It takes more than a uniform and badge to scare off one group of competitive shooters.

Alexis Poole, 13, has her own BB gun and thanks to Hall County's 4-H S.A.F.E. program can hit paper targets better than most people, including uniformed officers.

So can her teammates, who again triumphed at Saturday's sixth annual Hall County 4-H Cops and Kids Target Challenge.

"We beat them every year," said Poole, 13, with an easygoing smile.

A roundup of 10 or so officers with the Gainesville Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Office competed against nearly 25 kids in an organized shootout at Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center in Gainesville.

Positioning their bodies in various ways — laying down, sitting, standing and kneeling — the participants aimed at targets five meters away in a series of controlled relays.

BB guns are a bit different than officers' standard-issue pistols or rifles, so the younger competitors may have enjoyed a bit of an edge.

But then again, the youthful team is well-educated about guns and trained to shoot well.

"The main purpose of this event is to show there is a positive connection between kids and guns," explained Sherman Pass, the coach and coordinator of the Hall County team.

As part of S.A.F.E. (Shooting, Awareness, Fun, and Education), children ages 10-14 spend time in the classroom as well as in front of targets. They take paper-based tests on the lessons they learn such as how one should carry a weapon when negotiating a fence.

Safety and sportsmanship are the central themes of the group, which meet once a week and compete against other 4-H teams in the region, Pass said.

Their hard work shows, which officers also credit to Pass and his dedication to the children.

As part of the gathering Saturday, the Sheriff's Office and Gainesville Police issued a plaque of appreciation to Pass, who organizes the community event.

"The kids love it. And the competition is great," said Lt. Ken Nix of the Sheriff's Office. "There is no sandbagging it. I have two SWAT team members out there and we're still getting beat. ... We're probably looking at some future law enforcement officers in this crowd."

The competitors, mostly middle-schoolers, offered some tips on what it takes to shoot well.

Alexis, a four-year veteran, stressed "patience."

Breathing is also key, explained Logan Henderson, 14, who demonstrated how a shooter should balance his breathing to exhale slowly and completely when the trigger is pulled.

"You try to stay as steady as you can," Logan said.

For Samantha Simonton, 11, shooting is all about confidence.

"It's kind of like school. You don't have to be the smartest kid in the class," she said. "You just have to work hard for it."