Training Bureau
Firearms Training
The Firearms Section trains all Denver police officers and Denver sheriff's deputies in the use of firearms. Weapons vary from duty sidearms to shotguns and semi-automatic rifles. This section is unique in that it is comprised of personnel from both the Denver Police and Sheriff’s Departments. There are nine persons assigned to the unit, six Denver police technicians and two Denver sheriff’s deputies, all supervised by a Denver police sergeant. All personnel assigned to this section are highly trained and experienced law enforcement firearms instructors. The organizational structure allows standardization of training between the Police and Sheriff’s Departments. Because the facility is the only one operated by the City & County of Denver, maintenance costs are borne jointly by both agencies.
The Firearms Section is responsible for a wide variety of duties. Critical among these is the training of all entry-level police officers. Bsaic academy recruits receive 88 hours of firearms training that includes marksmanship, tactics, decisional shooting and teamwork. All City and County of Denver law enforcement personnel (police, sheriff, district attorney, code enforcement, court marshals, arson investigators) are continually assessed and trained by the Firearms Section. This is done through quarterly marksmanship and decisional shooting handgun qualifications.
To simulate diverse conditions that officers may encounter the Firearms Section employs modern equipment. The targeting system can be programmed with a variety of scenarios to prepare officers for possible armed encounters. Targets can move forward or backward, stop at varying distances, and can also face toward or away from officers. Realistic targets with and without simulated threats are employed to sharpen officers’ decision-making skills and to add the element of stress. Lighting and environmental conditions can be adjusted to better simulate different times of day.
The Firearms Section conducts ongoing training in the latest tactics and firearms systems for experienced officers. In 1998 the Denver Police Department implemented the Urban Rifle program to give officers an alternative to their handgun or shotgun in situations requiring greater firepower. The Firearms Section also employs the high-tech Range 3000 decisional shooting simulator. This computerized, virtual reality system trains officers in both marksmanship and decision-making. Trainees face life-like scenarios projected onto a screen. Scenarios can be adjusted by the operator, allowing the outcome to change based on a student's actions.
The Firearms Section offers a number of courses to Denver police officers through the department’s Continuing Education Program. Courses range from those designed to improve an individual's shooting abilities to tactical firearms training. The Firearms Section is an important component in making the Denver Police Department one of the best-trained police departments in the country. Lastly, in compliance with HB 1108, the Firearms Section provides authorized retired law enforcement personnel the opportunity to qualify with a handgun for issuance of a Federal concealed weapons permit.
Some interesting facts about the Police Firearms Section: