FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the 2019 National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC) will begin Sept. 23 in Pearl, Mississippi.

The competition, conducted by the NRA and hosted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol/Mississippi Department of Public Safety, is a three-day event that tests the marksmanship skills law enforcement professionals from local, state and federal agencies across the U.S. and the globe, as well as select members of the U.S. Military. Participants’ shooting skills are realistically tested as competitors start with guns holstered in timed matches from multiple positions and distances.

“These law enforcement officers are some of the best marksmen in the country and we’re excited they’re coming to Mississippi to test their skills,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “Our top-notch shooting facility is the perfect location for this competition and we welcome all to visit our state and enjoy all that Mississippi has to offer.”

The championships moved to the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy this year from Albuquerque, New Mexico where it was held in years past. Hundreds of competitors and many spectators are expected in Pearl for the competition, bringing in an estimated hundreds of thousands in economic boon. Last year’s competition in Albuquerque brought in about $425,000.

“This is the premier shooting competition for law enforcement members across the globe who dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety every day,” said Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president, NRA. “We are grateful to Gov. Bryant for bringing this competition back to Mississippi and we can’t wait for the start of this great tradition.”

The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy (MLEOTA) sits on 243 acres in Rankin County, Miss., and boasts world-class range facilities.

For more information about the 2019 NRA National Police Shooting Championships, visit https://lecompetitions.nra.org/national-police-shooting-championship/. 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.

To learn more about the NRA Law Enforcement Division visit le.nra.org or call 703-267-1640. For more information about the Mississippi Highway Patrol/Mississippi Department of Public Safety, visit www.dps.state.ms.us.

About the National Rifle Association

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement, and the military. Visit http://www.nra.org.