Bastrop County sheriff seeks 40 acres for new training complex

“We don’t have a dedicated firing range right now, either,” he said. “We utilize the Smithville Police Department’s firing range, which is contentious at times and not available on our schedule.”

Additionally, Cook said the BCSO’s insurance company has requested that they increase firearms training to every quarter, which Cook said will be difficult without their own firing range.

“Smithville has indicated that they may have to withdraw our use of their range since we use it much more often than Smithville PD already,” he said.

The details

The proposed 40-acre spot is a county-owned property in Red Rock, situated at 370 John Craft Road. The area is being used to house a radio tower, but Cook said it would not be affected.

Cook said he would like to see the following at the new complex:

• A driving track
• A building to support scenarios including crime scene investigations, building-entry techniques, use-of-force practical exercises, and other training exercises while providing a year-round protected environment
• A large, general-use classroom
• Outdoor pistol and rifle ranges
• Enough parking to accommodate officials during training exercises

What else?

This is not the first time a dedicated training facility has been proposed to the commissioners, Cook said, adding that they requested a site several years ago, but it was not approved due to public opposition. No alternative sites were suggested at that time.

If approved by the commissioners, Cook said the next step would be to set realistic goals regarding each phase of the project.

“It would not require any immediate funding or any elaborate engineering studies,” he said.