Officer Firearms Requirements
NOTE TO OFFICERS: Title 37 §203.52 (b) (1) (i) states that “a weapon may not be carried on duty for which the officer has not qualified.”
Firearms Standards
Each year, MPOETC establishes and publishes minimum standards for annual firearms qualifications. Beginning in 2020, MPOETC will require all certified officers to qualify on a standardized course of fire for the primary duty weapon (handgun). Departments that wish to use a different primary duty weapon course of fire may submit that request and a copy of the proposed course to
RA-SPMPO_FIREARMS@pa.gov for approval. Departments who have not received approval for an alternate course are required to qualify using the course listed below.
2020 Qualification Requirements and Handgun Course (Mandatory)
ATTENTION: Due to issues associated with procuring ammunition, the requirement to use duty ammunition for the first phase of qualification is waived for the duration of 2021. Departments should document what ammunition they use for qualification but are not required to request approval from MPOETC for this modification.
MPOETC encourages firearms instructors to use the other standardized courses of fire available below when qualifying officers on weapons other than their primary duty weapon (handgun).
Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors
Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors are certified indefinitely by MPOETC to conduct annual qualifications for law enforcement officers who were previously trained and qualified on a particular weapon system. Individuals who have successfully completed formal training as a law enforcement/police firearms instructor and wish to be certified by MPOETC as a Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor should submit an application with supporting documents as stated on the application form.
Application for Certified Law Enforcement Firearms InstructorCertified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor List