Q4 LEOs: What level of proficincy is required

[atxgun]

Just got back from the range and I was in the lane next a cop that was being trained. It was pretty obvious it was his first time shooting. That got me thinking, what level of skill is required before you guys are certified? The level of proficiency for the CHL test seemed pretty loose, are there higher standards for LEOs? What criteria are you scored on? Is the testing just done at shooting range lanes with paper targets or do you have other training facilities to simulate urban, crowded environments where you have to be able to hit the bad guys while leaving all the bystanders intact? Are there different levels of proficiency requirements depending on your assignment?

[seamusTX]

I've seen police qualification courses of fire, but I can't find them now. They involve longer distances than the CHL COF, like 20 or 25 yards, and shooting one-handed with each hand.

- Jim

[HerbM]

My current Google search for this is:

• "Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education" | TCLEOSE "Firearms and Qualification Standards" |"course of fire" | "firearm | handgun qualification" ~handgun

From a former (retired) Customs Officer: "law enforcement-style timed course of fire with at least one combat reloading drill that involves shooting at a man-size target at distances ranging from three to 25 yards."

I think you are looking for this (mostly or partially):
"Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education" (TCLEOSE)

http://www.policemag.com/Forums/Firearm ... es/84.aspx

One good thing, however, in the application that is available on the TCLOSE web sight, the actual certificate of firearms proficiency listed on page two of the application provides for either a TCLOSE certified firearms instructor OR a DPS licensed CHL firearms instructor to administer the course of fire required by TCLOSE rule 217 as the minimum standard for active peace officers...as far as the LEOSA goes, a retired Fed or out of state officer can satisfy the LEOSA requirement of meeting the state's proficiency standard by getting a CHL instructor to administer the course of fire...

http://forums.officer.com/forums/archiv ... 27896.html

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
January 1, 2005
35
(c) The minimum standards for the annual firearms proficiency course of fire shall be:
(1) handguns - a minimum of 50 rounds, including at least five rounds of duty
ammunition, fired at ranges from point-blank to at least 15 yards with at least
20 rounds at or beyond seven yards, including at least one timed reload;
(2) shotguns - a minimum of five rounds of duty ammunition fired at a range of at
least 15 yards;
(3) rifles - a minimum of 20 rounds of duty ammunition fired at a range of at least
100 yards, however an agency may, in its discretion, allow a range of less
than 100 yards but not less than 50 yards if the minimum passing percentage
is raised to 90;
(4) patrol rifles - a minimum of 30 rounds of duty ammunition fired at a range of at
least 50 yards, including at least one timed reload; however, an agency may,
in its discretion, allow a range of less than 50 yards but not less than 10 yards
if the minimum passing percentage is raised to 90;
(5) fully automatic weapons - a minimum of 30 rounds of duty ammunition fired at
ranges from seven to at least 10 yards, including at least one timed reload,
with at least 25 rounds fired in full automatic (short bursts of two or three
rounds), and at least five rounds fired semi-automatic, if possible with the
weapon.

http://www.tcleose.state.tx.us/Commissi ... ons%20Code %201701.pdf

Does this help?

[CompVest]

It isn't the "qualification test" that is important, it is the practice or lack of practice between tests that is important.

[HerbM]

It isn't the "qualification test" that is important, it is the practice or lack of practice between tests that is important.

And while we do all (pretty safe to say) agree that training is good, this is part of the reason that no useful effects are seen when comparing significant training/qualification requirements such as Texas against no requirements in New Hampshire and Washington, or even no license in required in Vermont and Alaska.

People who choose to carry legally are usually going to take steps to become competent -- those that won't are irresponsible no matter what the law requires for "licensing", and that includes police officers who do the bare minimum AND don't retain their competence.

Lately CarolM and I have been watching "The Academy" reality TV of the LA Sheriff's Office Police Academy -- it's enlightening to see where the people (not just kids either) start. In firearms, their problems aren't too surprising, but also in just getting around in life they are frequently barely competent.

Of course the show probably concentrates on 'problem' cases as they are more interesting than the young men and women who are just quietly competent and able to learn what is taught.