Mastering Tactical Response: The STAR Training Experience in Fort Pierce, FL

Available Dates & Locations

• Fort Pierce, FL | January 12-15, 2026

About

The S.T.A.R. course co-developed by NARSO is a four-day intensive designed to prepare School Resource Officers to respond solo to active threats on school grounds. Officers will develop critical decision-making and tactical skills through live-fire exercises, scenario-based training, and use-of-force judgment—including de-escalation and precision engagement.

Training covers movement through real-world school settings: hallways, stairwells, classrooms, outdoor areas with vehicles, and transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Officers will learn to assess and respond to a range of threats—from unarmed but dangerous individuals to armed suspects posing immediate danger. Emphasis is placed on threat isolation, handgun precision and protecting innocent bystanders.

Successful completion requires meeting all Critical Task Evaluation standards.

Topics Covered:

• Current data on active threat and officer safety trends
• Handgun weapon positions and maneuvering, avoiding friendly fire, and engagement in precision and surgical environment drills.
• Use-of-force decision-making in complex situations, including options to de-escalate, withdraw, push forward, or re-engage.
• How to manage stress, mindset, and attention to maximize performance under pressure.
• Navigating different environments: open areas with vehicles, crowded spaces, hallways and stairwells, and transitions between indoors and outdoors.
• Responding to various levels of threats with a focus on active assailants.
• Avoiding friendly fire considerations involving plain clothes, off-duty officers, and other citizens.
• How to work as a team with division of responsibility and task management.
• Effectively integrate with and manage other responders in the early moments after an encounter.

Equipment Requirements:

• Duty belt with three magazine holders, flashlight, and soft body armor.
• Note-taking materials.
• If you have an airsoft pistol that fits your holster, please bring it along with pellets, and CO2
• PPE gear: a long-sleeve shirt, baggy top (hoodie or jacket), head, neck, and groin protection, and gloves.
• A blue or orange non-firing training pistol or SIRT pistol.
• 150 rounds of NLTA - handgun
• Airsoft pistol as alternative to non-lethal training ammo.
• Safety glasses and hearing protection. -500 rounds of pistol ammunition.
• Clothes suitable for the weather at the range.
• Eyes and ear protection