NYPD Firearms and Tactics Recruit Manual

    ■P'OLICE UEPAPTMEM 
G I T Y OF NEW Y0 riK

FlriEAriMS & TACTICS

■HECAUIT CUPS I CULUM

POL' ICE ACADEMY
f l sEAP i v i o  & t a c t i c s  SECTION

P E V I S E 0 
N O V .  1 9 7 9



(1)
PROGIUM NOTES

Firearms Instructors are charged with the 
significant responsibility of teaching police 
recruits how to use their firearm:

a) ’- proficiently and safely (including 
proper safeguarding and securing).

b) judiciously, both legally and morally 
in accordance with Department policy 
tactically

■ The revolver is one of an officers most important 
protective -tools and requires his special attention 
during his entire tenure as a police officer.

.'/♦ before .receiving permission to carry revol­
vers, new recruits must fully comprehend the lav;,

,■ Department policy, and their moral responsibilities 
relating to the use of deadly physical force.
During the remainder of their firearms training 
these and other subjects will be constantly re­
viewed. In addition, recruits will be exposed to 
purposeful situational type training (judgment 
filmg, role pl^aying situations, etc.), to enhance 
their., abilities to make prompt and sound judge­
ments' under circumstances involving the possible 
use *of deadly physical force. It is only after

■ recruits fully understand their duties, respon­
sibilities and limitations in such situations 
that they are prepared to learn to use their 
revolver proficiently, safely and tactically.

It is not sufficient that firearms are 
mechanically perfect or that cartridges function 
efficiently. Police officers must knov; how to 

‘ properly employ both to attain marksmanship pro­
ficiency, otherwise the service expected of fire­
arms and ammunition during emergency situations 
will not be rendered. There are no short cut 
methods of attaining proficiency. It can only be 

/acquired by study, practice and mental discipline- 
The unskilled or tactically incorrect employment 
of firearms during deadly confrontations, or the 

; failure to heed, safety rules (on or off-duty or at 
home), may very likely result in tragedy.

Firearms .'Instructors, by imparting their 
. skills, knowledge, good judgement and res]'>ect for 
firearms, can nhs'till in their students confidence 
in their abili.ty to perform professionally in stress 
situations. It will also enable the students to 
carry their firearms safely v;ithout endangering 
themselves, their families or other innocent persons, 

'/'This is an aweS'ome responsibility and requires max­
imum effort oh-the part of instructors as well as 
students.



(2)
PROGRMl NOTES

GEI-ITPAL I^OGRAIl
The Recruit Firearms Curriculum is based on a study 
.of Firearm? Dispharge/Assault cases reported since 
1970 under the authority of Standard Operating Ihro- 
cedure No.9, series •1969-
'The program consists of A2 hours of classroom in- 
.;struc*tion and, range exercises. Five consecutive 
.seven hour days are devoted to indoor instruction 
and one seven hour day, just prior to graduation 
is cbnducted at the Outdoor Range.
■A qualification standard of at least seventy-five 
(75) percent must be attained for each session be- 
.fore pnogressing to the succeeding session.

The basic and advanced combat silhouette targets
utilised,' will be scored as follows:• •

Two (2) ■•points will be credited for each 
hit within the shaded area. One (1) point 

• will be.bredited for each hit ^̂ îtVain the
• ’‘'outline, of the silhouette, but outside the

. 'shaded area. No credit will be allov;ed for 
a hit outside the silhouette outline.

During dll recruit training sessions the following 
shall be adhered to:

a) At the start of each session, firearms
• : , instructors shall report any absentees
• ■ • to the Officer in Charge, Recruit Train­

ing Section, at the Police Academy.
They will also notify the Firearms and 
Tac/tics Section, Records Unit of the 
number of recruits present.

■ b) In addition to all other subject matter,
each ‘session v/ill include firearms safety

■ • . and a review of at least half of the
following subjects:
d. Legal Ure of Deadly Physical Force 
2. Judgement And Moral Responsibility 

•' ' In the Use of Deadly Physical Force
3- Depar-tment Firearms Policy

■ , . ■̂I-. Tactics
5- Safeguarding and Securing of Firearms 

«
Subjects will be alternated on succeeding 

• sessions so as'.to insure equal coverage of all,
c) Revolver Manual -and Loitering Hammer on

Live Round will be practiced during firing 
rang^ exercises.



