WildBill wrote:
You make some compelling arguments.
Yes the OP wanted more information. Clearly he did not get the correct information from his instructor. Therefore, some of my cynicism.
A letter or permission or a policy to carry off duty by the Police Chief or Sherriff would be valid and enforceable only within their jurisdiction.
I believe that an interstate flight is governed by Federal laws, so any law that allowed LEOs to carry in the 50 states is not applicable on an airplane.
If the TSA states that a two hour course for LEOs allows them to carry on an airplane, that is fine with me.
There may be a law that allows LEO to carry in all 50 states, but I don't think that applies to carry in places prohibited under Federal law.
For example, an LEO could not carry in the White House unless the Secret Service allowed it [very doubtful, IMO].
I would like to hear from any of the LEOs on the forum if they have carried on commercial airline flights.
I'd like some feedback from LEOs as well.
I wasn't stating that the Safe Act allowed for airline carry or an exemption to every other federal gun law I was simply using that as a response to one of your statements. While the Safe Act provides a means to carry legally in 50 states it limits your options in getting to a state/s while carrying your gun. Obviously this course and set of requirements changes that a bit.
"I believe that an interstate flight is governed by Federal laws, so any law that allowed LEOs to carry in the 50 states is not applicable on an airplane." This is irrelevant because TSA (Homeland Security) set up the additional course so that LEOs can, if they choose/need, carry on an airline within the US. The Safe Act has nothing to do with the separate policy of TSA/Homeland.
Also the TSA Website states this:
"State, Local, Territorial, Tribal, and approved Railroad LEOs flying armed must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message prior to travel. The NLETS message replaces the Original Letter of Authority,
commonly referred to as the “Chief’s Letter.” Failure to use the NLETS message will result in denial to the sterile area for failure to comply with the “Letter of Authority.” More information on this procedure is contained in the training program.
The Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed training is a 1.5 to 2 hour block of instruction that is comprised of a structured lesson plan, slide presentation, FAQs, NLETS procedures, and applicable codes of federal regulation. This material is provided to Federal, State, Local, Territorial, Tribal, and approved Railroad Law Enforcement agencies and departments to properly instruct their officers on the subject of flying on board commercial aircraft while armed. The training includes protocols in the handling of prohibited items, prisoner transport, and dealing with an act of criminal violence aboard an aircraft.
Their website also states:
"In addition to the above requirements, the officer must need to have the weapon accessible from the time he or she would otherwise check the weapon until the time it would be claimed after deplaning. The need to have the weapon accessible must be determined by the employing agency, department, or service
and be based on one of the following:
The provision of protective duty, for instance, assigned to a principal or advance team, or on travel required to be prepared to engage in a protective function.
The conduct of a hazardous surveillance operation.
On official travel required to report to another location, armed and prepared for duty.
Employed as a Federal LEO, whether or not on official travel, and armed in accordance with an agency-wide policy governing that type of travel established by the employing agency by directive or policy statement.
Control of a prisoner, in accordance with Title 49 CFR § 1544.221, or an armed LEO on a round trip ticket returning from escorting, or traveling to pick up a prisoner."
Based on leaves a lot of leeway with several of those. Again I'd like to here from LEOs if they've ever tested the waters. I know that when my uncle visited a month ago, he's an Ohio LEO, he had to have his firearm, cuffs and his creds (read: prepared for duty) even though he was off duty and on vacation.
Putting it under the plane seems like an easier course of action but if we want armed people in our stationary schools then why not in our people carrying missiles?
