File Building Tip: Proficiency Prior to Carry
This quick reference guide is designed to help accreditation managers and file builders understand and document compliance for standards requiring "Proficiency Prior to Carry." Use the guide below to clarify what’s required and ensure you have the right documentation in your files.
This requirement ensures that any member authorized to carry a weapon or specialized equipment demonstrates proficiency BEFORE being issued or permitted to use it in the field.
In Florida, the definition has been expanded to include:
• Live fire of firearms
• Simunitions
• Reality-based training scenarios
• Physical manipulation of inert or training facsimiles
Bottom line: You need documentation that shows the member could safely and effectively use the weapon before carrying it.
? New hires issued agency weapons
? Members approved to carry personally-owned firearms
? Introduction of new less-lethal tools (e.g., new TASER model)
? Addition of members to tactical or specialty teams with different weapon systems
1. Were any new sworn members hired?
2. Did we authorize any new lethal or less-lethal weapons?
3. Were there tryouts for specialty teams—and were new members added?
4. Did anyone request approval to carry a personally-owned firearm?
It’s easy to confuse these two, but here’s how to tell them apart:
• Proficiency Prior to Carry: Documentation needed BEFORE a member begins carrying the weapon.
• Annual Demonstration of Proficiency or Refresher Training: Ongoing, recurring training for weapons already issued.
Make sure your files clearly distinguish between the two.
If in doubt, ask: 'Is this the first time the member is being authorized to carry this item?' If yes, then you likely need proof of proficiency prior to carry.
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Areaka P. Jewell
Accreditation Academy
areaka@accreditationacademy.net
(305) 360-1075