Armed First Responder Course Requirements

While anyone with a Texas License to Carry can take the course and receive the DPS LTC-103 Certificate of Training and have that submitted to DPS for certification, not everyone can qualify as "First Responders" according to the bill and receive the certification from DPS as Armed First Responders under this bill.  I highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with Texas House Bill 1069 which was just passed.  This bill is what authorized First Responders to carry on duty.

 

Keep in mind, we do not have much flexibility on the details of the course as most of it was outlined directly in the legislation and administrative code.  We have a working list below of the equipment needed by each student so you can get a jump start on preparation.

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* We do request from all students that the specific content of the course not be shared with non-students as it contains specific response tactics which could jeopardize first responders ability to defend against a violent attack if publicly shared. 

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Length of course: 28 hours (3 days)

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Max Students: 6 (minimum 3)

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Description:

This is an intermediate - advanced course where statute requires physical demonstrations of proficiency in techniques learned in training.

The course is designed to certify first responders (who are LTC holders} desiring to carry a handgun on duty. Classroom instruction as well as field instruction and proficiency demonstrations in accordance to House Bill 1069. After successful completion of this course, first responders will receive a certificate of completion for the training course under section 411.184, Government code.

Physical elements of the training include:
• Tactical shooting
• Shooting while moving
• Shooting in low light conditions
• Physical demonstrations of proficiency in techniques learned in training

 

Required Equipment:

➢ Handgun chambered in .38 / .380 or higher caliber with at least three magazines or two speed loaders. (Semi-automatic handguns with at least 10 round magazine capacity is strongly recommended for this course.)
o Must be in good working condition
o No optical sights allowed (example: scopes, laser, or holographic)
o Handguns are subject to inspection by instructors prior to training and at any time during the training course
o One hand towel on which to lay your handguns and ammunition during qualification

➢ Ammunition
o Must have a minimum of 400 rounds of appropriate training ammunition (extra is recommended)

➢ Protective clothing
o Inclement weather gear and proper range wear
o Ear protection (over-the-ear, muff style); eye protection (clear required / tinted optional)
o Shirt with a collar; head cover (hat that covers head and area of face; such as a baseball cap)
o Closed-toe footwear, such as boots or athletic shoes; long pants (no shorts or capri style pants)

➢ Appropriate holster: A belt or paddle holster capable of retaining the weapon with a
mechanism or enough friction to overcome gravity. Shoulder or cross-draw holsters are
not allowed. No holsters that use the index / trigger finger to release the handgun.

➢ Handheld Flashlight
o Minimum 200 lumens, prefer 500 lumens or greater.
o No greater than 6 inches in total length.
o Should have a LED bulb. No Xenon or incandescent bulbs.
o Should have a tail cap switch.
o Should be a reputable brand.
o Should use CR123A batteries.
o Prefer to not be rechargeable; however, if rechargeable, use Li-Ion batteries and
have two, one as backup.
o Designed for patrol or duty use.
o (An additional weapon mounted light is optional- to include a holster to
accommodate this light).

Additional information:
➢ A pre-test examination and proficiency demonstration will be administered to each
student on the first day. Students must score a minimum of 90% on the pre-test and
90% on the proficiency demonstration to remain in the course. A post-exam will be
administered to each student on the third day and students must score a minimum of
90% to pass the course.
➢ Instructions on handling handguns at the proficiency demonstration will be provided
during classroom instruction. Handguns must be stored in a closed carrying case / bag.
➢ No time will be allotted for practice (outside of prescribed drills) or to zero the
handguns during the class.
➢ Students must abide by all range safety rules. Failure to comply with safety rules will result in immediate removal from the range, and result in course failure.
➢ No family members, guests, or pets will be allowed in the classroom or at the range.
➢ Students need the physical ability to move to various shooting positions and to stand for an extended period of time while participating in shooting drills.

This is an intermediate - advanced course where statute requires physical demonstrations of proficiency in techniques learned in training.