I've been to classes in this academy and the main Georgia Public Service Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, GA. It seems the wonderful media or some official has been working overtime on this getting this wrong.
The spokesman for GPSTC is quoted as saying that NO firearms or ammunition are allowed anywhere in their buildings. Yet I've taken firearms classes in 'their buildings' and everyone had their firearms in 'their buildings.'
They have people in their main building carrying loaded duty weapons. They claim these people are on duty. And these people are inside a fenced and guarded compound.
Sounds to me like Forsyth is trying to take ONE GIANT STEP away from the Austell academy.
The Austell academy is neither fenced or guarded. I believe the instructors there, that are sworn officers, do carry firearms. THEY ARE COPS, they should carry firearms while on duty!!
I've never had anything but good experiences in Austell and the instructors are some of the best you'll find.
I've been in classes with the instructor that was involved. He is one of the, if not the, most conscientious people in the law enforcement field. He would even make fun of himself for being so 'anal' about everything, especially safety.
These 'sources' that say that their are no weapons allowed in any classes have probably never been in a classroom, and that only 'red guns' are used. How do you teach someone how to lock the slide to the rear, or reload a red gun? Every firearms school that I've attended has always had classroom training, involving live firearms.
BUT, the ammunition is the main issue here. You never have live ammo in a classroom type invironment.
How did the round get there? I'm betting that no one on this site knows the answer. So I will not pass judgement until all the facts are out.
I do know this instructor. He is a good man and an excellent instructor.
We cannot do anything for the student. GOD rest her soul and bless her family. But we, as the law enforcement community, need to support our fellow officer, not cover for him or justify any misconduct, but to stand with him as we would stand with any member of our family.