Location
A Place to Shoot: 33951 San Francisquito Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA
12651 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd Lake View Terrace, CA
Schedule
December 6, 2020 0800 to 1630 (#201206P1a)
Gun Rental is Available (+$25)
Fee
$225 + $25 rental
Program Description
Designed to introduce police academy candidates to the fundamentals of law enforcement firearms training to prepare them to excel in the academy training programs. Candidates attending this course does not need to be competent shooters - just a will to learn.
Often, law enforcement hiring departments advise candidates not to seek pre-academy firearms instruction. There are three reasons for such advice: 1) to ensure that candidates do not learn non-academy curriculum 2) to avoid poor instruction and the development of bad marksmanship habits- foremost of which is to shoot with “anticipation” 3) to keep candidates healthy before the entering the academy- i.e. not being the victim of a firearms accident.
Of these, reason #2 is perhaps the most critical from a training perspective. At TAC-1 we don’t allow students to simply blast out rounds, which leads to the anticipation of recoil and poor marksmanship. As academy firearms instructors, we know and understand fundamental firearms training for law enforcement. TAC-1 will address all concerns that law enforcement hiring departments have and build a solid foundation so that any candidate can walk through the academy gates feeling confident and secure in starting the firearms training module.
Academy Firearms Curriculum

Firearms Safety
Academy recruits are first required to learn and practice proper firearms safety. Learn the basics of Firearms Safety Rule and apply them on the range. Safety violations are one of the most common ways to get terminated due to the seriousness when it comes to firearms training.

Firearms Manipulations
Before you can shoot well, you must be able to manipulate your weapon well. Often poor manipulations of the firearms directly relates to poor marksmanship. Proper manipulation of the firearms will ensure that the shooter remains safe at all times, be effective and most of all efficient when handing the firearms.

Marksmanship
Learning proper marksmanship is not easy. When taught and learned incorrectly, the detrimental effects may be long-lasting for the student. This is why it’s crucial that you seek qualified instruction early in your shooting career. Law enforcement departments understand this and often recommend candidates do not seek firearms training before entering the academy. At TAC-1, we dispel this fear ensuring that you learn correct marksmanship fundamentals.
Q & A
"I don't own a gun to bring to the class. Do you rent firearms?"
Yes, we do. We rent S&W M&P 9mm and Glock 9mm for this class. These are one of the most common handguns currently being issued at many of the agencies.
"I was recommended not to seek firearms training before the academy. Will this cause problems?"
It is true that when applying they tell you to refrain from seeking firearms training. This is to prevent candidates from learning bad habits that they could acquire from poor instruction and learning. Often they tell you to even stop going to shooting ranges and wait for proper instruction at the academy. TAC-1's Pre-Academy is design to teach the students of proper handing of handguns as taught in academies. Many of the concerns posed are resolved and the instructions are true to the discipline in many of the academies.
"How does this class help me in the academy?"
When candidates don't have any shooting experience, it can be daunting to go into the academy not knowing much. It is a well known fact that the #1 failure in academy is and has always been the firearms portion. We lose more recruits due to failure in firearms than any other curriculum. Shooting is known as psycho-motor skill where the out come of the performance is greatly influenced by the shooter's mindset. More confident the shooter is the result is positive. In attending TAC-1's Pre-Academy Training Program students will build more confidence and peace of mind being prepared prior to entering the academy.
"What is the right timing to attend TAC-1's Pre-Academy Training Program?"
There is no magical time frame to attend our Pre-Academy Training Program. Shooting is a perishable skill where when one stops shooting, the skill will gradually deteriorate. Many police officers who do not continue to practice and train after the academy training, many suffer from poor marksmanship often embarrassing themselves during department qualification. TAC-1 Pre-Academy can be taken prior to or during your application process with any of the agencies. When given a hiring date and when class schedule permits, immediately seek our training before entering the academy as most academies will not allow their recruits to shoot off property during their training.
"I am a sworn officer having difficulty qualifying. Can you help me get better?"
Absolutely! We recommend that you enroll in our Pistol-I(b), the second module of the Pre-Academy Training. This class will examine further on the Elements of Marksmanship and attempt to identify and find solution for common shooting errors. Come and join us.
"How does TAC-1 know so much about Police Academy Firearms Training?"
Many of our instructors are full time sworn police officers assigned to LAPD's Fireams Training Section instructing daily at the academy. Many of the instructors are primary firearms instructor for an academy class with profound knowledge of the curriculum.
Pre-Academy Course Subject
The following technique and concepts will be introduced on Phase #1 Pistol-I(a)

Introduction
Students are introduced to basic safety and brief overview of the CA firearms law
4 Basic Firearms Safety Rules
Principles of personal defense
Use of deadly force (law)
Combative mind-set
Selecting the right weapon and basic ballistics

Weapon Operation
Students are introduced to the concept of basic weapon operation.
Drawing and exhibiting handguns from holster
Safe loading and unloading
Trigger Control & Dry Presses
Ready positions (Low Ready and Compressed Ready)
Elements of Marksmanship

Live Fire & Combat Shooting
Students are introduced to the concept of Live Fire & Combat Shooting
Assessing and scanning - situational awareness
Trigger Drills and Marksmanship
Basic malfunction clearing
Shooting at various distances
Combined skill evaluation & qualification
The following technique and concepts will be introduced on Phase #2 Pistol-I(b)

Review
Elements covered in Pistol-I(a) will be reviewed and practiced
4 Basic Firearms Safety Rules
Elements of Marksmanship (REVIEW)
Loading/Unloading (REVIEW)
Threat Assessment & Scanning (REVIEW)
Drawing and Presentation from Holster (REVIEW)

Weapon Operation
Students are introduced to the concept of weapon operation such as reloading and malfunction clearnce.
Tactical Reload - Ammo management concept
In battery Combat Speed Reload
Slide Lock Combat Speed Reload
Failure to Fire/Failure to Eject
Feedway Stoppage

Intro to Combat Shooting
Students are introduced to the concept of Combat shooting and drills
Shooting in pairs
Multiple target engagement
Head Shot
Failure Drill
Support hand shooting (two hands)

How does it Work?
Learn the Basic in Pistol-I Modules
- Students may rent weapon & gear consistent with local police departments
- Receive a Certificate of Completion upon completing Pre-Academy Pistol-I(a) & (b)
- This program is also suited for those FAILED out of the academy due to firearms curriculum
- LE Shotgun private session is also available for those needing shotgun training (weapon provided)
You may also register for Pistol-I Module without the gear and handgun rental
RegisterEach Police Academy firearms training programs have an unique curriculum and policies governing their use of firearms. All academies must meet the standard set by their individual state's POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements. Firearms tests are not the same from agencies to agencies. All courses of fire are designed by the corresponding agencies to evaluate their recruit officers. TAC-1's Pre-Academy Training Program does not reveal any known courses of fire nor answers to the test to maintain the integrity. TAC-1 Pre-Academy Training Program is designed to work on the elements of shooting needed to be successful in the basic academy training. TAC-1 does not guarantee any candidates' success in the academy training.