Earlier this month, twenty-three members of FHP's Contraband Interdiction Program (CIP) met at the FHP Academy to attend the first ever Patrol Rifle Course. The members participated in a 24 hour training course to learn how to use an Armalight rifle (AR-15). During the training, troopers learned how to assemble, disassemble, and clean the guns, as well as how to zero in on targets, clear malfunctions, and shoot accurately while moving. The course trainees were also required to complete a night fire exercise and special stress training. Certification to carry these weapons was granted to each trooper upon successful completion of the training, which concluded with a firing qualification course and written test. The first group of Certified Patrol Rifle users and their AR-15's are now out on patrol to help protect the people of Florida and reduce drug trafficking on our State's highways. Congratulations to the first class for achieving this important certification.