Denton Police Service Training Center

The Denton Police Service Training Center (DPSTC) runs the Firearms Instructor - Basic course, a 50-hour TCOLE-certified program designed to train police officers who want to teach firearms and firearms safety to others.

This isn't a basic marksmanship class. You're learning how to teach firearms professionally. The course covers:

• •Diagnosing and correcting student shooting weaknesses
• •Analyzing and scoring qualification targets
• •Designing and running courses of fire
• •Proper documentation of police firearms training
• •How to develop comprehensive firearms training programs

Day one includes two mandatory qualification courses—pistol and shotgun—that you must pass at 90% or higher (you get two attempts). If you don't hit 90%, you don't move forward. This isn't a suggestion; TCOLE mandates it. Any accidental discharge during the course means you're done.

Handgun qualification: 50 rounds of semi-auto service pistol ammunition, fired from various distances and positions. You'll shoot from holster, low ready, and weak-hand only positions with strict time limits (4-5 seconds per string).

Shotgun qualification: Both slugs and buckshot. You need 90% on both to pass. The course runs 5 rifled slugs and 5 buckshot rounds (or 10 buckshot total) at distances from 7 to 25 yards.

You must already hold a Basic TCOLE Instructor certificate to enroll. The course costs $450.

Classes are held at the Denton Police Department Firearms Range on Vintage Blvd, Denton, TX. Course materials come on a USB drive and are accessible via smartphone with internet access. Bring a laptop if you can for after-hours review.

• •Reliable semi-auto service handgun with 3+ magazines
• •1,500 rounds of semi-auto ammo
• •Service shotgun with 50 rounds of 00 buckshot and 10 slugs
• •Backup revolver (loaners available in .38 Special)
• •50 rounds of revolver ammo
• •Wraparound eye and ear protection
• •Flashlight (weapon-mounted light optional)
• •Duty holster and magazine pouch