Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of ADMJ 110 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 24 (8 lecture, 16 laboratory)
Description: This POST course covers legalities related to use of lethal force, shooting principles, safety guidelines and range qualifications. Meets California Penal Code Section 832 firearms requirement for individuals having limited Peace Officer powers to complete a training course prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Students are required to present a California Department of Justice certification of no disqualifying criminal history preventing attendance, due on the first day of instruction. May be repeated for credit to meet legally mandated education/training requirements. (pass/no pass grading) (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Apply and demonstrate the fundamental rules of firearms safety.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze and demonstrate the fundamental principles of handgun shooting.
  • CSLO #3: Apply the legal and ethical aspects of the use of deadly force.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

24

Outside of Class Hours

16

Total Student Learning Hours

40

Course Objectives

LECTURE OBJECTIVES:
A. State the fundamental rules of firearms safety
B. Explain basic safety guidelines to be followed at a firing range
C. Describe the safety precautions for proper storage of firearms
D. Describe the basic information about a semiautomatic pistol and magazine
E. Describe the cycle of operation that takes place with each single pull of a semiautomatic pistol trigger
F. Describe the basic information about a revolver
G. State the guidelines for the safe handling of ammunition
H. Describe the primary components of firearm cartridges
I. Explain the chain of events that takes place when a projectile is discharged from a cartridge
J. Describe the components that may prevent problems that should be examined during a routine safety inspection
K. Describe the materials, equipment and environment needed to properly clean firearms
L. Describe limitations officers may encounter when shooting under low light/nighttime conditions
M. Describe conditions an officer may face when in a combat situation
N. Describe possible physiological and psychological responses an officer may experience under the stress of a combat situation
O. Explain steps officers can take to prepare themselves for the extreme stress of combat
LABORATORY OBJECTIVES:
A. Apply routine procedures for cleaning firearms
B. Apply the proper steps for drawing and holstering
C. Demonstrate the proper shooting principles to safely and accurately shoot a firearm
D. Describe the types of malfunctions and demonstrate the appropriate malfunction-clearing methods

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: The student will be given a picture of a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol. The student will be required to identify in writing the various components of each type of handgun.
            • Skill Demonstrations
              • Example: Students will be required to pass a POST-established shooting course from prescribed distances (3, 7 and 15 yards)using safe and proper techniques to obtain a minimum passing score of 29 out of 36 hits within the 7-ring on a standard B27 target.

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Laboratory
            • Lecture/Discussion

            Lab:

            1. Instructor will explain and demonstrate the safe and proper ways to clear commonly encountered malfunctions while shooting. Students will then recite the common malfunctions and demonstrate how to clear these malfunctions using proper manipulative skills.

            Lecture:

            1. Using PPT slides, Instructor will lead class discussion on the physiological and psychological responses to stress. Students will then work in groups and prepare a brief report on their understanding of the topic.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Students will read the Range Safety Guidelines for the use of a firearm and be able to recite these safety rules prior to live-fire training exercises.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Given a picture of a semi-automatic pistol, the student will name the specific parts of the pistol. 2. Students will practice shooting from various distances, using appropriate, relevant shooting techniques.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            Required Materials

            • PC 832 LD Workbooks
              • Author: CA POST
              • Publisher: POST
              • Publication Date: 2024
              • Text Edition: Current
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.