The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office is holding a firearms qualification event for retired law enforcement officers today at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place at the sheriff’s firing range, located at the old Baxter County quarry on County Road 69 off Highway 5 South. Officials have placed signage at the entrance to assist participants.
The qualification shoot, which costs $10, requires participants to register in advance at the sheriff’s office by completing a written application and signing a release and waiver of liability. Retired officers must bring their own firearms and ammunition, with range rules and specific restrictions in effect. The qualification standards and course were developed by certified firearms instructors from the sheriff’s office.
Successful participants will receive an official card from the sheriff’s office certifying completion of the course. However, the sheriff’s office has clarified that it does not participate in the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards qualification process. As a result, passing this course will not result in a commission-issued card.
This annual qualification allows retired officers to carry a concealed firearm in accordance with the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. Additional details are available by contacting the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office at 870-425-7000.