Bradenton police to host firearm safety courses. Here’s how to sign up
The Bradenton Police Department is hosting several citizen firearm safety classes for residents, most likely beginning in late February.
These classes are “tailored for individuals with limited or no prior experience with firearms,” according to the police department’s website.
“It incorporates a blend of classroom instruction, live-range exercises, firearm handling, manipulation exercises, and recent changes to concealed carry statutes,” the online class description says.
Participants will be educated on firearm safety by “certified firearm instructors with extensive experience in law enforcement marksmanship,” the course description says.
Bradenton police to host gun safety courses
Although no set schedule has been released yet, Meredith Censullo, the Bradenton Police Department’s public information officer, says that classes are likely beginning at the end of February. The one-day classes will take place on Saturdays.
After the participant has completed and passed a background check, and the schedule is fully released, they will be able to select which class date works best for them.
In addition to passing the background check, those who wish to participate in a firearms safety course must meet various requirements. They must be a U.S. citizen and a Bradenton resident, bring a photo ID, sign a waiver and wear long pants with closed-toed shoes.
The Bradenton Police Department notes that no red shirts, shorts or tank tops are allowed.
Participants must be at least 21 years old, unless they are a service member or veteran of the armed forces. In this case, they must have been discharged under honorable conditions.
Participants are not to bring their own firearm, as handguns, ammunition and targets will be provided.
Past classes were held in both the Bradenton Police Department’s training room and Shoot Straight Sarasota. Future classes will be held at the new training facility in Manatee County.
The new training facility features classrooms as well as two shooting ranges. The pistol range will be used for the course instruction, according to Censullo.
These trainings are made possible by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Local Firearm Safety Training Program, which provides funding for the instruction of firearms safety training from law enforcement for the public.
For more information about the firearm safety classes, visit www.BradentonPD.com or email training@bradentonpd.com.