NCJ Number
95236
Date Published
Unknown
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This manual for the firearms training course required of every Illinois police officer covers equipment, safety, care and maintenance, shooting fundamentals, the shotgun, and the deadly force decisionmaking process.
Abstract
An introductory discussion of the rationales for police firearms training cites studies that have shown inadequate firearms skills among police officers, particularly at the shorter distances where most fatal shootings occur. The manual explains the parts and operation of a revolver and an autopistol, the components of a cartridge, bullet sizes, holsters, loading devices, and other equipment matters. Suggestions on firearms safety address etiquette for handling firearms, the off-duty handgun, on-duty considerations, and range safety. Care and maintenance instructions detail the equipment needed and explain how to clean revolvers and autopistols. Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, and grips -both traditional and Weaver style -- are explained under shooting fundamentals. The manual also outlines range procedures for loading and unloading, range commands, and handling malfunctions. A separate section on the shotgun reviews its tactical use, nomenclature for major parts, loading and unloading, the for major parts, loading and unloading, the shotgun shell, and shooting stance. The final chapter discusses the decision to shoot or not to shoot, with attention to legal and moral issues. Photographs, diagrams, and four references are supplied. The appendixes contain the Illinois law on mandatory firearms training, drawings of common police firearms, a list of suggested readings, and the mandated course of fire prescribed by Illinois law.