NRA LE Division is NOT Constable Friendly!

**docpa7** · July 4th, 2018, 04:28 AM

Greetings all....

I am a member of the NRA. I am a NRA certified firearms (pistol) instructor, certified Refuse To Be a Victim instructor, and certified range safety officer. I am also a "retired" constable in Lancaster County, and possess a retired LE card that meets the exact standards of the MPOETC. (signed by the current elected constable who also happens to be a local Municipal Police Officer full time).

I contacted the LE division to sign up for the LE pistol instructor training (at $625.00) After contacting them, I received a VERY curt reply about being able to take the course, but NOT being able to be certified/recertified because I no longer have an affiliation with an "agency". Of course they require that an instructor's "agency" pay money to be recognized by the NRA. When I asked the NRA responder at NRAHQ in Virginia if he was familiar with PA Constables, he emailed back and said "he was" (also a very short curt response).

Has anyone experienced something similar to this from the NRA? I have to admit that lately it seems to be "all about the money" to the NRA, and a lot less of their original charter goals. ANy advice would sure be appreciated here......

**Rosco the Iroc** · July 5th, 2018, 04:08 PM

Oh they are about the $$.

I had a few people ask me to give LEO instruction but I don't know the requirements.

Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun/RSO/CRSO.

**Bang** · July 5th, 2018, 04:15 PM

I'll take a stab at it. Constables run for the office, and run on a political platform. It is possible your platform (or NRA rating of your local government office holders) is not gun-friendly. Also, historically, I believe, constables being on par with sworn police officers has been an uphill battle.

**gnbrotz** · July 5th, 2018, 04:43 PM

Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time mustering sympathy when someone is upset because their "special" status isn't recognized/accepted as automatic entry into another "special" status group, especially when each respective status is being used and stacked for the financial gains of the members of the group.

**V-MAN** · July 5th, 2018, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time mustering sympathy when someone is upset because their "special" status isn't recognized/accepted as automatic entry into another "special" status group, especially when each respective status is being used and stacked for the financial gains of the members of the group.

Well said and I agree 100% so it's not just you ...

**Big Kahuna 19547** · July 5th, 2018, 10:31 PM

Actually to be certified/recertified as an NRA LE Instructor, you must be actively employed by a Law Enforcement Agency, and assigned as an instructor for the agency. It isn't that you are a constable, it is that you are retired. If you are looking to do retired officer quals etc., check this link for info. http://www.psp.pa.gov/MPOETC/trainin.../firearms.aspx

**JustinR** · July 6th, 2018, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by V-MAN

Well said and I agree 100% so it's not just you ...

thirded, my experiences with PA constables is they're insecure and demand you give respect without them earning it.

had a bench warrant out for a ticket I never knew was issued, notice was taped to my door. call number. " hi, is this John?" "yes this is constable xxxxx" "Ok john, " "Constable" "John" "constable" "you posted this notice on my door, what's the deal?" *explains issue* "ok, i'll go to the local magistrate and clear it up tomorrow. thanks for your time, John." "constable *click, hang up*