1. (a) The instructor training course for Specialized Firearms Instructor Training Certification shall consist of a minimum of 50 hours of classroom and range instruction plus time required to complete the tasks associated with Range Operations presented during a continuous period of not more than two weeks. If the Governor declares a State of Emergency pursuant to G.S. 166A-19.3(19), the Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division shall allow additional breaks in a specific course delivery when the Director determines that doing so is necessary based on consideration of the following factors:

   1. (1) Whether instruction has begun in the course or whether course initiation may be postponed;
   2. (2) The risk of harm to students that may be caused by continuation of the course;
   3. (3) Whether those enrolled in the course have been or will likely be called to action to help address the State of Emergency;
   4. (4) The specific need for the waiver; and

   5. (5) The degree of benefit to the public in allowing a break in instruction.

      Notice of waivers granted pursuant to the Section shall be posted on the CJETS website https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/. The waivers granted pursuant to this Section shall only apply to courses that began during the effective period of the State of Emergency.

2. (b) Each Specialized Firearms Instructor Training course shall be designed to provide the trainee with the skills and knowledge to perform the function of a criminal justice firearms instructor in a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Course or a law enforcement officer in-service firearms training program.

3. (c) Each applicant for specialized firearms instructor training shall:

   1. (1) have completed the criminal justice instructor training course;

   2. (2) present a written endorsement by either:

      1. (A) a certified school director indicating the student may be utilized to instruct firearms in the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course; or
      2. (B) a department head, certified school director, or in-service training coordinator, indicating the student may be utilized to instruct firearms in a law enforcement officer in-service firearms training program; and
   3. (3) Once within 365 days prior to enrollment each prospective student shall demonstrate proficiency during a qualification administered by the North Carolina Justice Academy. To successfully complete this qualification each prospective student shall achieve a minimum score of 92 percent 2 out of 3 times on both the BLET Day and Night Courses of Fire while using a 'Sam Browne' type belt and security holster and agency-issued duty or ballistic-equivalent ammunition.

4. (d) Each Specialized Firearms Instructor Training course shall include the following identified topic areas and minimum instructional hours for each area:

   1. (1) Orientation/Pretest 2 Hours
   2. (2) Range Operations 2 Hours
   3. (3) Civil Liability 4 Hours
   4. (4) Night Firing 2 Hours
   5. (5) Combat Shooting Classroom and Range 8 Hours
   6. (6) Mental Conditioning 1 Hours
   7. (7) Shotgun Operation and Firing 4 Hours
   8. (8) Service Handgun ‑ Operation and Use 8 Hours
   9. (9) Rifle ‑ Operation and Maintenance 4 Hours
   10. (10) Service Handgun ‑ Maintenance and Cleaning 2 Hours
   11. (11) Range Medical Emergencies 2 Hours
   12. (12) In‑Service Firearms Requirements 2 Hours
   13. (13) BLET Lesson Plan Review 1 Hour

   14. (14) Range Drills as defined in the Specialized Firearms Instructor

       Training Manual and the Specialized Firearms Instructor Training

       Course Management Guide 8 Hours

   15. (15) Completion of tasks associated with Range Operations and Instructor Practicums hours determined by number of students and instructors:

       1. (A) Conduct a BLET Day Course of Fire
       2. (B) Conduct a BLET Night Course of Fire
       3. (C) Conduct a Long Gun Course of Fire
       4. (D) Develop a Combat Course of Fire

5. (e) The "Specialized Firearms Instructor Training Manual" published by the North Carolina Justice Academy shall be the curriculum for the Specialized Firearms Instructor Training course. Copies of this publication may be inspected at the:

   Criminal Justice Standards Division

   North Carolina Department of Justice

   1700 Tryon Park Drive

   Post Office Drawer 149

   Raleigh, North Carolina 27610

   and may be obtained at the cost of printing and postage from the Academy at the following address:

   North Carolina Justice Academy

   Post Office Box 99

   Salemburg, North Carolina 28385

6. (f) The Commission-certified school that is certified to offer the "Specialized Firearms Instructor Training" course is the North Carolina Justice Academy.

History Note: Authority G.S. 17C‑6;
Eff. May 1, 1986;
Amended Eff. January 1, 2015; February 1, 2013; August 1, 2006; August 1, 2000; November 1, 1998; August 1, 1995; February 1, 1991; March 1, 1990; July 1, 1989;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 25, 2019;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2022; January 1, 2021.