Police Sniper

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I was wondering if anyone here is a law enforcement sniper, if so, I would like info on things like the range you take shots at and what you have to go through to become a law enforcement sniper, thanks.

-- Eder Alejandre (korn_fan57@yahoo.com), February 19, 2003

Answers

Hello gentlemen,

I wans't going to answer this one, but after seeing how many young people have interest in becoming a police sniper....I changed my mind. Yes....first become a police officer. Be the best officer you can be....be proactive. I hate to say it this way, but build a reputation for yourself as a "good officer". Meanwhile, study everything you can about sniping and shooting. Listen to your range instructors on the basics of shooting. They will "remember" not just how well you shoot, but how well you listened (hint hint). Do not tell anyone about your interest in SWAT (a sniper will be part of this team). There will already be those "screaming" for attention to get in. Those who blab will often be ignored. Learn to "consistently" shoot hundreds on the range under any condition. I believe the longest Police Sniper Shot was about 80 yards. In our department, we had about a 70 to 75 yard shot. We went to different schools. FBI, Quantico, Secret Service....whoever was hosting one when we needed to have another sniper. It required (to the complaint of many SWAT members) a lot of running. So basically we were trained like military. Most PD's only practice to 200 yards. Our department had to qualify to 1000 yards after an eight mile run with their gear (rifle-15-20 pounds; ammo-5-8 pounds; pistol and mags-8-10 pounds; gear bag with shooters bull bag-40-50 pounds). Definitely a hump of a run in the searing sun and humidity.) Thank God we did not have to wear the stinking SWAT vest and equipment in there....another 40-50 pounds. Oh....and you definitely had to have a full canteen of water....or you were done. Obviously for a Police Sniper, most officers did not agree we needed all this running and shooting at a 1000 yards, but "why the hell not". We had some big fields. I don't regret it. You won't either. Just remember, if there is an interview....that is really where it begins. That's not something anyone can help you with...it's called confidence. You either have it or you don't. Good luck.

-- Mr 1719 (cellmate_1719@msn.com), April 27, 2004.


The first thing you need to do is become a police officer. I am a precision shooter("sniper"). In the area of Missouri that I work it is something that you have to ask to become when a spot opens. There is not a hole lot to do in order to train for this, just shoot a lot. But remember its not just shooting skills that will make you a good sniper. Good luck

-- Chris (pdsniper263@aol.com), September 14, 2003.

I am in high school right now. When i get out im looking for a job most likely in the law enforcement. I would like to be a sniper for the sherrifs dep. what classes would i neeb to take 4 that???

-- Tony (goteads@yahoo.com), August 18, 2003.

I am also interested in becoming a piloce sniper. Is it a good career? does it pay good? How often do you get called to a situation?

Please reply to my e-mail also, thankyou. kg6huf@hotmail.com

-- Tyler (kg6huf@hotmail.com), July 11, 2003.


I'm a sniper on a special response unit in Texas. I certified with the U.S. Army. We had several qualifying shots and they were in five rounds per at 100 meters. I shoot a .308 cal. On the day shoot it was at a picture of a human head and it was a t- target to represent the madula shot. We also had several 5 shot rounds to a two-inch circle at 100 meters. To add to the misery we had to run 75 meters and put 5 shots in a two- inch circle in the prone position. Another thing is shooting a 10" circle at 100 meters with open iron sights (5 shots) Add running to that qualifying round too. Then do it at night also. It's a rigorous certification but, something to be proud of, not everyone that starts the class graduates. There was a 40% fail rate. Practice at all times of the day and night and practice in all kinds of weather, at a min. once a month. We shoot about 100 rounds a month at a min..

-- Bill (constablepct2@yahoo.com), June 05, 2003.


This is a question for Tim!

When you say qualification shots. How many are we talking about? And the area 2X3, is that inch? What caliber are you shooting with, and what kind of scope do you use?

Cheers

Lars

-- Lars Ohlsson (lboh@telia.com), March 05, 2003.


Thanks Tim, that helped alot. One more thing, do you have to volunteer or are you selected?

-- Eder Alejandre (korn_fan57@yahoo.com), February 25, 2003.

I am A Sniper in the Sheriff' Department. The average shot that is normally taken in a urban area is less than 50 yards. Monthly training consists of shooting between 50 yards and 250 yards. I had to take FBI sniper courses at Camp Perry, Ohio for certification. I also had to take OPTA certification courses. All qualification shots must be placed in a 2X3 specified target area. Hope this helps to answer your questions! Tim

-- swatsniper (Tim) (timshel@prodigy.net), February 24, 2003.

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