We can be proud of our police officers

Bert Benson
Published: August 2, 2008

I read your editorial of July 26 entitled “Guns, police and firing ranges.” I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the absolute need for the Manassas City Police to have their own firing range, not only for
qualification purposes, but training and trying out new techniques as well. I need to correct you on a few points, however. You stated that “We would hope that people with that responsibility (use of deadly
force) would get to try out their marksmanship skills more than twice a year.”

Allow me to differentiate between required qualification vs. ongoing practice. In Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires once yearly firearm qualification sessions for each
armed police officer as well as armed security officers.

Each department however has the option of requiring more qualifying sessions of their officers as they deem necessary. Please do not confuse practice with required qualification. 

Police departments and their officers are very well aware of the sometimes unfortunate need for the use of deadly force and the potential liabilities that accompany that responsibility. 

Because of this, most officers make it a point to practice on their own very frequently, for their own safety as well as the safety of the general public. 

Most conscientious officers will practice at least monthly or every two months, if not at a departmental range, then at a private range.

Police officers are very serious about their jobs and are professionals at it. They fully understand the need and responsibility to be the best at what they do in all facets of their job.  The public can be very
proud of these professional and well trained emergency responders.

BERT BENSON

Manassas