Hey Guys.
There is a whole lot more training than two days... These two days are just dedicated range days. There is also 16 hrs in service training every quarter. Tactical street training was going on every six months. Station-house training once in a while.
As far as 50 rounds per month. Thats 50 rounds more than most people shoot. Remember were talking about Police Officers, not firearms enthusiasts. Although many people shoot hundreds of rounds in ever range trip, I dont know that they are becoming any better a shot. Keep in mind that training is somewhat different than practicing. I truely believe that shooting skills are perishable... but do we need to shoot 200 rounds a month to stay accurate? The training and practice I mentioned is mandated... nothing to keep anyone from practicing on their own.
While everyone recognize the handgun is as much an officers sign of office as his shield. It is the least often if ever used piece of equipment he must carry. However it is the only piece of equipment that must perform 100%, 100% of the time. So there is something of a trade off... Enough training to maintain proficiency with a tool you will probably never have to use. Such is the nature of firearms.
I guess my point is this. The NYPD is a well trained department that mandates practice. And still the shock of an actual gunfight often challanges all the training and practice. I think this translates well to the civilian world. If that shock can effect a trained Police Officer... So will it most civilians. IMO the question is "What to do about it?"
There is a whole lot more training than two days... These two days are just dedicated range days. There is also 16 hrs in service training every quarter. Tactical street training was going on every six months. Station-house training once in a while.
As far as 50 rounds per month. Thats 50 rounds more than most people shoot. Remember were talking about Police Officers, not firearms enthusiasts. Although many people shoot hundreds of rounds in ever range trip, I dont know that they are becoming any better a shot. Keep in mind that training is somewhat different than practicing. I truely believe that shooting skills are perishable... but do we need to shoot 200 rounds a month to stay accurate? The training and practice I mentioned is mandated... nothing to keep anyone from practicing on their own.
While everyone recognize the handgun is as much an officers sign of office as his shield. It is the least often if ever used piece of equipment he must carry. However it is the only piece of equipment that must perform 100%, 100% of the time. So there is something of a trade off... Enough training to maintain proficiency with a tool you will probably never have to use. Such is the nature of firearms.
I guess my point is this. The NYPD is a well trained department that mandates practice. And still the shock of an actual gunfight often challanges all the training and practice. I think this translates well to the civilian world. If that shock can effect a trained Police Officer... So will it most civilians. IMO the question is "What to do about it?"