Patrol Designated Marksman
Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours)    Cost: $450
⚠ This course is a required prerequisite for the OPOTA Police Designated Marksman Instructor Course.
Eligibility
⚠ Required Prerequisite: Students must be proficient in patrol rifle use and should be in good physical condition to attend this course.

This course prepares all responding officers, deputies, and troopers — regardless of assignment — to effectively deploy patrol rifles equipped with low-power variable optics (LPVOs) during critical incidents to enhance safety and operational effectiveness. This is not a sniper or SWAT course.

Participants without an LPVO may still attend. A limited number of optic-ready loaner rifles are available through Vortex Optics and American Defense Manufacturing. Early registration is recommended.

For availability or to reserve a loaner, contact amaxwell@vortexoptics.com

Description

This course enhances a patrol rifle operator’s ability to deliver precise and accountable fire on partially exposed threats or hostage takers encountered during patrol operations using magnified optics. The training develops a Designated Marksman capability within patrol operations, bridging the gap between the standard patrol rifle response and the deployment of a police sniper.

Officers will focus on improving accuracy, target discrimination, and disciplined shot placement in situations where precision is critical. Upon completion, agencies will be better equipped to field officers capable of resolving incidents that require enhanced precision during patrol operations.

⚠ Required Prerequisite: This course is a required prerequisite for the OPOTA Police Designated Marksman Instructor Course.

Vortex Student Discount Program

Special pricing is available only to students in this class.

  • AMG 1-10: $3,000
  • RZR Gen 3 1-10: $1,850
  • RZR Gen 2 1-6: $1,100
  • Viper PST 1-6: $400

If you DO NOT have an LPVO but want to gain knowledge, you can still attend this class.

Vortex Optics and American Defense Manufacturing have a limited number of optic-ready rifles available; register early and reserve your rifle today.

Email Adam Maxwell to reserve a loaner or check availability at amaxwell@vortexoptics.com.

ADM Scope Delta RDS Ring Cap

Student Goals
  • Historical context and evolution of LPVOs
  • Relevance to contemporary law enforcement operations
  • Grades and quality tiers of LPVO products
  • Orientation of components and operational fundamentals
  • Mounting and leveling procedures
  • Zeroing techniques
  • External ballistics exercises
  • Dynamic shooting and target transitions
  • Positional shooting drills
Equipment List

Required Equipment:

Patrol rifle / MSR (not caliber specific) with a sling, LPVO or red dot with magnifier capable of less than 2x magnification on the lowest setting and no greater than 10x magnification on the highest setting.

LPVO-equipped carbine. 4 rifle magazines. Sling. PPE.

  • The rifle sling must allow the rifle to hang.
  • Ballistic vest (exterior or concealment).
  • Spare batteries for optics (if required).
  • Wrap-around eye protection.
  • Ear protection (electronic preferred).

Additional Items to Bring:

  • Baseball-style hat.
  • Range food and water.
  • Seasonal weather gear / rain gear.
  • Ability to retain three rifle magazines on your body.
  • 800 rounds of rifle ammunition
  • Note-taking materials.
  • Lens cleaning supplies and cleaning kit / lubrication.
Class Schedule

Class starts at 8:00 AM. Training days are 8 hours long. There will be a classroom portion, but the majority of the time will be sent on the range.

Medical
  • If you are allergic to bees, outdoor plants, or animals, please bring your epinephrine pen or other medication.
  • Life-threatening allergies and pre-existing injuries or conditions must be reported to the OTOA training staff on day one of training.
Lodging, Travel, and Meals

Students are responsible for their lodging, transportation, and food.

All tactics, techniques, or technologies presented at any OTOA advanced training or annual training conference must be implemented in accordance with the United States Constitution, the Ohio Revised Code, and the policies and procedures of the student’s employing law enforcement agency.

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