Study of the actual situation of police shooting ranges in Belgium and newly developed guidelines

Introduction
Police officers must regularly practice in shooting ranges so as to maintain their dexterity with firearms. There is quite some difference in the construction and equipment of shooting ranges and the way in which they are maintained. There are insufficient guidelines for the medical surveillance of the practicing police officers, the instructors and the maintenance staff of the shooting ranges. This study compares the situation in shooting ranges used by the police in Belgium with newly established guidelines for the construction and operation of shooting ranges and for the medical surveillance of police officers.

Methods
An online questionnaire assessed the existing situation in shooting ranges used by the integrated police. Multidisciplinary teams (occupational health physicians, safety advisors and engineers) have set up guidelines related to infrastructure, health surveillance, use of protective equipment and clothing based on a study of the literature, legislation and of existing and new risk analyses.

Results
The survey revealed a large variety in the infrastructure of the shooting ranges used, such as walls, ceiling, ventilation, etc. This not only reflects different visions on welfare at work between the different local police departments but also within the federal department. According to our finding, some shooting ranges should no longer be used by police officers.

Discussion
This is the first survey of this size held in shooting ranges in Belgium. Many different aspects were considered and interesting findings were revealed. The guidelines written by the multidisciplinary teams aim to support the development of a uniform policy. A uniform policy is needed to ensure the safety and health of instructors, police officers and maintenance staff.
The most important differences between data from the questionnaire and the guidelines are highlighted