CA POST FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR UPDATE COURSE
LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR UPDATE
CA POST COURSE CONTROL NUMBER 1403-29448
3 Days / 24 Hours
This course complies with the legislative content and mandates of AB 392, SB 230 and PC 835a.
This Firearms Instructor Update / Red Dot Sight (RDS) Instructor course equips officers to effectively run a modern tactical handgun program utilizing pistol optics. The curriculum emphasizes current best practices for transitioning from traditional iron sights to modern RDS systems, as well as techniques for improving shooter performance. With approximately 16 of the 24 course hours focused on conducting live-fire range operations, this emphasis on practical application ensures officers learn to implement legally defensible firearms training programs designed to neutralize "failure to train" and "deliberate indifference" claims, protecting both the individual officer and the agency from civil liability. Because this is an advanced instructor-level update emphasizing coaching and diagnostics, officers must arrive with an above-average ability to safely and proficiently manipulate their assigned weapons.
Each officer will receive two certificates:
Firearms Instructor Update
RDS (Red Dot Sight) Pistol Instructor
Topics to be covered include:
Pistol Optic Transition and Use
Firing Range Risk Management
Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Target Analysis and Diagnostics
Firearms Instructor Development
Effective Coaching Techniques
Adult Learning Concepts
Designing Courses of Fire
Officer-Led Presentations
Low-Light / Night Range Operations
RDS Equipment Selection and Policy
Evaluation of Range Equipment
Documenting Firearms Training
Range Training Aids
Off-duty/Concealed Carry Concepts
Proper Care and Cleaning of Weapons
Failure to meet the following standards may be cause for dismissal on the first day:
Possess all required equipment.
Demonstrate safe weapon handling under all conditions, at all times.
Demonstrate above-average knowledge of their weapons systems.
Demonstrate above-average weapon-handling skills and marksmanship.
To achieve certification as a Firearms Instructor, each officer must:
Turn in all required assignments.
Demonstrate effective coaching and shooter remediation techniques.
Pass the shooting proficiency course of fire (maximum of three attempts).
Receive average or better evaluations on presentation and communication skills.
Pass the final written exam with 80% or better.
Advance Payment is required.
Each student is required to bring the following equipment to the course:
Range safety equipment
Eye protection, including clear eye protection for the night shoot
Electronic ear protection
Sun protection (e.g. sunscreen, hat, etc.)
Foul weather gear (e.g. rain jacket, warming layers, etc.)
Duty pistol
Pistol mounted optic
Pistol mounted weapon light
Duty holster
Magazine carrier
4 magazines
1200 rounds of pistol ammunition
Off-duty pistol (duty pistol in off-duty holster is acceptable)
A holster specifically designed for that make and model of firearm
A sturdy belt
2 magazines
100 rounds off-duty pistol ammo
Weapon cleaning equipment
Spare batteries for all weapon optics and lights
Handheld duty flashlight and spare batteries
5 dummy rounds
Note-taking materials
Sharpies
Timing device (e.g. electronic shot timer or stopwatch)
Training aids for their class presentation (e.g. red or blue guns, dummy rounds, TrainingSights, etc.)
Tactical vest (only if required by the agency)
Body armor (only if required by the agency)
*We recommend students bring the following:
A spare duty pistol with optic in the event that their primary pistol or optic fails
Training with the weapons and the gear their future students will be using