Testing the police model for the handling and use of firearms against non-police subjects
| Author | Jonche Ivanovski,Rade Rajkovchevski |
| Published date | 01 March 2015 |
| Date | 01 March 2015 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/1461355714566778 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
Testing the police model for
the handling and use of firearms
against non-police subjects
Jonche Ivanovski
Faculty of Security – Skopje (Former Police Academy), University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, Republic of Macedonia
Rade Rajkovchevski
Faculty of Security – Skopje (Former Police Academy), University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, Republic of Macedonia
Abstract
The use of firearms is an integral part of the police profession. The use of a gun, for example a standard firearm, imposes
upon the user the need to know the relevant legal regulations (police authority), and requires professionalism and skills
regarding its usage. This study, conducted over the period 2010–2012, gives results, conclusions and recommendations
regarding the model for training police officers in the use of firearms (semi-automatic weapons). Students from three year
groups at the Faculty of Security in Skopje (Former Police Academy) participated in the research. The results show
correlations between knowledge of standard operative procedures for firearms usage and the methodological
approach used during the firearms course. It is proved that, if the security measures and procedures that are part of
the firearms course are taken into consideration, individuals with theoretical knowledge (students) can achieve good
results in this course. This work hypothesises that additional shooting practice with more bullets may give better
results, in other words, may improve efficiency.
Keywords
Training/course, police, students, gun and model
Submitted 12 Jun 2014, accepted 27 Nov 2014
Introduction
Policing is a very complex, sensitive and responsibility-
based profession because of increased public demands
that the police respect the principles of a democratic soci-
ety as well as the rule of law. In that sense, the basic role
of the police also includes the implicit application of
relevant legislation – also known as police powers. Police
powers regarding physical engagement, including the use
of batons, restraining tools and firearms (as a last resort)
are extremely important.
The application of authority is very specific because
police authorityrepresents acts that may compromisehuman
rights, endanger lives and affect the general security of both
people and property. Legal boundaries specify the
application, i.e. the type and degree of implementation, of
authority in orderto achieve a given legitimate goal with the
fewest side effects and in the shortest time frame possible.
A knowledge and respect of civil rights during the appli-
cation of this authority are correlated with the existence
of technically able police officers who will not misuse or
overstep their authority. In other words, they will not vio-
late the law or professional discipline.
Corresponding author:
Rade Rajkovchevski, Faculty of Security – Skopje, st. 1 Kolonija Idrizovo
no. 2A (P.O. Box 103), 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.
Email: raderaj@yahoo.com
International Journalof
Police Science & Management
2015, Vol. 17(1) 17–22
ªThe Author(s) 2015
Reprints and permission:
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DOI: 10.1177/1461355714566778
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