONSTRUCT A FACILITY IN HENRICO COUNTY, VA., TO SATISFY THE TRAINING NEEDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO PRACTICE MARKSMANSHIP SAFELY. PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED IN SITE SELECTION AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS, AND IT WAS UNCERTAIN WHETHER THE COMMUNITY WOULD ACCEPT THE CONCEPT OF A PISTOL AND RIFLE RANGE. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FACILITY CONSTRUCTION WAS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION. IN THE PLANNING PROCESS, ALTERNATIVES WERE EXAMINED IN RELATION TO NEED, OBJECTIVES, AND RESEARCH. SAFETY FEATURES WERE EVALUATED AS WELL. STUDIES OF LOCAL NEED INDICATED THAT THREE COURSES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE SKILL TRAINING NEEDED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL. AFTER REVIEWING RICOCHET EFFECTS AND EXAMINING THE PENETRATION POTENTIAL OF EXPENDED LEAD, THE DECISION WAS MADE TO PLACE EACH COURSE SIDE BY SIDE. SUCH FACTORS AS RANGE OFFICER NEED TO OBSERVE MAXIMUM ACTIVITY AND THE CONTROL OF BEHAVIOR AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DETERMINING THE ULTIMATE DESIGN OF THE RANGE. THT TOTAL COST OF THE RANGE WAS APPROXIMATELY $260,000. CITIZEN ACCESS IS TO BE INSTITUTED UPON COMPLETION OF ALL FACILITIES. THE POLICY IS TO ALLOW CITIZENS USE OF THE RANGE ON WEEKENDS AT A FEE DESIGNED TO COVER THE COST OF SUPERVISION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE. PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED. (DEP)