Community One Public Safety Training Initiative (COPS-1)

When you train with COPS-1, you receive superior instruction from highly qualified and experienced trainers. Your participation in training with COPS-1, a local non-profit organization, supports the community where you live, work, and play. The training that you do and the training of local businesses, groups, schools, churches, clubs, and organizations in the Butler County and surrounding area provide donations that support and fund the primary mission of COPS-1 which is to deliver local police training and equipment needs.  

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Facts & Tips for Choosing the Right Firearm Training

When looking for basic and advanced firearm training classes, there are key factors to consider to ensure that you’re getting quality instruction and a safe, effective learning experience.

1. Certified Instructors

  • Credentials: Look for instructors who are certified by reputable organizations. This ensures that instructors have the necessary training and experience. 

*** COPS-1 Class Instructors have certifications from The Pennsylvania State Police and Sheriff’s Association (handgun and shotgun); NRA (National Rifle Association); Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association (patrol rifle); National Tactical Officer Association (NTOA – basic SWAT and police response to active shooter); , USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association); Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officer Education Training Commission (MPOETC – Mandatory In-Service Training and Continuing Law Enforcement Education); Human Factor Resource Group (HFRG); and Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT).

  • Experience: Make sure the instructor has practical experience in both firearms training and real-world application (such as law enforcement or military backgrounds).

*** COPS-1 Class Instructors have collective experience as law enforcement officers; law enforcement trainers; and military service.

2. Class Structure

  • Class Size: Smaller classes (usually 5-10 students) tend to offer more personalized instruction and attention.

NOTE: “A good rule of thumb on numbers is one instructor for every five or six students.” (Police1.com). – “A one-to-one student to instructor ratio on the firing line is encouraged. If this is not possible, the ratio on the firing line should not exceed two shooters for every certified instructor.” (NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course).

The core principles of firearm safety, handling, and training are the same for everyone, delivering the same rigor and technical proficiency regardless of gender. Training with people of different genders can provide valuable insights and perspectives on potential real-world scenarios.

*** COPS-1 Classes instructor to student ratio is typically one-to-one on the firing line with the lead instructor and never exceeds two-to-one on the firing line. Added instructor oversight is present for students who are not on the line and/or reloading. Small class size is assured to provide safety and best learning practices. As a result, classes sell out quickly and individual attention is provided both on and off the firing line.

COPS-1 instructors create a supportive environment and will address any concerns that a student may have. Questions are encouraged and individual attention is assured. Having several well-trained instructors present in every class, enables adaptation to meet individual needs.

Consider your comfort level and learning style. COPS-1 delivers on small class size and essential content that meets student needs and presents necessary skills and abilities in every class. Group classes for friends, family, and/or businesses can be arranged easily.

3. Curriculum:

  • A good basic course should cover firearm safety, basic operation (loading, unloading, aiming, and firing), proper stance, and handling. It should also teach you about the legal aspects of firearm ownership and use.

*** COPS-1 Classes meet these curriculum guidelines. With the knowledge and experience of highly qualified instructors with Pennsylvania law enforcement backgrounds, students know their rights, understand the law, and develop good, practical, and safe firearm skills.

  • Hands-On Training: There should be a significant portion of the class dedicated to live-fire practice, where you actually handle and shoot firearms under supervision.

*** COPS-1 Classes include live-fire training and practice. All classes are a minimum of three hours. Students shoot at least a full box of 50 rounds of ammo in every class.

4. Safety Protocols

  • Clear Safety Rules: Safety should be the primary focus of any training course. Ensure the class covers both basic firearm safety (like treating every gun as if it’s loaded) and safety on the range (such as proper muzzle control and situational awareness).
  • Range Safety: The facility should be well-regulated with strict safety standards, including clear guidelines on how to behave on the range, emergency procedures, and having certified range officers.

*** COPS-1 instructors teach, train, and practice the highest standards of firearm safety. Likewise, range safety is clearly shared and upheld. 

5. Range Facilities

  • Well-Equipped Range: Make sure the range is clean, properly maintained, and equipped with safety features.
  • Variety of Firearms: If you’re new to firearms, a class that offers different types of guns for you to try out (pistols, revolvers, etc.) can help you determine what you’re most comfortable with.

     *** COPS-1 maintains collaborative partnership with quality range facilities and firearm shooting associations/center. Classes are presented indoors and are not subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Classes provide opportunity to train with personal firearms and opportunities to try others can be arranged. COPS-1 does not limit students use of semi-auto or revolver firearms. Instructors are highly skilled and able to adapt training with various firearm types in a class.

6. Reputation & Reviews

  • Word of Mouth: Look for reviews and testimonials from past students. Personal recommendations can give you a better sense of whether the class is effective and whether the instructors are professional and approachable.

*** COPS-1 reviews and student quotes are sampled below and on the www.cops-1.org web site and in the literature about courses. A significant testimonial of record is that COPS-1 class literature is approved by and available in the Butler County Sheriff’s Concealed Carry Permit office at the Butler County Courthouse Building in Butler, PA. 

7. Price & Duration

  • Cost: Be wary of classes that are either too cheap or too expensive. Basic classes shouldn’t break the bank, but they also should reflect the value of professional, quality instruction.
  • Class Length: Basic courses typically run for several hours. Make sure the class provides enough time for thorough instruction and hands-on practice without feeling rushed.

*** COPS-1 classes are generally three hours in length and are currently priced beginning at $129. Fees cover range rental, instructor compensation, and funding toward local police training and equipment needs via the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Community One Public Safety Training Initiative (COPS-1). 

8. Student Comfort

  • Instructor Attitude: The instructor should be patient and approachable, especially for beginners. They should be able to explain concepts clearly and help you progress without rushing or making you feel intimidated.
  • Inclusive Environment: The training should be welcoming to all skill levels and backgrounds. A good instructor will adapt to individual needs.

*** COPS-1 instructors have many years of practically applied and instructional experience. They encourage interaction and questions during the presentation. All skill levels are accommodated and with the number of instructors COPS-1 classes provide, students are assured individual attention. COPS-1 delivers experienced and knowledgeable firearm training to women and men who are beginners, intermediate, and advanced shooters.

9. Follow-Up or Advanced Courses

  • Further Training: A good training experience will encourage continued education and may offer advanced courses for self-defense, concealed carry, or tactical training if you want to pursue those topics in the future.

*** COPS-1 provides classes for all levels of shooters; beginner, intermediate and advanced shooters. Basic firearm training, concealed carry, live-fire, dry-fire, self-defense, and refresher classes are available. Visit the website at www.cops-1.org for more detailed information. 

10. Location & Accessibility

  • Location and classes are easily accessible for initial and follow-up sessions or practice.

When it comes to choosing the right course, safety, professionalism, and a well-rounded curriculum are the most important things to look for. COPS-1 offers basic training; self-defense training; and training for general knowledge and skills.

11. QUESTIONS

12. TESTIMONIALS (sampling)

DRY-FIRE TRAINING

  • ”The best class for a novice.”
  • “Fantastic class. I will recommend it and will be back for future training.”
  • “Good hands-on coaching and explanations. Very patient instructors.”
  • “Wow!. Learned a lot. So much of this information and skills are not known to most gun owners and it is needed. Thanks.”
  • “I’ll be back for the basic firearm class.”

DEFENSIVE FIREARM LEVEL 1 – BASIC FIREARM

  • ”Great class. Good people.”
  • “Exceptional from start to finish. Very patient with a class of beginners. Friendly and helpful.”
  • “Instructors are awesome!”
  • “I am looking forward to taking the next class – Level 2.”
  • “Every instructor worked with us positively. Very helpful and responsive to questions.”
  • “Informative – Pace of the class was perfect. – Great presentation for beginners and intermediate too.”
  • “It was great that the training was adaptable to the level of the participants.”

DEFENSIVE FIREARM LEVEL 2 – LIVE-FIRE TRAINING

  • “I’ve attended both the level one and level two firearm classes offered by COPS-1. As a former military police officer in the Marine Corps, the training was nearly identical to the drills and skills received in military police training. The application of the defensive tactics used in this scenario-based training is exactly what is needed for today’s real world. I highly recommend these classes.”
  • “Easy to understand. Safe environment and practical skills to defend and protect. 10/10”.
  • “Great class. Keep them coming. I would love to train more with you all.”
  • “I loved the moving targets ad reaction drills.”
  • “This class was the most practical firearm training I have ever experienced. The best.”
  • Excellent. Thank you very much.”
  • “I’ll do more of these events. Kudos!”