2008-06-25 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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F lREARMS In 2007 the firearms instructors continued to focus on a one-on-one training program developed at the end of 2004. The program emphasizes the dynamic nature of law enforcement-related shooting encounters, moving away from the traditional static firing position approach and focusing on shooting while moving. The movement emphasized includes engaging rapidly approaching threats in confined spaces such as small rooms and hallways in houses and apartments. The program is popular with the officers not only because of additional training time, but because ofthe individualized attention. The fIrearms instructors are also able to view officers' weapons handling skills and shooting abilities and provide focused training and commentary. This training was also "budget friendly" as it was only held on "open range" days - free all day access days to the outdoor range maintained by Anoka County for the benefit of all agencies in the county. Officers again attended the annual Gamma Shoot, a "shoot/no shoot" decision-making focused interactive video live fire qualification shoot, and the annual Low Light/Adverse Weather Shoots offered through the consortium of Anoka County law enforcement agencies and their firearms instructors. Officers also attended a Summer shoot designed to enhance officers' skills with the department-issued squad rifle. Officers were also encouraged to practice their firearms skills at the designated "open range" dates. As an incentive to officers to practice their firearms skills at the open range dates on their own time the department offered department ammunition for use as well as the attendance of a department firearms instructor. In 2007 the department also re-evaluated its long gun program and determined to replace its existing 9mm pistol-caliber squad rifles with .223 rifle-caliber AR-15 carbines. The AR-15's will permit officers greater ranges of engagement and advances in .223 ammunition technology make that round less likely to over penetrate that the 9mm in certain applications. Finally, those not familiar with weaponry may not know of the great shortage in both practice and duty ammunition for both rifles and handguns. Law enforcement is competing for ammunition in the global market with both the military and other nations who utilize the same raw materials that go into making ammunition. As a result, it is not uncommon to wait several months (and in the case of certain rifle ammunition in excess of a year) for ammunition orders to be filled. Not surprisingly, there has been a commensurate cost increase which has had a negative impact on the department's ammunition budget. Weare hopeful this situation will change and have budgeted for additional cost increases in the future. 21 L__