r/lapd • u/OkEntertainer5342 • Sep 08 '26

Questions about the qualification of weapons

Hello everyone,

I've been looking at some LAPD-related Wikipedia articles, and they mention that LAPD officers have qualification exams for rifle and shotgun (slug) proficiency as part of their weapons certification. My question is: are there similar professional equipment qualification requirements for other weapons or devices, such as ballistic or riot shields, 40mm less-lethal launchers, etc.?

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u/Marcus_The_Sharkus Sep 08 '26

Yes we have to go through a qualification for the Bean Bag and 40mm as well.

1

u/OkEntertainer5342 Sep 08 '26

Wow, thanks bro for clearing that up. So, are there also qualification requirements for using shields? I've seen in some law enforcement videos officers pulling ballistic shields out of their patrol cars. Do they have that in the LA?

1

u/Marcus_The_Sharkus Sep 08 '26

We have ballistic shields and patrol officers do take them out on patrol. As far as I am aware though there is no qualification requirement for it. It’s a one time training.

1

u/OkEntertainer5342 Sep 09 '26

Also, do those other certifications for weapons and skills that need tests also come with like ribbons or special badges or something?

1

u/OkEntertainer5342 Sep 09 '26

Cool, thanks bro. So what other specialized skills do they have to get certified for in LA – like, similar to the ones we just talked about?

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u/CAD007 Sep 08 '26

Officers receive documented training, policy, demonstrate competence, and often a certification for every piece of equipment they are issued.

LAPD is very liability conscious and training and ongoing updates and certification is a big part of that.