( ? )

•PROGi;An NOTES

d)

e)

f)

s)

h)

i)

o)

Protective coggleo and ear protection 
MUST be worn be all students during 
range exercises. No recruit will be 
perrtitted on the range without both of 
these devices.
Prior to each range exercise, recruits 
will dry fire the prescribed course of 
fire.
At- the start of each firing exercise, 
on.command of the Range Control Officer, 
the recruit will draw and combat load 
his' service revolver-v/ith six (6) rounds. 
He.then will come to the standing ready 
position with his finger outside the_ 
trigger guard and remain in that position 

further commands. The only ex­
rule will occur xMien the 
the kneeling position, 
first v/ill assume the

to this 
assumes 
case he

ponding 
ception 
recuiiit
In such ___  -- - - -
position, and then draw and combat load 
his revolver.
Upos completion of each range exercise, 
firearms instructors will analyze targets 
and critique each recruits' performance. 
Qualifying scores must be attained for  ̂
each session and recorded on the recruits' 
score sheet.
Upon termination of tlie day's firing 
exorcises, recruits will be instructed 
to return their revolvers to the boxes 
from which they were issued. Recruits 
are NOT permitted to wear their uniforms 
or to carry their revolvers until ordered 
to do so by the Commanding Officer, Police 
Academy. Ammunition will not be issued 
for other than training at the range. 
Recruits will be instructed IffiVER to 
purchase any service ammunition from 
outside sources. Sufficient ammunition 
for^their needs will be issued free of 
change by the Department.
Recruits v;ill police the range and class­
room areas at the end of each training 
ses,sion.



RECRUIT FIIffiARHS GURRICULUTl 

Session

(^0

NOTES

■ * CLASSROOM

This seven (7) -hour session is devoted primarily to Fire- 
arms Safety and the Legal and Moral Use of Deadly Physical 

. Force. Prior to'being armed, each recruit must have a 
comprehensive knowledge of juristictional law and Dep^t- 

' ment policy relating to the use of fire^ms. In addition, 
he c^ust evince a sense of moral responsibility and proper

■ judgement lik'ely to result in desireable responses during 
potentially deadly situations. Instructors will conduct

.\in-depth classes covering all facets of this subject.

Advise class "that a forty—five (^5) minute written exam­
ination, will be given at the end of Session No. ‘i, and 
will include le'cture material covered during sessions 

’’ Np. .1 through 4 inclusive.
•; Indoctrination - Apprise recruits of the rules and regu- 

latipns of the. range and the location of facilities. 
Instruct them to fit their gun belts, containing related 
leather goods, snugly about the body at waist level.
Cite'- reasons 'for the strong liand side holster position 
and-the firmly affixed gun belt. Caution recruits_ 
agairi-st» the use of a clip-on, shoulder, ankle or gim­
mick type holster.
Forms - Prepare score sheet - check for completeness 
and accuracy.

‘ Safety - Present firearms safety lectures, emphasizing 
range safety, in accordance with Firearms & Tactics

■ Section lesson plans.
Basic Knowledge of Guns and Ammunition - Enumerate the

• ■ major parts of the service revolver and explain how it
■ operates. Point out the direction of the cylinder
■ rotation on each authorized model, and the disadvantages 

•• of non-regulation stocks, triggers, etc.

■ . Bullet Potential - Describe the Caliber .58 Special car-
• trid^. the fujiction of each component, and the bullet's
. potential upon discharge, including maximum range, effec­

tive range, penetration, ricochet potential and the need 
for concern regarding innocent bystanders. Explain why 
the characteristics of this cartridge make it suitable

• for employmerlt in an urban area. Caution the recruit 
against the us«. of unauthorized ammunition.



(5)
NOTES

Revolver Nanual - Practice each command of the revolver 
"manual, ujitil tlje movements are perfected.

Slnp;le and Double Action Shootinp; - Describe in detail 
proper grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger manipu­
lation and point .of aim in the police crouch position.
• Give * instruction on the supported position with and 
‘without the use of sights. Explain the reason for using 
the silhouette target, and inform the recruit of the 
firing procedtire ahd scoring method for qualification.

Session #2 

' CLASSROOM

; Conduct'class’on range safety. Review Legal and Moral 
Use of Deadly |daysical Force, and Department policy 
regarding use" of firearms (P.G, 10h - including reasons 
for-each sub-division). Review double action firing, 
emphasizing cocjbat positions and the sight picture to 

•■•be- ejiployed at varying distances. Emphasize utiliza-> 
tion of ̂ the police crouch position, preferably suppor- 
ted. Note that most police confrontations involving

• firearms occur within seven (7) yards. Finally, accent
• the need for stroking the trigger nmoothly and rapidly. 

