Attachment B. Scope of Training and Background of Training Needs.pdf

ATTACHMENT B. Scope of Services: Qualification and Training Objectives

ATTACHMENT B. Scope of Services: Qualification and Training Objectives Page 1 of 2

NOTE: This information is meant to provide Bidders with background and context for the MPTC’s need for firearms training facilities. Please note however, that providing certification and providing training to MPTC law enforcement officers, as described below, is NOT part of this RFR, meaning Bidders do not have to provide a response to these sections. Finally, With the passage of police reform in July 2021, the MPTC is now responsible for the development, delivery, and enforcement of training standards of approximately 24,500 municipal, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, University of Massachusetts, Environmental, campus police officers and deputy sheriffs of the Commonwealth. This an increase of approximately 8,000 law enforcement officers over pre-police reform caseload. Additionally, over the next three years (2021-

2024) the MPTC must provide additional training to officers who have completed only a reserve training program. This will require almost 3,500 part-time/reserve officers to attend a Bridge Academy that includes a 56-hour firearms course.

The MPTC was previously responsible for training 16,500 municipal, environmental and

University of Massachusetts police officers. Now, the MPTC must train between 8,000 additional officers and deputy sheriffs annually.

Firearms Standards for Training and Qualification - Minimum State Standard

The minimum standards included herein are required of all sworn municipal, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, University of Massachusetts, Environmental, campus police officers and deputy sheriffs of the Commonwealth. These standards are divided into two sections: Qualification and Training.

Qualification. Qualification under these standards is intended to document existing marksmanship proficiency and safe firearms handling skills. Training is intended to improve the officer’s marksmanship, reaction, and decision-making skills under stress in a variety of potential shooting situations, as well as to enhance officer safety and safety of the public. The standards listed reflect current MPTC minimum firearms qualification standards policy. Nothing herein should be construed as recommending adherence to only the minimum standards or as restricting agencies in any way from exceeding them.

These minimum standards shall include all weapon systems that a department authorizes and deploys, to include:

• Semiautomatic pistols

• Revolvers

• Patrol rifles

• Shotguns

• Less-lethal systems

Each officer shall successfully complete the MPTC Basic Qualification Course for each weapon at least once per year with:

Per current MPTC policy, a minimum score of 80% and 100% round accountability.

While duty ammunition is not required for the qualification course, the caliber used for qualification shall be identical to that used for duty ammunition.

The target used for qualification shall be the standard MPTC-approved target.

The number of rounds needed for each weapon system is as follows:

• Semiautomatic pistols = 50

• Revolvers = 50

• Patrol rifles = 50

• Shotguns = 25

• Less-lethal shotgun = 8

• Less-lethal 40mm = 6

Annual Training. MPTC instructors provide all training, testing, scoring, verification and overall management of all training requirements described herein.

Officers shall receive instruction in and review legal issues and department policy regarding use of force and the safe handling and storage of firearms, including deployment from and storage into the locking devices in cruisers. These may be done:

• At the time of qualification,

• During range training, or

• On a separate date and time.

Each officer shall complete two, separate training sessions in the use of all weapon systems a department deploys within each twelve (12) month period, but not to exceed six (6) month intervals.

In addition to the annual qualification requirement, at a minimum, each officer shall discharge:

• At least fifty (50) live-fire rounds for training.

• The intent is for these additional rounds to be expended in multiple firearms training sessions.

• The requirement to fire fifty (50) live-fire rounds will apply to the following weapon systems:

o Semiautomatic pistol o Revolver o Patrol rifle

Additional rounds for the shotgun will be twenty-five (25) rounds, unless solely used as a less-lethal system.

Additional rounds for less-lethal systems will be two (2) rounds.

Each training session shall be realistic in nature and should include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Judgmental shooting,

• Reduced light

• Multiple target drills or scenarios,

• Shooting at moving targets and shooting while moving

• Sympathetic fire drills

Training should enhance skill diversity by varying the live fire drills from session to session. Instructors should build upon the drills conducted in previous sessions.

Training should be scenario-based wherever practical and incorporate the use of:

• Cover,

• Shooting from a variety of positions, and

• Use of both sighted and point shooting techniques.

Any target may be used for training purposes; in addition, the use of steel or reactive targets is encouraged where practical.

In addition to the live-fire requirements, skill-building drills may include;

• Firearms simulators (such as MILO or FATS)

• Simunition weapons

• Airsoft/plastic rounds

ATTACHMENT B. Scope of Services: Qualification and Training Objectives

ATTACHMENT B. Scope of Services: Qualification and Training Objectives Page 2 of 2

• Red/blue guns.