So far, none of the more than 600 police officers who are being trained in Borås have failed their qualification test in shooting. They themselves believe that the key is the unique self-developed digital shooting range.
– You need to practice your muscle memory without having the pressure of recoil and firing with you, says Fredrik Strömkvist, teacher at the police academy in Borås.
So far, none of the more than 600 police officers who are being trained in Borås have failed their qualification test in shooting. They themselves believe that the key is the unique self-developed digital shooting range, which was created so that the students can practice shooting without being dependent on a teacher.
At the regular shooting range, students are not allowed to be alone and a weapon must be checked out before each session. You should be able to go here at any time to practice.
A mental pressure to shoot
For Matilda Rajaal, who is now in her fourth semester, shooting in particular has been difficult mentally. A lot of practice has been necessary – not least now that it is being investigated whether the police should be given the opportunity to shoot more often. In just a few weeks, she will take her entrance exam.
– There is a bit of pressure. For me, it has become very psychological that you have in the back of your mind why you train on it. You can end up in a situation where you may have to fire a shot, she says.
The concept of digital practice booths hopes the police academy in Borås will spread and be useful even for seasoned police officers who have to pass the annual marksmanship test.
– You need to practice your muscle memory without having the pressure of recoil and firing with you, says Fredrik Strömkvist, teacher at the police academy in Borås.
– Luckily, police officers don’t go out and use their service weapon that often, but once it’s put to use, it has to work, he continues.
Police shootings are on the rise
Last year, the police in Sweden fired their weapons 31 times. That figure varies from year to year, but no increase or decrease can be seen over time.
On the other hand, police shootings have increased significantly over a longer period. In the last ten years, 29 people have been killed by police gunfire, compared to six people the ten-year period before, and nine people another decade back.