Instruct in the kneeling, double action, combat posi­
tion. Emphasize that the drawing and loading of revol-

. vers must be done in the prescribed safe manner at all 
tiinds. Discuss tactical advantages of taking cover 

.behind a store counter, trash can, automobile, etc.

. FIRING RA.NGE AREA 
Per Appendix "A” - Session #2

;Firearms instrucrtors will analyze the targets and 
..critique the common faults after each string of fire, 
Score and Recobd results.
A score of 75% or more must be attained and recorded 
■for qualification.

CLASSROOM

.Critique the da^/'s firing exercises.



(6)
NOTES

Session #5 

CLASSROOII

Firearms Safety.

Critique sessions î '\ and //2. Briefly review combat 
■ -positions and double action shooting. Discuss com- 
ponents of N'.T.P.D. Practical Revolver Course and 
the reasons f.or each (S.O.P. 9 - Analysis of Police 
Combat Situations).

Describe and illustrate strong and weak hand barricade 
. positions. Show how the transfer of the revolver from 
one hand to the other is always done in front of the 
barricade and how the cylinder must be opened before the 
weapon is borught back for combat unloading. Have 
shooter place heals together, elbow at his side, with 
revolver pointed down range and assume the barricade 
positiqn in three (5) steps as follows:

1. E:jctend shooting hand ONIjY beyond the
. h, barricade.

2. Place foot opposite shooting hand forward.
3« Lastly, bring into position the barricade

■ .. ■ supporting hand.

Repeat ‘this safety procedure for the barricade posi­
tion.

FIRING R/VNGE AREA 
Per-Appendix "A" - Session #3

Evaluate the target after each firing stage, score 
and record.

CLASSROOM

Critique the day's firing exercises. Lecture on safe 
handling of automatic pistols. Demonstrate common 
errors involving automatic pistols.

Session

■ • CLASSROOM
. .Fire^ms SafetV-- Review safety procedures with par- 
ticulax emphasis on hazards encountered under dimly 
lit conditions’. Include safeguarding firearms, es­
pecially while, off-duty.



(7)

Dim Lip;ht Firing; Course - Review double action shooting 
end combat positions. Instruct Re the techniques em­
ployed-in firing this course; necessity for proficiency 
under darkened renditions without the use of sights; 
absolute need for positive identification of target.

iPractical Revolver Course - Describe and demonstrate 
each of the positions fired during the PRC course. 
Emphasize that; the contents of this course are based 
on a study of*combat situations (SOP 9) in which 
members of the service have been injured or killed by 
apmed adversaries.

Written Test - A minimum score of 75% is required. 
Peview results' v;ith recruits, with particular emphasis 
on most common mistakes.

FIRING RANGE AREA

Per-Appendix "A" - Session #4

NOTES

Session #5

CLASSROOM

Review Firearms'Safety at home, at work and on the 
range. Review Legal & Moral Use of Force and De­
partment Policy regarding use of firearms.

.Review Analysis of Police Combat Situations.

Instruct recruits Re safeguarding and security of fire- 
.arms and reiterate the intrinsic dangers of clip-on type 
'holsters and tho'se lacking security devices. Bring out 
'that many unnegessary injuries have occurred because of 
worn and defective off-duty holsters. Describe and show 
examples of acceptable and unacceptable off-duty holsters. 
Mention that the Equipment Section meets the needs for 
Police Officers'', leather equipment.

Discufls tactics to be employed to minimize potential 
’■ '.injuries during*-a stress situation. Relate in chron*- 
/'ological order',the response and the job of the first 
'. and subsequent members of the service at the scene of 
• situations wheroin firearms are likely to be used 
, .(sudden attacks, hostage situations, barricaded persons, 
'etc'.). Discuss role of specialized commands such as



(8)
NOTES

Emergency Service, Bomb Squad, Hostage Negotiators, 
• etc.

Care and Cleaning of the Rnvolver - Demonstrate the 
entire procedxire. Explain why oil should be lightly 

• applied and the special care required when using 
‘ spray type gun lubricants. Mention the benefits of 
the occasional use of a Silicon cloth.

FIRING RANGE AREA

As per Appendix "A" - Session #5
(Recruits must attain a score of 75% out of a 
possible d00%-in both Practical Revolver Courses).

Session ^6

Conducted at ."the Outdoor Range prior to graduation. 
Tra’iillng program includes PRC qualifications, moving 
targets, cover and concealment, response tactics, 
firearms safety, legal and moral use of force, Depart­
ment -.policy regarding use of firearms. Time permitting, 
members* v;ill fire the Multiple Target, Exertion, and 
Close Combat Courses.

