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.

The course is intended for shooters who are looking for basic introductory handgun safety, operation, and marksmanship as taught in police academies across the country. Those who already have basic knowledge of pistol shooting can also take advantage of this course to improve their shooting abilities to enhance their confidence entering into any police academy of choice. With high quality instruction and improved teaching techniques - let the REAL police academy firearms instructors help you excel in academy training.

Often hiring departments will advise candidates to not to see anymore outside firearms instruction. You must first understand the spirit of such advise. 1) To ensure that you don't learn outside of their curriculum 2) Receive poor instruction and develop bad marksmanship habits - namely shoot with anticipation. 3) Keep you healthy before the academy - victim of firearms accident. 

Out of these points #2 is probably the most concerned area. We would agree to this as well but so long as you are receiving instruction from people who understand true firearms training for LEO and novices, they should not let you just blast out rounds and get you to start anticipating before the academy. TAC-1's intention is to meet all of the concerns that hiring departments have and give a solid introduction to firearms so that any candidates can walk into the gates of their academy feeling confident that they have the firearms portion of the curriculum with confidence. 

It is worse to talk into something not knowing or be concerned with something unknown. Our firearms program for candidates are paced and not rushed to ensure they learn and understand the safety and the basic fundamental of shooting.

state of California post required firearms tests

• Daytime Basic Handgun Test
• Daytime Combat Handgun Test
• Daytime Basic Shotgun Test
• Daytime Combat Shotgun Test
• Lowlight/Nighttime Basic Handgun Test
• Lowlight/Nighttime Combat Handgun Test
• Lowlight/Nighttime Basic Shotgun Test
• Lowlight/Nighttime Combat Shotgun Test
•     Handgun & Shotgun Manipulation Tests

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.