I do not wish to get involved in the recurring mud slinging that occurs every time this topic is broached. I will just point out that when I was working, every time we went for re-qualification, there was training other than just firearms training. Firearms training involved timed fire at different distances, low and no light shooting, strenuous physical activity to increase our heart rate before we shot, lights and sirens to simulate actual street conditions, mag changes while being timed, dummy rounds inserted in our magazines to simulate bad ammo, weak and strong hand shooting, firing from behind barricades, etc.
While no doubt there are non police shooters who can out shoot officers at target ranges, most people are not required to undergo such testing in order to keep or carry their firearms.
I worked in NYC for a state agency. As part of our additional training, every time we re-qualified, we also trained in firearms retention. Every time. We also were retrained in applicable state law as to use of physical and deadly physical force. Every time. Anyone who worked in LE in NY will no doubt remember the acronym "DR. BARKS". This was a list of the crimes for which we could use deadly physical force under certain circumstances. Although my particular agency shortened the list. My agency also prohibited us from firing at a vehicle being used as a weapon unless we were being shot at from inside the vehicle. Every time I strapped on my weapon, thoughts went through my head that if I used my weapon, I might be fired, indicted, or both.
As a retiree, in order to keep my privileges under HR 218, or the revised version, LEOSA, I must yearly pay, out of my own pocket, a person who is qualified to train LEO's in the state I reside in to test me to the qualifications required by the police board in that state. In other words, I have to shoot at least as good, every year, as current police officers in that state, under the same conditions. The only difference is if I use my weapon, I am no longer indemnified by the state.
I will put no weight on my experience of 40 years in LE, or the injuries I sustained. It was a conscious decision on my part to choose this line of work, I was paid to do it, and I enjoyed it. Mostly. lol
I will let you draw your own conclusions as to the training, knowledge, and tested abilities of the average permit holder. Not the range hound who is there every day, or the competitive shooter who fires thousands of rounds a year, probably not even the members here who show an interest in this topic, but the "average" permit holder. Now compare them to the average retired LEO and let me know if you think they come up equal.
I'd love to see a situation where all were able to carry anytime or anywhere they wanted, but in the meanwhile, please give some thought before demeaning others who currently do so by virtue of their past employment. If you want to direct anger, point it to the politicians who have the ability to actually do something about it.
