PEARL, Miss. — Mississippi is now home to one of the most state of the art firearm ranges in the southeast United States. The $1.5 million dollar project was the result of a federal-state partnership and is located at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy (MLEOTA) in Pearl. Mississippi law enforcement will have access to the new range, but it will primarily be used for training FBI agents in Mississippi.
“We’re pleased to be able to share this enhanced resource with our partners at MLEOTA) and the law enforcement officers throughout the State,” said Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. “As evidenced by this new facility, one of the FBI’s highest priorities is to support, promote, and enhance law enforcement training and education in furtherance of the mission of our state and local partners.”
In addition to the firing range, the FBI’s firearms training facility has a classroom for up to 30 students. The fire range is also equip with enough lighting for nighttime training.
The academy opened in 1967 when the surrounding area was rural. As nearby cities and residential areas have grown, it has presented a challenge balancing training and the quality of life for people living in the area.
