DISTINCTIONS IN THE ROLES OF DESIGNATED POLICE SHOOTERS AND POLICE PRECISION SHOOTERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to conceptually examine the distinction between the actions of a designated police sniper and a police precision sniper. It was a literature review with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research design. The research results showed that the growth, organization, and technological improvement of criminal groups demand the use of more advanced combat strategies, including the use of designated police snipers and, in some cases, police precision snipers in police operations with distinct responsibilities. Regarding functional origin, a police precision sniper must have the necessary training in special operations and is part of a Special Operations unit, while a designated police sniper may be part of another police agency with police training in a course specific to this activity and continuous training, with their training being faster and less specialized and detailed. It is concluded that a police precision sniper operates in isolation, focusing on strategic targets or included in the structure of a crisis management team, while a designated police sniper maintains proximity to their team, focusing on ensuring their dynamic, versatile, and immediate protection during police operations in any operational scenario.