LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock Police recruits have reached the halfway point in their journey “Before the Badge.” Three quarters of the recruits who started the academy in February have made it this far and plan to push forward, no matter the challenges that await them.
Now that the recruits are feeling more comfortable on the range, they’re focusing on speed and accuracy. They have to, before they can wield their weapon anywhere outside a practice setting.
Recruits have to pass 10 different qualifying exams, or “quals,” out on the range throughout the academy. Eight are in the daytime and two are at night. To pass, Lubbock Police recruits have to score higher than what the state requires. Even after they join the force, Lubbock Police officers have to pass qualifying exams twice a year, while the state only requires once…