Participants In ‘Citizen’s Police Academy’ Get Time On Firing Range

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – When Kevin Owens isn’t working as a school resource officer, he can usually be found in a classroom, or on a gun range.

On a recent Saturday, Owens taught members of Tupelo’ Citizen’s Police Academy,  a firearms safety course at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. The class included firearms experts and those, who had never picked up a weapon.

“We start everybody at the exact same place, work everybody up to the exact same place, when they are ready to finish.  The goal is to be able to acquire the gun from wherever it may be, get it loaded quickly and safely, use techniques you have to use when you are under stress , get on target and be able to effectively and efficiently defend yourself with the realization you’re responsible for every bullet that leaves that gun,” Owens said.

Owens waives his usual fee for this particular class and safety is emphasized over and over.   Each student will shoot about 100 rounds, all at Owen’s command.

The longtime instructor says it’s important for people to realize that guns are tools, that must be used correctly.

“Just like any other tool, a hammer, screwdriver, if you don’t use it properly it can cause injury , and it’s not going to perform its desired function. It’s part of building confidence, if you want to learn to use a gun, use a gun.  Just make sure you’re in an environment where it’s safe, where you get good basic fundamental skills.,” Owens said.

Students say there may have been some challenges, but the firearms training was a favorite part of the Citizen’s Police Academy.

“I loved the gun range, got in trouble on the gun range a couple of times, I was supposed to take single shots, and I was taking two or three shots,” said Rev. Chris Traylor.

“We appreciate the city for allowing us to do this, to allocate the resources for these officers to allow us to come out and train for the past few weeks or so,” said Ken Wheeler.

Students who took this portion of the course can now get a state firearms permit, with an enhanced carry endorsement.  That allows people to carry concealed in most places throughout Mississippi.
The Tupelo Police Department plans to offer a Citizen’s Police Academy next year.