Originally Posted by
Rex G
Well, if my math is correct, that is 300 more rifle rounds, 140 more pistol rounds, and 25 more shotgun rounds, than I am provided per year, most years. The 60 rounds I do get is for qual. A shotgun class, mandated for anyone wishing to keep carrying a shotgun, beyond a cut-off date, several years ago, provided several hundred shells. A mandated-for-all low-light/stress-shoot pistol class, in 2011, provided about 160-180 rounds per officer.
Some few elective classes are offered, some of which provide ammo. Most fill within hours, via computerized sign-up, so the day-shift officers tend to fill the classes, and even if the sign-up process gave everyone an equal chance to enroll, not nearly enough classes are offered. I did manage to enroll in Tactical Shotgun at the end of May, the first time I have managed to get scheduled for elective firearms training in several years.
I cannot carry a patrol rifle/carbine, but would gladly trade those 300 rifle rounds for pistol or shotgun ammo.
Of course, I do not depend upon my employer to provide me with either ammo or training.
All is not gloomy. Our range is available 24 hours, five days/nights a week. On the rare nights that staffing is adequate, I can get a sergeant's OK to drive to the range and shoot the qual course. I can also go to the range during my personal time. If the ammo inventory is adequate, I can buy 60 rounds for $5.00. If not, I use ammo that I bring with me.