Eugene police officer equips women with firearms for counterattack

EUGENE, Ore. — A Eugene police officer is preparing women for combat with firearms training, acknowledging that women across the city are on edge after two rapes in the last month.

“When it's time to fight, that's something you need to have learned beforehand so you can rely on some training. That way you know what to do and how to move in that situation. I want to empower women, and I want to give my girls the strength to fight,” said Eugene Police Detective Shawn Trotter.

Trotter owns NW Precision Training, a firearms training center run primarily by police officers. From March through October, he hosts classes at the Izaak Walton League of Eugene, taught by current and former police officers.

There, the instructors concentrate on safety, speed and precision against an attacker.

Trotter said the courses he and his colleagues have taught over the past four years are similar to the same firearms training that police take.

“When you take one of our courses, we teach you all seven fundamentals of shooting. It's all about your stance, your grip on the gun, your breathing and the way you present the gun,” Trotter said. “We hope to provide current and relevant training to people who need it because they want to be on their own two feet and have a plan.”

For people who want to avoid firearms, Trotter says there are less lethal options such as stun guns and pepper spray that can buy time and distance from the attacker. But even when these are used by police, they are only effective in 50 percent of cases.

“The perpetrators, who have already committed a number of robberies on bike paths, want someone who will be surprised by the robbery. There are always other ways to protect yourself,” he said. “Reduce your fear by taking someone with you, telling someone where you are and not wearing headphones that could prevent you from hearing someone approaching quickly from behind. Look around, look left and right.”

NW Precision's courses range from basic training to advanced tactics and cost between $200 and $300 per six- to eight-hour course.

Participants undergo the training required to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun in Oregon.

On Saturday, the Izaak Walton League of Eugene will host its own shooting clinic for all ages, including a shooting event from 9 a.m. to noon.

All firearms and ammunition will be provided free of charge to participants of this event.

To participate, young people must have an adult sign a consent form.

Lunch will then be served.