Law Enforcement Firearms Training

Incorporated in the police academy training is the law enforcement firearms training. Students will receive training in a variety of weapons including handguns, shotguns, and possibly rifles. As a handgun is the main duty weapon, law enforcement firearms training will focus the majority of time on the handgun.

There are a variety of different firearm courses that an academy may use. Qualifying with a passing score on a firearms course is one of the requirements for passing the academy.

While marksmanship is a key element, law enforcement firearms training will include judgment training, shoot don’t shoot exercises. These entail having the officer view a scenario during which they have to decide if deadly force is justified. If the officer uses their weapon the accuracy of the shots will also be evaluated.

Law Enforcement Officers are required to continue their law enforcement firearms training even after graduation from the academy. This follow-up training and qualifying is determined by each department and may be every 3 months, 6 months, or another period of time as determined by the department.