I'm gonna say it and I don't care what gun nuts think...

[Nanjing03]

194. CCW/CPW Safety and Responsibility

There is certainly nothing wrong with training and ... "a little more training" ... as we used to say at the academy where I once taught.


In our state, getting a concealed weapons permit includes almost a week of use-of-force and safety training in the classroom with one day on the range leading up to qualification. The range is only seven yards which is about as far as anybody needs to shoot in a defensive situation. The classroom instruction is actually what a law enforcement officer receives, while LEOs receive several other weeks of training covering report writing, legal codes, radio communications skills, defensive driving and pursuit, CPR/first aid, chemical munitions, baton, mechanical restraints, etc, and finally, firearms training in the last week and a half on a 25 yard range. Basic course officers have to show proficiency in their department issue sidearm and the 12 gauge riot shotgun only. More advanced tactical officers and instructors with experience in the field are trained in various rifles, rifle marksmanship at greater ranges, and forced entry, barricade, and hostage procedures.


That said, private citizens who complete the CPW class and who conceal carry seem to have better safety and engagement records than basic certified law enforcement officers. I think the reason for that is that armed citizens tend to look at bearing arms as a martial art that requires ongoing training in order to remain honed, ready and proficient, while most officers often view guns as a job related nuisance.