Sniper Observer Course

Program Announcement

The Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility (PSTF), under the auspices of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), will be holding a Sniper Observer Course. This course prepares students to fill the important SWAT Team role of the sniper-observer by providing intelligence to commanders through observation of the scene, suspects, and victim. Additionally, participants will learn the principles of delivering discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against suspects engaged in violent criminal conduct, who cannot be engaged successfully by the patrol officer because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or visibility.

The first day reporting location will be the PSTF Rush Range, 492 Stony Brook Road, Rush, New York 14543. The daily schedule is flexible to meet the needs of the course of instruction.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive four (4) college credits from Monroe Community College. Seating is limited.

Session Dates

April 22 thru May 3, 2024, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Prerequisites

  • Basic Course for police/peace officer with firearms;
  • Completed Sniper Observer Course Prerequisite Testing Form submitted prior to course;
  • This course of instruction will have periods of strenuous physical activity that each student will be expected to perform. Attendees must be in good physical condition as it relates to sniper-specific activities. Attendees will be required to run a quarter (ΒΌ) mile during the Stress Phase of the qualification course and iterations of fifty (50) yard sprints between shooting positions in the Movement Phase of the qualification course. These movements will be completed while carrying the rifle and other necessary sniper equipment.

Required Attire and/or Equipment

  • Attire (dress code)

    • BDU pants; OR
    • Camouflage clothing;
    • Foul weather gear;
    • Other clothing to blend into urban environments

  • Equipment

    • Bolt-action sniper rifle or semi-auto sniper system capable of firing groups of 1MOA chambered larger than .223 but smaller than .338 caliber.
    • 400 rounds of match-grade ammo
    • Backpack (military style)
    • Binoculars
    • Calculator
    • Camouflage face paint
    • Flashlight
    • Gloves
    • GPS Unit (optional)
    • Hearing Protection
    • Insect repellent
    • Knife
    • Laser range finder
    • Portable hydration system
    • Rear Rest
    • Rifle data book (if issued - if not issued, one will be provided)
    • Rifle sling
    • Scope with positive adjustments
    • Sniper veil
    • Spotting scope
    • Weapon cleaning supplies

Instructional Areas

  • Ballistics
  • Camouflage, Cover & Concealment
  • Data Books and Data Management
  • Effects of Weather
  • Engage and properly identify targets in low-light/night conditions
  • Field Craft/Stalking
  • Fundamentals of Marksmanship
  • Instruct field craft
  • Instruct on proper observation/reporting techniques
  • Keep In Memory Systems (KIMS)
  • Marksmanship
  • Minute of Angle
  • Proper sniper marksmanship skills
  • Perform precision fire on suspect and cold-bore targets at various distances, under stress conditions
  • Observation Skills
  • Optics
  • Overview of Sniper Operations
  • Range estimation
  • Scopes/Minute of Angle
  • Scouting/Surveillance procedures
  • Teach proper functions of police sniper/observer
  • Urban sniper operations, range estimation, and engagement of moving targets
  • Weapon system maintenance

Graduation Requirements

  • 100% attendance, participation, and successful completion of all training based upon instructor evaluations.
  • 100% rifle qualification. If necessary, attendees may re-take the rifle qualification course of fire within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in a non-completion report to DCJS.
  • Passing grade of 70% on written examinations
  • Note: Disqualification from this course will be the result of two (2) minor safety violations OR one (1) major safety violation.

Lead agency point of contact: Sgt. Stephen Slowik (Stephen.Slowik@CityofRochester.Gov), Rochester Police Department SWAT Team.

Course Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition: $816.00 (per person)
  • Estimated Student Fees: $111.75 (Student fees may vary each semester)
  • Agencies will be billed directly
  • Note: Monroe Community College may find it necessary to revise tuition and fees as necessary and reserves the right to do so.

Reservations

Please complete the online Law Enforcement Program Course Reservation Form prior to April 1, 2024. Submitting a reservation form does not guarantee admittance to a course. Confirmation notices will be emailed approximately 2 weeks prior to the class. Please remember to check your junk/spam folder.

To avoid double tuition billing, a Certificate of Residence is required from students who reside outside of Monroe County.