40-Hours (SPO) Firearms Training

Description

This 40-hour firearms training course prepares District of Columbia Armed Special Police Officer (SPO) candidates to safely and effectively carry and use semi-automatic pistols and revolvers in the performance of their duties. Students will receive instruction in firearm safety, weapon nomenclature, ammunition, defensive mindset, firearms maintenance, basic and defensive marksmanship fundamentals, and use of force considerations. The course includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and live-fire range training, as well as an overview of the 2024 updated MPD General Orders 901.01 (Handling of Service Weapons) and 901.07 (Use of Force). Successful completion satisfies the firearms training requirements for DC Armed Special Police Officer certification.

Topics Covered

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe firearm handling procedures at all times.
2. Identify and explain the nomenclature and operation of semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.
3. Understand the principles of firearm safety and range safety.
4. Identify various types of ammunition and their intended applications.
5. Differentiate between training ammunition and defensive-duty ammunition.
6. Demonstrate proper loading, unloading, and firearm inspection procedures.
7. Apply the fundamentals of marksmanship, including grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breathing, and follow-through.
8. Demonstrate basic and defensive shooting techniques.
9. Recognize and clear common firearm malfunctions.
10. Develop a defensive mindset and situational awareness for armed security operations.
11. Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with carrying and using a firearm.
12. Explain the provisions of MPD General Order 901.07 regarding use of force, de-escalation, objectively reasonable force, and deadly force considerations.
13. Explain the requirements of MPD General Order 901.01 concerning authorized weapons, ammunition, safe handling, weapon security, and firearm discharge reporting procedures.
14. Properly field strip, inspect, clean, lubricate, and maintain assigned firearms.
15. Demonstrate proficiency during practical firearms qualification exercise

Expectations and Outcomes

Upon completion, students will demonstrate safe handling and operational proficiency with semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, apply basic and defensive marksmanship principles, and understand lawful use of force in accordance with MPD General Orders 901.01 and 901.07 for Armed SPO duties in the District of Columbia.

Students are expected to maintain strict firearm safety at all times, actively participate in classroom and live-fire instruction, demonstrate discipline and professionalism, and meet minimum written and practical qualification standards for certification

Types

Basic, Intermediate, Security Training & Certification

Documentation Requirements

The instructor requires a copy of your Government Issued ID once you register.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen (or meet DC eligibility standards under employer sponsorship)
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be able to read, write, and speak English
• Be of good moral character
• Pass a medical and drug screening
• Be approved and sponsored by a licensed DC security employer or be able to within 30 days of completion of this course
• Not have disqualifying criminal or disqualifying military history

Required before or during commissioning:

• Arrest powers and authority (DC law)
• Search and seizure fundamentals
• DC criminal statutes relevant to duties
• Use of force law and decision-making
• Emergency procedures (evacuation, first aid, active threat response)
• Terrorism awareness and workplace security response
• Customer service / public interaction