Police firearms instruction : problems and practices

Despite the importance of proper firearm handling and usage in law enforcement, few resources are currently available to update firearm instructors on proper teaching methods. Budget restraints and many other challenges now require that instructors be as resourceful as they are knowledgeable when teaching firearm use and safety.

With more than 150 photographs to help define and resolve training issues, Police Firearms Instruction: Problems and Practices provides succinct, yet comprehensive guidance in all aspects of firearms training. Employing a hands-on approach with an emphasis on safety, retired sheriff's deputy Richard Grassi teaches instructors how to properly equip and prepare officers both mentally and physically for the use of a firearm and the consequences.

Using a direct, conversational style, Mr. Grassi employs helpful anecdotes and war stories to demonstrate how to convey important ideas to trainees. He reviews such teaching fundamentals as how to communicate with a class, and how to handle challenging students. With examples from the field, he discusses safety issues and qualification controversies, and explains the value of simulations and repetitive skills practice. He also examines ways to match individual officers with the correct firearm.

Teaches instructors how to explain preparation, tactical issues, and safe handling, as well as post-incident protocol

Cognizant of the limited funding available for firearm training, Mr. Grassi explores ways for agencies to maximize training on a small budget. Additional coverage includes an insightful profile of the "fighting mind" and other officer issues, such as use-of-force investigations and dealing with the loss of a colleague.

Every law enforcement agency, firearms instructor, and instructor trainee should have this manual on hand to ensure that officers are well-equipped with the tactical firearms knowledge necessary to serve the public and protect themselves.

Dedication	p. v
Foreword	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Author	p. xiii
1 Burning Powder: Philosophy and Values	p. 1
Safety	p. 2
Philosophy	p. 2
Guns and Teaching	p. 3
Military Years	p. 4
Entry-Level Police	p. 5
2 Badges and Bullets	p. 9
Pre-Police Gunfire	p. 9
Modern Technique	p. 11
Sights	p. 12
Allow the Gun to Fire	p. 14
The Combat Triad	p. 14
Stress Complications	p. 15
3 Stress-Reinforced Technique	p. 17
Human Stress Response	p. 17
Operating System	p. 17
Symptoms	p. 19
Mastery	p. 20
Instinct	p. 23
Alternative Sighting Methods	p. 29
4 Issues of Teaching and Learning for Adults	p. 35
Learning Styles, Teaching Styles	p. 35
G.I. Beans	p. 36
Methods 101	p. 37
Drill	p. 38
The Way of the Gun	p. 40
"Why?"	p. 42
Good Times	p. 43
Summing Up	p. 49
Walk a Mile	p. 51
Failure	p. 52
5 Safety, Part I	p. 53
Four Main Safety Rules	p. 54
Physical Safety Checks	p. 57
Safety Circle	p. 58
It's Not a "Ready" Position	p. 60
Cross-Draw Holsters Unsafe?	p. 62
6 Safety, Part II	p. 65
Mat World	p. 65
Hot and Cold	p. 65
The Prime Directive	p. 66
Nonfiring Guns	p. 67
Preparation	p. 69
Inherently Dangerous Instrumentalities	p. 72
7 Advanced Firearms Instruction Techniques	p. 77
High Speed...	p. 77
...Low Drag	p. 77
Advanced Trigger Control	p. 78
Gripping Suspense	p. 82
Stance	p. 85
Sights Are Good	p. 87
Aftermath	p. 91
The Plan	p. 92
Advanced Firearms Instruction Seminar Session	p. 94
8 Qualification Controversies and Courtroom Survival	p. 95
The Pass-Fail Issue	p. 95
The Question of Tactics	p. 97
Why Day-Shift Officers Need Dim-Light Shooting	p. 97
Why We Still Shoot at Distance	p. 98
The Best Course	p. 103
9 Consolidating Force Training: Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instruction	p. 117
Real World	p. 117
Reasonable Responses	p. 117
UFI	p. 121
Force	p. 123
Across the Range	p. 125
10 Gun Retention and Disarming	p. 127
Proxemics	p. 127
Consistent Stance	p. 128
Power Stance	p. 133
Gun Retention	p. 133
A Firearms Instructor in Defensive Tactics Land	p. 139
The Bridge	p. 140
11 The Dance: Bringing the Street to the Range	p. 143
Dynamics	p. 143
Basics	p. 143
Tactical Foundation	p. 145
Problem: Decision Making	p. 146
Problem: Increasing Speed of the First Hit from the Holster	p. 150
Problem: Unconventional Positions and Cover	p. 151
Chairs	p. 159
Range World	p. 161
12 Simulations: Lessons Learned	p. 169
Gunfight Training	p. 169
Training Safety	p. 169
The Gunsite Way	p. 171
Lessons Learned	p. 174
Equipment	p. 177
Train the Trainer	p. 178
An Alternative	p. 179
Putting It Together	p. 180
Alarm Call	p. 185
Gaming	p. 185
A Unique Environment	p. 186
Environmental Issues	p. 186
To Find Out More...	p. 188
13 The Value of Repetitive Skills Practice	p. 189
Managing Training	p. 190
Problem #1 Our Aging Population	p. 190
Problem #2 Our Rookies	p. 191
Problem #3 Boundary Conditions	p. 191
Goals and Objectives	p. 192
Skills Maintenance	p. 193
What Is Training?	p. 194
Costs and Benefits	p. 195
Getting Started	p. 199
14 The Weapon	p. 201
The Fighting Mind	p. 201
Back to the Beast	p. 202
Inspiration	p. 203
White	p. 203
Yellow	p. 205
Orange	p. 205
Red	p. 206
Stress Loading	p. 207
15 The Best Gun (and Gear)	p. 209
Which One Is Best?	p. 209
The Best?	p. 209
Needs for Your Agency	p. 210
Environment	p. 210
Gun People	p. 213
Ammunition	p. 214
So, 9mm Is Best?	p. 219
Needs Assessment	p. 221
16 The Life	p. 229
The Students	p. 230
Resentment	p. 231
Tasks	p. 232
Politics	p. 232
Success	p. 233
Investigations	p. 234
Loss	p. 235
Network	p. 236
Seminar Format	p. 237
Index	p. 239

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