Basic School Firearms Training
Basic School Firearms Training covers not only qualification with pistol and shotgun, but also tactical firearms training, the use of deadly force, which includes training on FATS (Firearms Training System), chemical agent training and practical "demonstrations" of the effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC or "pepper spray").

FATS is a state of the art training system which stimulates real life situations in a controlled atmosphere. This tool was designed to aid in decision-making skills, judgmental use of force and marksmanship training.

Basic School qualification requires the recruit to score 84% or higher on each of three consecutive runs of the pistol qualification course. Pistol qualification requires a minimum proficiency score of 84%, at specified distances and within established time limits; shotgun qualification requires 80% proficiency. In addition, all Basic School trainees must pass a comprehensive written examination with a minimum score of 80%.

Emphasis also is placed on "tactical" training, in which recruits are confronted with realistic situations specifically designed to reflect actual deadly force incidents troopers have faced in the line of duty. This begins even before the three-in-a-row standard has been achieved on the static range; once it is achieved, the qualification course is not revisited until semi-annual, in-service training in the field.