Weapons Training Facility Undergoes Renovation

In a significant upgrade for law enforcement training, the four-decade old UT Police Weapons System Training Facility has completed a major renovation that enhances safety and modernizes the space with technology that supports officers training with today’s weapons and for today’s challenges.

Enhanced ballistic protection, hearing protection, and soundproofing are some of the new safety features of the space. An improved ventilation system removes gunpowder residue and lead particles from the air, a camera system was installed for safety and training purposes, and a new track system for paper targets streamlines the setup and maintenance process.

Originally constructed in 1982, the facility required updates to address evolving safety standards and training needs.

Chief William Adcox of UT Police at Houston emphasized the importance of the renovation during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on July 31.

“The nearly $1 million renovation enhanced our capabilities and provides continuous practice and development for our officers,” said Adcox. The improvements “ensure that practice for realistic shooting situations is provided to UT Police in our facility,” he said.

The Knight Road facility in the South Campus, which features a 4-lane wide by 25-yard-long shooting range, now offers an advanced setup allowing officers to shoot 180 degrees.

“The facility – which is the only known shooting range for law enforcement inside Loop 610 and possibly even Beltway 8 – serves as a crucial supplement to the offsite training that UT Police Officers undergo, often in the Conroe or Austin area,” said Emergency Management and Special Events Sergeant Scott Barnwell.

The renovation bolsters safety and operational efficiency by incorporating ballistic rubber panels that line the walls and roof of the facility. Where before an angled metal bullet trap captured projectiles on the far end of the space, rubber panels along three walls and the roof now provide 180-degree field for training.

The rubber panels also now allow officers to train on short-distance scenarios.

Officers can complement their practice with more realistic scenarios and rigorous qualification exercises in the facility.

“This replacement enhances safety and decreases downtime for practice setup and maintenance,” Adcox said.