Police open new shooting range in Zedelgem

Different police zones can also come and practice there. The entire project cost almost 8 million euros, 6 million paid by the province.

Later than planned

After a good year of work, the new shooting range in the West Flemish Police School is finally finished. Students have been able to practice there since May, which was normally planned in December 2022.

Steve Margodt, director of the West Flemish Police School: “A few unforeseen circumstances and some delays. And of course everything must be in order before you can start shooting, because strict protocols apply.” (continue reading below the photo)

Most modern shooting range

There are two shooting areas of 30 meters each, so that two groups can practice at the same time. “It is the most modern shooting range you can find so far, especially in West Flanders. It is the most recent shooting range, so with the most recent technologies. The most recent materials have also been used. And we hope very soon with the new ammunition from the SCAR,” says Margodt.

The fact that the shooting range is now at the Provincial Training Center for Security Services in Zedelgem, instead of the old one in Assebroek, is a huge time saver. Especially when you know that they get about 100 hours of shooting lessons in the training.

“They don’t have to make the move anymore. They can stay on site. Our weapons were also in Assebroek, they are now much closer and are much better protected. It’s just much more practical and easier.” (read more under photo)

Federal and local police

Not only students, but also the West Flemish services of the federal police and the police zones of Bruges, Damme/Knokke-Heist, Het Houtsche and Regio Tielt can come and train here.

Police Chief of the Tielt Region Police Zone Claude Vandepitte: “Shooting is a technique that must be very good. Every police officer has to practice this three to four times a year, following the terrain and the scenarios. That is quite intensive. The fact that we can go here, in a brand new shooting range, which has also been built according to our needs – there has been participation – can only be called a success.”

More than shooting range

There are also various rooms in the building where students learn how to deal with different situations. Around the new building there is also a parking lot and a practice track to stage traffic situations.

All together good for a cost of 7.8 million euros. The province of West Flanders pays 6 million euros of this.