Thirty-six (36) rounds of regulation ammunition will 
be issued to each recruit.

REFERENCES

Legal & Moral Use of Deadly Physical Force
Care and Cleaning of the Revolver
N.y.P.D. Practical Revolver Course
Film "Moment of Decision
Knowledge of Guns and Ammunition
Dim Light Firing Course
Safe Handling.of Semi-Auto Pistols
Raids Against JBarricaded Persons
N.i?.A. Police. Firearms Instructors Manual
Sniper Incidents - Weapons and Tactics
Analysis of Pol-ice Combat Situations

Firearms Safety - 
Revolver Manual 
Single Action Shooting 
Double Action Shooting 
Close Combat Course 
Tactics
N.Y.S. Penal Law(Art35) 
Patrol Guide 10^-1

Sgt. Thomas M. McTernan 
Ti'aining Officer 
Firearms & Tactics Section



A V • /,

firp:a r m s aito t a c t i c s s e c t i o n I I
RECORD OF RECRUIT FIREAI^TIS AND TACTICS TIUINING;

I M T W m U M W F } FII^ST NAIliiCPklN'iT HT" TAX NUI-lfeto'

SHiELTlT"

,SVR. REV.: MAKE

■ u m r a r r

MODEL

DATE OE ■ATTOINWn-TW

CAL. 0^8 SERIAL #
Abovo' described service revolver hns been obtained

by me from_
Signature” Date

DATE
SESSION

a. Orientation
b. Preparation of P'orns
c. Legal 8c Moral Use of Deadly Physical 

Force
d. Firearms Safety

'• ,e. Knowledge of Firearms 8c Ammunition
f. Bullet Potential
g. Nomenclature of Revolver
h. Revolver Manual
i. Leather Equipment
J. Single Action Shooting 
k. Double Action Shooting

SESSION ^ 2

a. Firearms Safety on the Range
b. Practice Revolver Manual on range
c. Single Action-Basic Silhouette Target 

7 yds. - supported
7 ydp. - unsupported 

15 yds. - supported
d. Double Action-Basic Silhouette Target 

7 yd's-Combat Crouch-supported
7 yds-Corabat Grouch-unsupported 

15 yds-Point Shoulder-supported 
15 yde-Point Shoulder-unsupported

e. Re.ceive safety instruction and 
actually lower hammer on live round.

F.I. Initials

— i m ~
ISSUED

10
10
10

50
20
50
20

s g o m :



■̂ 7
,)<

DATE' -n-
SESSION ^5 (Service Revolver) ]

a. Firearms Safetyb. Double Action-Basic Silhouette Target 
7 yds»-Combat Crouch-supported 
7;yds-Combat Crouch-unsupported

-15 yds-Point Shoulder-supported 
15 yds-Point Shoulder-unsupported 
15 -yds-Kneeling-supported 
25 yds-Point Shoulder-supported 
25. yds-Point Shoulder-unsupported 
25 yds-Strong Hand Barricade 
25 -yds-Weak Hand Barricade

c. P.R.C. Advanced Silhouette Target

SESSION (Off-Duty Revolver)&(Service)
Firearms Safety
Doi^ble Action-Advanced Silhouette 
Off-Duty Revolver 
7 yds-Combat Crouch-supported 
7'yrs-Combat Crouch-unsupported 

15 yds-Point Shoulder-supported 
15 yds-Point Shoulder-unsupported 
, P.R.C. - Off-Duty Revolver 
, Dim-Light Firing Service Revolver 
Dim-Light Firing Off-Duty Revolver 

, Written Test

a ,
b,

c .
d,

SESSION #5
a. Firearms Safety
b. P.R.C. Serivee Revolver
c. P.R.C. Off-Duty Revolver
d. P.R.C. Service Revolver TEST
e. P.R.C. Off-Duty Revolver TEST 

■ f. Dim Light - Service Revolver
Off-Duty Revolver

FINAL AVERAGE - SERVICE Hl^VOLVER 

FINAL AVERAGE - OFF-DUTY REVOLVER 

Firparms Instructor
Signature

SESSION - OUTDOOR RANGE

V U  I ;■ V -  •
V,- ( I * I •

r i \ y ~
i s s u e d ! SCORE

V

2/4-
12
12
6

2/4-
2A
12
24
12
50

18
12
128
50
50
20

50
50
50
50
50
20

%

%
%
%
%

%

%