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1. What is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)?

On July 22, 2004, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004, also commonly called “HR 218,” became law. (18 U.S.C. §§, 926B, 926C.) This federal law allows “a qualified law enforcement officer” or “a qualified retired law enforcement officer” with identification that meets specified criteria to carry a concealed firearm anywhere in the nation, notwithstanding most other state and local laws that restrict the possession of concealed weapons.

2. What is a Qualified Law Enforcement Officer under LEOSA?

For a person to be qualified under LEOSA, they must meet the following requirements: 

• Be separated from service in good standing with a public agency as a law enforcement officer, other than for reason of mental disability.
• Was regularly employed as a law enforcement officer for an aggregate of 10 years or more OR separated from service with such agency after completing any applicable probationary period of such service due to a service-connected disability, as determined by such agency.
• Have NOT been officially found by a qualified medical professional employed by the agency to be unqualified for reasons relating to mental health.
• Have NOT entered into an agreement with the agency from which you are separating from service in which you acknowledge that you are not qualified for reasons relating to mental health.
• Are NOT prohibited by state law or federal law from receiving or possessing a firearm.

3. What are the requirements for carrying a concealed firearm?

A person who is carrying a concealed firearm must do the following:

• Carry a photographic identification issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department stating you separated from service in good standing as a law enforcement officer.
• Carry a certification that, during the most recent twelve-month period, and have met the applicable standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers.
• Only carry the concealed firearm(s) that were inspected and approved a Qualified Firearm Instructor
• Follow all departmental policies and federal, state, and local laws.
• NOT engage in conduct that compromises public safety.
• NOT be under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance at any time while carrying a firearm and is not a habitual user of same.

4. What is the difference between a California CCW and a Federal CCW?

A California CCW is valid anywhere in California and lasts for five years. A Federal CCW is valid anywhere in the United States and lasts for one year.

5. Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee at the Santa Rosa Police Department.

6. Do I need to have my firearms inspected?

Applicants will need to have their firearms inspected by a Qualified Firearms Instructor. A Qualified Firearm Inspector meets one of the following criteria:

• A person currently employed by a California law enforcement agency as a Firearms Instructor or Rangemaster who has completed a Firearms Instructor Course certified by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), OR
• A person currently employed by a law enforcement agency as a Firearms Instructor or Rangemaster for a law enforcement agency within the state in which the qualified retiree resides, who has completed a Firearms Instructor Course certified by the entity responsible for the regulation of peace officer training in that state, OR
• A person certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Rangemaster, or Training Counselor who is currently employed in that capacity.

7. Do I need to qualify at the Santa Rosa Police Department?

Applicants do not need to qualify at the Santa Rosa Police Department. However, we offer at least one range day per calendar year for retired law enforcement.

8. Do I need to contact Santa Rosa Police Department every year that I qualify?

No. So long as you have a valid Santa Rosa PD retiree ID and your most recent CCW qualification from a certified instructor, you meet the standards of the law.

9. When is the next qualifying date with a Santa Rosa Police Department Qualified Firearm Instructor?

The next date is September 7th, 2023, 1000 to 1400 hours at the Richmond Rod and Gun Club. Please email [email protected] for more information.