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 27 through May 8, 2026
  8:00am to 4:00pm

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 (¼) 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:

Instructional Areas

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. Michael Bennett (Michael.Bennett@CityofRochester.Gov), Rochester Police Department SWAT Team

Course Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $868.00 (per person)
• Estimated Student Fees: $113.00 (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 3, 2026. Reservations submitted after this date will be considered based on seating availability. Submitting a reservation form does not guarantee admittance to a course. Confirmation notices will be emailed to the individual who submits/approves the reservation request approximately two 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.