POL 101 - Firearms

Description
This course introduces students to lethal police weaponry and the policies, tactics and liabilities of their use. Students learn basic fundamentals of shooting at various distances with a handgun, patrol rifle and shotgun. Students are required to qualify with these weapons on a police range. Students become proficient in basic marksmanship using a handgun and a shotgun and in utilizing close quarter combat techniques.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 6
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Course Fees: $400.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Law Enforcement, A.A.A.S., Police Academy, Certificate

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will meet the following MCOLES objectives through participation in classroom discussions and scenario-based training activities:

Demonstrate knowledge of the laws associated with the use of firearms.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of firearms and ammunition.
Demonstrate the ability to make a use of force decision in potentially life threatening situations.
Demonstrate an understanding of situations in which discharging a firearm at targets other than a person are warranted (e.g., injured or vicious animal).
Demonstrates an understanding of applicability of federal firearms laws to state and local firearms enforcement.
Demonstrate proficiency in basic marksmanship using a handgun, shotgun and rifle.
Demonstrate the ability to assess a threat level to self or others to determine if it is life threatening.
Execute the firearms skills assessment.

Course Outline:
I. Laws and knowledge related to firearms use.

A. Use deadly force legally.

B. Demonstrate a working knowledge of firearms and ammunition.

C. Handle firearms safely.

D. Secure a firearm other than you own.

E. Make a use of force decision in a potentially life threatening situation.

F. Manage a post-shooting scene.

G. Complete post-shooting legal procedures.

H. Prepare to testify in court related to a shooting incident.

I. Discharge a firearm at targets other than a person (e.g., injured or vicious animal).

J. Make appropriate off duty firearms decision.

K. Demonstrates and understanding of applicability of federal firearms laws to state and local firearms enforcement.

L. Demonstrates an understanding of controlling violent confrontation as a civilian.

II. Firearms skills

A. Demonstrate proficiency in basic marksmanship using a handgun, shotgun and rifle.

B. Discharge a firearm in low light levels.

C. Perform proper care and maintenance for firearms.

D. Draw a firearm efficiently and safely.

E. Holsters a firearm effectively.

F. Assess a threat level to self or others to determine if it is life threatening.

G. Use cover/concealment in a life threatening situation.

H. Neutralize all threats to self or others.

I. Demonstrate proficiency in tactical marksmanship.

III. Firearms skills assessment.

IV. Demonstrate close-quarter-combat tactics and techniques using a handgun.

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Demonstration: 15-20%

Lecture: 15-25%

Discussion: 10-15%

Practical exercises: 50-70%
Mandatory Course Components:
The recruits should demonstrate the ability to draw and accurately place shots utilizing the concepts emphasized in the subject control module (i.e., tucked shooting position, support hand safety, natural movements, moving off-line, convulsive grip, neutralizing the threat, and utilizing cover when appropriate). This can be accomplished using live fire, marking cartridges, laser based Weapon, or other new and evolving technology such as a Milo System.
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: NA

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None.

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week: 6
People Soft Course ID Number: 104785
Course CIP Code: 43.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 22
General Room Request: None

School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Criminal Justice
Discipline: POL
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Certification/License Requirement (list below), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
This class is taught by certified firearms instructors recognized by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. There is a ratio of 5 students per one instructor on the range at all times.

Major Course Revisions: N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220707T14:03:11
Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026