Reply #13: Law Enforcement firearms training does not give an officer a jedi master power over firearms

[bossy22]

This is a failed misconception. Many people think that a police officer is like a sniper with their weapons; and that is just not true. Police firearms training (basic training that a recruit gets) can be equated to drivers training for a new driver. It lays a solid foundation on which someone can build on through practice. No one would say that a teenager that just finished drivers training is an "expert driver" nor should we say that a police officer that just graduated from the academy is an "expert shooter".

The scary thing is that unlike many gun enthusiasts that enjoy shooting and take an interest in their firearms, many officers (especially large metro area officers) see their weapons as a carpenter sees their hammer; as just another tool on their belt. They often just do the minimum amount of practice (which in some cases, such as the NYPD, is one range practice day every 6 months). This does not build proficiency.

Civilians can be more proficient with firearms and their safety then police officers and vice versa.