The Mississippi Highway Patrol/Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the National Rifle Association have announced that it will host the 2019 NRA National Police Shooting Championships at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Pearl, MS, September 23-25, 2019.

A shooting tradition since 1962, the NPSC is open to public and private law enforcement officers and select law enforcement members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The three-day event attracts hundreds of law enforcement professionals representing local, state, and federal agencies from the United States and across the globe, uniting them to test their marksmanship skills in an exciting, challenging competition.

"The NRA's National Police Shooting Championships is pleased to announce our return to Mississippi this year," said NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre. "We believe that competition is a direct extension of training, and this competitive event allows us to further assist the law enforcement professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety. We proudly welcome law enforcement officers from across the country and around the world to join us again in Pearl for this challenging tradition."

"Mississippi is proud to host the 2019 NRA National Police Shooting Championships and excited to show what our great state has to offer to the hundreds of law enforcement officers that will be in the Magnolia State," Gov. Bryant said. "These men and women put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve and are the best marksmen from around the country. We look forward to a wonderful event."

The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy (MLEOTA) sits on 243 acres in Rankin County, Miss., and has the range facilities equal to the task of hosting the NPSC. "MLEOTA is a warm and welcoming environment for any and all law enforcement officers traveling to Mississippi not only for the competition, but also the networking and fellowship that take place while determining which officer and departments win the championship," said Retired Mississippi Highway Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Pat Cronin, eleven-time Team NRA Champion.

"The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy is nationally recognized as one of the top premier law enforcement academies in the country," said Colonel Chris Gillard, Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. "This academy has produced several National LawFit and National Pistol Champions. It is an honor and privilege to be selected to host such a prestigious event."

NRA's National Police Shooting Championships realistically test law enforcement shooting skills, requiring competitors to start with guns holstered and fire timed matches, from multiple positions and distances.

Conducted by the NRA Law Enforcement Division, the NPSC encourages officers to practice and enhance their firearm skills via competition. Participation in the event does not require an invitation, and registrants can shoot in as few or many matches as they wish.

For more information about the 2019 NRA National Police Shooting Championships, visit lecompetitions.nra.org . To book accommodations at the 2019 host hotel—the Hilton on East County Line Road—where the NPSC tuition-free training, banquet, and other special events will take place, visit bit.ly/2019-NPSC-Hotel . NPSC competitors are eligible for a special rate and free breakfast at The Hilton Jackson.

To learn more about the NRA Law Enforcement Division visit le.nra.org .