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​Officer Firearms Requirements

Firearms Standards

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 FAQ Page

Each year, MPOETC establishes and publishes minimum standards for annual firearms qualifications. Beginning in 2020, MPOETC required 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. Starting in 2022, departments are required to qualify officers using either a previously approved course of fire or the standard MPOETC course listed below.

Current​ Qualification Requirements and Handgun Course (Mandatory)

ATTENTION: Due to continuing issues associated with procuring ammunition, the requirement to use duty ammunition for the first phase of qualification is waived through the end of June 2024​. Departments should document what ammunition they use for qualification but are not required to request approval from MPOETC for this modification. MPOETC will revisit the issue of ammunition availability during the March 2024 Commission Meeting.

On March 14, 2024, the Commission approved the change to firearms qualification ammunition. Departments can now use either duty or practice/range ammunition provided the cartridge is the same bullet weight and manufacturer as their carry/duty ammunition. ​

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).

Adverse Light Qualification Course of Fire (Optional)
Shotgun Qualification Course of Fire (Optional)
Patrol Rifle Qualification Course of Fire (Optional)

Municipal Police Instructors (Firearms)

Municipal Police Instructors (MPI-Firearms) are certified by MPOETC in two-year increments (renewable) and authorized to conduct firearms training at certified municipal police academies. Individuals wishing to be MPI-Firearms certified by MPOETC must be employed by a certified police academy and the certified police academy must submit the request for certification.

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 Instructor
Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor List