October 06, 1995 - Glebe Report

SKATE'S BEAT
Pistol training course - not just band-aid operation
By Sr.Cst. Gary Schuiteboer
I am often asked to speak to young
people about being a law enforcement
officer. I explain my role as a
foot patrol officer or "beat cop" by
outlining the duties I perform
during a typical working day. I
also highlight the equipment I am
issued. These tools enable me to
function effectively as a street
level police officer. I let the kids
try on my soft body armour or bullet
proof vest, listen to the police
radio and even let them try on the
handcuffs. No matter what the age
group however, the most fascinating
piece of hardware, and the one that
the kids most want to see, is my
police service firearm. This request
is always denied. I will not remove
the firearm for any reason other
than serious police business. Circumstances
that permit an officer
to draw a firearm are listed clearly
within the Ontario Regulations of
the Police Services Act.
A plumber's wrench, the carpenter's
hammer and the police officer's
firearm are all just tools.
These tools make it possible to do
the job. Knowledge as to how a tool
operates is an obvious benefit if
one is to accomplish a task. As I
prepare this article, my hands
ache. I am punching the keys on my
home computer with very sore fingers
and thumbs. I also have the
beginning of a callous on the palm
of my right hand. These are the result
of an intensive three-day
course where I was taught how to
load and fire over 1100 rounds
from my new police issue Glock
Model 22 pistol. Before I even held
the firearm I was instructed to
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October 6, 1995 Glebe Report-12
study an extensive information
package explaining its workings
and capabilities. The Pistol Transition
Training Course has three
requirements: 100% mandatory attendance,
successful completion of
an entrance test and successful
completion of the proficiency
training portion of the course.
I knew the course would be interesting
because along with the
mandatory wearing of eye and ear
protection, a ball cap and body armour,
the instructors suggested we
bring a good supply of "bandaids."
After the wear and tear my hands
sustained from activities on the
range I fully endorse this suggestion
for future students.
Officer safety was consistently
stressed by the range instructors.
Absolute discipline was demanded
and received from officers on the
firing line. A firearm is not a toy
and should be handled and treated
in a serious and respectful manner.
I do not consider myself a gun
lover. I don't own a gun, or have
any intentions of purchasing one in
the future. The firearm I carry on
duty is just a tool to accomplish a
task.
An understanding of how the
weapon works and the confidence to
successfully use the weapon is
mandatory if one is to survive a life
threatening situation. The course
not only enhanced my shooting
ability but it also improved my officer
survival skills. In the past, a
police officer in a life threatening
situation was armed with the Smith
and Wesson .38 calibre revolver
which contained only six rounds of
ammunition. Along with concentrating
on the movements and actions
of an armed suspect the officer
also had to be aware of his limited
fire capability. The reason our
Ottawa Carleton Police Service
changed to the .40 calibre Glock
Model 22 semi-automatic pistol is
because of its higher ammunition
capacity.
I was one of the 31 police officers
who attended the thirteenth class of
UNIVERSITY
PAINTERS
the Pistol Transition Course. Members
from all divisions of the Ottawa
Carleton Police Service were
represented. We not only became
familiar with our new Glock Model
22 pistol but I had a great time
getting to know the different officers
from the Nepean and Gloucester
Divisions of the Ottawa Carleton
Police Service. We were sometimes
on the range for over ten hours a
day, loading, target shooting and
participating in various scenarios
set by the range instructors to
simulate field situations. We supported,
cheered, and offered advice
to help one another do better on the
next turn. Not only did we learn
about a new weapon but we became
familiar with each other as a united
DOWS
I AKE
CARI INC, AVE
AREA FOUR
team working together.
Oh and by the way, yes I did pass
the course and was issued with a
new Glock Model 22 pistol.
ASK SKATE
My purpose has always been to
become more involved with the
concerns of the community I patrol.
The Glebe Report has been an excellent
medium to give advice on
the different subjects that involve
the Police and the Community. If
you have a concern you think could
be of interest to others, stop me on
the street or write to Skate's Beat,
c/o the Ottawa Carleton Police,
Community Services, 474 Elgin St.,
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2J6.
So until next time....see you on
the beat!
SELECTED CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE GLEBE AREA FOR A
FOUR WEEK PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 13TH 1995
Area Area Area Area
One Two Three Four
Break Enter Commercial 5 4 2 0
Break Enter Residential 5 .3 8 0
Theft over $1000 0 0 1 0
Theft under $1000 30 13 18 5
Theft of Motor Vehicle 2 0 1 1
Robbery 0 2 0 0
Setting a Fire 0 0 0 0
Indecent Act 0 0 0 0
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